When FLGOLF, INC. owners, Chuck Womer and Delphia Lee decided to commit themselves full-time to cruising the world after raising a little known product to top shelf golf ball brands, they had no immediate successor in mind to carry on the product line. Buyouts were considered, merger offers with other brand distributors were discussed, placing the owners and FLGOLF in the position of new bride with too many potential grooms. That is until Lee’s daughter, Katharine Springstead, made an offer for the company; an offer which thrilled and relieved the principals and all involved with Crystal Products.
A long-time consulting associate for the company, Katharine purchased FLGOLF for an undisclosed sum earlier this year, and intends to steer and revitalize operations from a new, expanded location in state-of-the-art offices and greatly enlarged warehouse facility in Leesburg, FL. Womer and Lee, who are married, said they were both ecstatic handing over stewardship and the keys to the new owner, Katharine Springstead, close family with whom they are contracted to consult in an informal capacity.
“Growing as it has over the years, it was time for FLGOLF to expand,” Womer said. Lee added she, “could not be happier with keeping the business in the family,” much like other successful national brands, such as IKEA, Orvis and L.L. Bean, also privately owned through succeeding family members. “We were waiting for the perfect match,” she said, “a CEO who both closely knew and admired the brand, and who would grow the brand and continue to make it a first choice for golfers in every niche. I think my daughter Katharine has watched us take off from the beginning-when we were investing our first $15,000 and using a converted laundry room-to take Crystal Golf Balls to new heights on the course.”
Acknowledging increased demand for the Crystal line nationally, Katharine has a multi-pronged strategy for growing the brand, with plans to enlarge market awareness and capture new territories in the US and abroad. Coming from a design background, Katharine will be announcing several new golf products later this year and said, “I’m confident that the design, performance and customer satisfaction with the Crystal line of niche-specific golf balls, from the Crystal colors to the Pro 3-pc., will continue to make headway and stay a leader in the low-handicapper and premium golf market.”
Womer and Lee were ready to make the transition from steering a company to cruising the world, and were in profound agreement. “Before the buyout and merger crazes of the 1980’s and 90’s, family succession in small companies was a strong, well-guided and sensible tradition. And nothing succeeds like success,” Womer added. “Keeping the business in the family is a sure-fire way to ensure that FLGOLF INC. has a steady hand at the wheel, and will stay the course in growth and performance.” Distributors and vendors may reach FLGOLF INC. at its new headquarters at 723 South 14th Street in Leesburg, FL 34747 (1-888-899-1755).
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