Naples resident to be recognized at annual awards night on November 11
ATLANTIS, Fla. – Josh Hershoff, PGA Head Professional at Wilderness Country Club has been named the 2014 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Category. This award is presented to the PGA Member that has demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf with a focus on the individual’s inventory, shop display, staff, and merchandising techniques at a private facility.
Arriving at Wilderness Country Club in 2012, Hershoff made efforts to redefine the merchandising strategy used in the golf shop. With a strong focus on merchandising, he increased the Cost of Goods Sold by 15% since arriving at Wilderness Country Club. His merchandising objectives are to provide the membership and guests with quality merchandise at a fair price that produces value in every purchase. When he arrived, his goal was to create a boutique atmosphere and he was able to do this by purchasing a large variety of products and brands and creating a sense of urgency with buyers.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Hershoff. “This award is not only for me, but is for the entire staff and membership at Wilderness Country Club.”
A PGA Member since 2006, Hershoff attributes his merchandising success to listening to his customers and staff. He is able to gain insight by having frequent conversations with his members to understand their merchandising wants and needs. Hershoff and his staff continuously change the displays in the golf shop to ensure a fresh look and make sure merchandise is rotated on a weekly basis.
In addition to listening to his members, Hershoff works very closely with his staff to put them through an education process on merchandising the pro shop. He places great value on spending time with his staff and making a merchandising plan for each new season. He works with each staff member to set goals and hear their feedback in addition to creating the proper plan that will appeal to the entire membership and will include a variety of products and brands.
Hershoff enjoys his role of being a mentor to his staff and believes that open communication is the key to success. In addition to helping his staff, he is involved with the mentorship program through the PGA Golf Management University Program at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Josh Hershoff, along with the nine (9) other South Florida PGA Annual Award winners, will be recognized at the SFPGA Awards Night in November.
About the South Florida PGA
The South Florida PGA, one of 41 PGA Section offices throughout the United States, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The South Florida Section is one link in the grass-roots network used to facilitate communication amongst the nation’s 25 million amateur golfers and the PGA’s 28,000 members. The South Florida Section PGA is comprised of over 1,700 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.
Contact:
Tori Stock
tstock@pgahq.com
