re: How much Push does Spieth's win give UnderArmor in the golf apparel bidness?

Kevin Shanks started UA in 96.....in his moms basement. No cash or investors. He maxed out every CC he had to $40,000 to develop the dry fit technology. Drove up and down the east coast trying to make sales for almost a year. First decent sale was to Georgia Tech for $17,000 late in 96.. Got some momentum and kept on. Warner Bros contracted UA in 99 to design uniforms for Any Given Sunday and The Replacements movies. More traction. "Protect This House" marketing caimpaign in 03 was the brilliant slogan he needed to make the leap. Has been growing like wildfire since.

Now, everybody has their own moisture wicking , breathable product with some trademarked name. Nike uses "Dry Fit." All of them are made in China. The big boys own their factories in China and have complete control of all costs and logistics. Smaller companies or those just starting out buy from one of 100s of manufactures who do private label by order. The biggest drawback there is you are at the mercy of a company half a world away who is doing orders for so many different clients.

I have spent the last half year getting ready to start my own brand of athletic apparel. I have trademarked several logos and marketing slogans. Will be happy if I am half as successful as Kevin has been over 19 years. I have a five phase growth plan that spans 15 years and I am getting ready to hit the road (literally) with my phase I initiative. Wish me luck.