The Hill Bio:

The Hill Story —
In 2015, I moved from Charlotte, North Carolina to Laguna Beach, California. I was in search of a job – but wanted to do something I was passionate about. I started my first business, Convenient Clubs with $100. C.C. served customers and created value by purchasing used golf clubs out of the corner of people’s garages, refurbishing the clubs, and custom building them to fit a customer’s specs — often times high school players needing to replenish their clubs without wanting to spend top dollar on new clubs.
In 2017, I met the CEO of iliac Golf on a driving range by chance. I began modeling for the company in exchange of free product that I would wear when competing. Shortly thereafter, I committed to play golf at San Diego State.
During my freshman year of college, I cofounded Hidden Gems Sportswear. When the pandemic began, many businesses were stuck holding inventory that was arriving late from overseas factories, namely China and Vietnam. I also founded a non-profit organization – supplying the homeless of my area with BPA free water bottles with daily necessities such as toiletries, protein bars, and at the time masks. I also began a policy of pairing Hidden Gems extra inventory with these bottles.
As 2021 winded down and I was halfway through my junior year at college, the founder of iliac shared that he wished to sell the company. I was fortunate to have experience with the golf industry and apparel through my previous entities and set out to purchase the company. I raised the capital through a debt to equity ratio of 50/50, and brought on four independent investors who each brought value in unique ways.
This purchase led to me being the majority shareholder and serving as the CEO of iliac golf as of January 1, 2022.
What was the genesis for iliac?
What differentiates iliac from your competition?
In what specific ways does Iliac separate itself from others in the crowded and highly competitive apparel market?
Who is your customer?
In what specific ways are you seeking to expand your overall profile and market share?
We plan to continue this strategy in 2023, as well as years to come. We are not for everyone and we seek to serve our customers through continuing the release of specialty product releases on iliacgolf.com as well as in these exclusive stores.
Additionally, we are lucky to have several celebrities who are avid users of our product, such as Tony Hawk, Clint Eastwood, and Andy Garcia who has promoted our product in televised events such as the AT&T Pro Am and the Scottish Links Pro Am. These stand outs have been kind enough to support our brand which continues our organic growth alongside our international expansion.
Are professional endorsements a worthwhile strategy in pursuing?
Plenty of companies tout the importance of customer service. Define the term and the approach followed.
In approximate percentages – what is the current total via online sales, green grass shops and brick and mortar retail outlets?
What role does customer feedback have and how does the company incorporate that in future design efforts?
If you could change one thing in golf unilaterally — what would it be and why?
Biggest challenges — short and long term — is what? And what strategies is Iliac looking to engage in dealing with both.
