Field Notes

Imperial, the #1 headwear brand in golf as reported by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) for 7 years in a row, and #1 headwear brand in combined on and off course retail golf channels as reported by Golf Datatech, announces Jerry Biag’s hire as Director of Marketing. “Imperial is excited to welcome Jerry to the team.” said David Shaffer, Senior Vice President of Sales at Imperial. “In the newly created role, Jerry will lead all marketing efforts as Imperial continues to bring luxury, authenticity and individuality to the apparel market.”  Jerry joins Imperial with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience working at Alert Services, PepsiCo (Gatorade, Propel and Quaker Oats) and various marketing agencies executing promotions for clients such as Callaway Golf, McDonalds, Microsoft, and Jim Beam. Biag added:  “I have long admired Imperial as the quintessential golf headwear brand.  I’m honored to be part of an iconic company and entrusted with building our marketing capabilities as we continue to grow as an apparel brand.” Jerry is an avid golfer and is married to his wife Sarah.  Together they love to travel and experience different cultures with their two daughters, Ella and Vivian.

Today, Imperial announced a new partnership and licensing agreement with Barstool Golf, serving as their new headwear partner in the green grass market for licensed Barstool Golf products. This innovative collaboration between Imperial and Barstool marks the first time that green grass golf facilities will have the opportunity to access the suite of Barstool Sports brands individually and also through dual-branded headwear and apparel. Outside of their local golf shops, Barstool fans and golfers can find the collection directly via Imperial’s e-commerce site. “For over a century, Imperial’s unwavering commitment to style, quality, and innovation has forged a brand that the golf world and consumers unmistakably recognize as Imperial. This partnership is an incredible opportunity to inspire and connect with a broader sport and golf audience,” said David Shaffer, Senior Vice President of Sales at Imperial. This partnership promises a dynamic fusion of Imperial's timeless quality and craftsmanship with the vibrant and energetic spirit of Barstool Sports. The result is a distinctive lifestyle headwear and apparel assortment that is set to revolutionize the golf fashion landscape.

Imperial awarded Alan Hyman ‘Salesperson of the Year’ last week at the 2024 PGA Show. I’m beyond excited to announce Alan as our salesperson of the year. He had tremendous growth in overall sales from 2022, while also expanding the customer base in his territory. We couldn’t ask for a better Imperial ambassador in the Carolinas. John Anderson, VP Sales – Golf Hyman, sales representative for the Western Carolinas territory, is entering his third year with the company and this is the first time he has been awarded this honor. His past experience as a merchandiser and buyer places him in a unique position to partner with his customers on creative ideas for new product assortments, decorations, and facility first branding. Imperial also awarded Jim Maitland, sales representative for South Florida, with the 2023 Customer Service Award for excellence in service and communication. Jim has been a steadfast representative and brand ambassador since 1978 when he joined the sales team at Imperial. Driven by a natural passion for sales and service. Jim knows each of his accounts by heart, right down to logo numbers and approvals. You can rely on Jim for supporting his accounts and daily appreciation of our inside team. Nicole King, Customer Service Manager

Imperial has once again been voted the #1 headwear in golf by The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM). Imperial is the definitive leader across all golf facility categories – Private, Public, Resort, Off-Course – with 48% of survey respondents reporting as their best performing and selling headwear partner. The survey report was released at the 2024 PGA Show and was conducted by Golf Datatech for the first time in the association’s history. The AGM continues to establish benchmarks for operations and trends within the current golf retail space. Respondents to the survey are members of The AGM, a body that includes: golf professionals, buyers, merchandisers, club managers, owners, and other industry professionals that comprise a majority of the most successful retail operations in the United States and Canada. The AGM’s announcement of Imperial as #1 in headwear is a great honor and a testament to the work and passion of the great team we have. From pushing the boundaries of creating not only the best products in golf but also focusing on sustainability, Imperial is aiming to continue to build upon our 108 year legacy as an industry leader. Mike Wrightson, President of Imperial