We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raymond F Baldorossi Jr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Raymond F, appreciate you joining us today. Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.
The concept of developing a user friendly golf game is an innovative idea in itself. My father and I stumbled upon the idea in 1974 when my plastic golf ball landed next to a 4” souvenir basketball and I swung at it. My father, Raymond F. Baldorossi Sr., was a design engineer in the aeronautical sector. He was an all around genius that could fix everything and craft anything he desired from junkyard treasures. I know I am supposed to tell you what is the most innovative thing that I have created is, but I is important to know the work ethic and creative juices I inherited from my father.
In 1964 (Long before we created Softgolf) … dad had built a huge hand shoveled pool. (We recently discovered his inventory of supplies needed to build it and the estimated costs which totaled $1,500) He used salvaged parts to build his own 200 gallon filtration system and rebuilt a water pump. Then he made his own extra powerful pool vacuuming system. The pool and all of the equipment are still in use 60 years later.
In 1968, Dad built a hand shoveled basement. He had me do all the digging and we moved jacks around and set permanent poles in place. We poured concrete 2 feet thick under the outer foundation.
In 1969, we built a two story A-Frame treehouse for my younger sister. Dad designed it and he had me cut all the boards. We had everything preassembled ready and marked each section to help us piece it all together. My sister, Cheryl, went to bed on Christmas Eve and we went to work. It took us about 3 hours to complete the assembly of it. I will never forget how excited she was Christmas morning.
There are many other innovative projects we worked on together. I never really thought about it until the day of his passing but his biggest project was his children and because of our age gaps, I was in position to benefit the most from him. Whenever we worked on things together he would often talk about the “T” words. Honesty, Loyalty, Integrity… “We don’t want to compromise the integrity in this electrical system” (meaning don’t nick the copper wire when you strip it and fasten it tightly to the receptacles and switches). He showed me by example that you can achieve anything you set your mind to do. He taught me the value of a good work ethic, patience and perseverance. I was playing Pop Warner football when I was 11 years old. On the way home from a game, he told me, “just because someone has a hold of you doesn’t mean you have to go down. When you’re running with the ball you do whatever you can to break loose. Pump your knees up and down, spin around use your helmet and free arm to break away. Don’t go down easily . If you do go down you get back up and you keep going.” … then these next words resonate to me everyday of my life. The traffic light turned green… the car did not move. He paused and said in a slow intense way, “And that goes for everything the rest of your life!” From that point on I was virtually unstoppable.
Now that I set the stage, let me tell you about the innovations, I needed brought to Softgolf to take it to the next level. It’s not just one thing, but the one thing that stands out over all the rest, is the ball. For forty years, we used homemade machine (made from 1960’s junk yard treasures) to make the balls. The process took about an hour to complete each ball and they had a short life span of about 3 months. Prior to 2008, closed cell foams could not be injection molded. The foam had to be shaped by hand. I spent a lot of time producing new balls. I tried several different materials and methods trying to develop a highly durable ball, which could be mass produced. My persistence finally paid off recently. Softgolf has a new ball that is virtually indestructible (through normal play) and it is entirely produced by three North Carolina corporations… each doing their specialized part to bring it to fruition. I do my best to support local businesses and avoid buying products from China. (I could write a book on that subject). Having a ball that is virtually indestructible and is outsourced is a huge milestone. It opens the doors for expansion.
I cannot talk about some of the other inventions I have created but I have plans to create a fun center which will offer several unique fun activities which will set the bar for active recreation industry.
It’s not enough to create new exciting activities. One has to look at the financial side of the inventions and determine the feasibility to create them. You have to step outside of yourself and look at the ideas from the prospective of the people that will become your target audience and know the value the product will have. Use your best judgement to determine if the idea is worthy of the research, development and expenses needed to bring it to fruition and predict whether or not it is worthy of pursuing. Many of my ideas have nothing to do with golf, while others are golf related and compliment Softgolf. I created a fully automated, solar powered maintenance free driving range which can be set up in less than a month and cost less than the gas guzzling tractor ( it eliminates) needed to operate conventional driving ranges. There is no need to cut the grass or collect balls and the operational expenses are around $700 per year which goes towards replacing the batteries (in 10 years) and solar panels (in 25 years) I also created portable Softgolf which can be played in the day time or at night. The great things about the portable Softgolf is it is non-invasive and it can be setup on any relatively flat open field easily and quickly. Existing conventional golf courses can have a 9 hole Softgolf course using 2 or 3 of their fairways (staying clear of the greens) and bring in extra revenue at night. They already did the work on the grounds; it makes sense to offer a fun event to their members while making more golf. Food and beverage sales.
The unique activity creations are just one aspect of the innovations needed to build a successful brand. The biggest challenge for Softgolf is our marketing strategy. Actually, marketing on a limited budget. We had a slow start but have gained a lot of traction by collaborating with other businesses (often in trade deals) and partnering with non profit organizations. We also entice our clients to leave reviews. Anyone that leaves a review (good or bad) is automatically entered into a drawing for a round of Softgolf for 4 people. We have over 400 reviews between Google, Facebook, Square and Tripadvisor. We average “5 stars” reviews. We just received an award from Tripadvisor. We are in the top 10% of “Things to Do” in the world. We also recently won the Winston Salem Journal’s “Readers Choice Awards” in 3 categories:
Best Night Life
Best Golf Course
Best Family Entertainment
Our reviews influenced us to change our tag line. For many years our tag line was, “Have Fun Play Softgolf”. We also used “Big Clubs, Big Balls, Big Holes, Big Fun” and during covid we changed it to “ bringing people together since 1979… keeping them 6 feet apart since 2020”
Since we have over 60 % of our reviews using the word “Fun” in their testimony, we changed it to, “Softgolf… The world’s most fun golf game!”.
We are launching a referral program and we’re going to start selling more branded merchandize. I am proud of the way we have been able to gain brand exposer on a limited budget. Most of the credit goes to our VP, Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan. She has done an incredible job networking, implementing new systems, using social media and staying abreast of the ever changing algorithms. We make a great team. Where I am the creative force and she is the charming and popular, tech savvy, social butterfly!
It is important to stay on top of the latest innovations and utilize all the time saving new systems. especially AI programs.
Carolyn and I are big fans of Mike Michalowicz. He is a successful entrepreneur that has written several books which I strongly suggest any small business owner(or start up) reading his books. “The Pumpkin Plan”, “Profit First” and “Get Different” are 3 of my favorites.
Innovative concepts are imperative in the success of every business. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new method, an iPhone, mouse trap, ball making machine or food recipe, it’s important to think out of the box.
My most innovative creations are actually my poems. Here is one I wrote for my nephew’s graduation:
Everret’s Graduation
Raymond F Baldorossi Jr.
Wow!…Look at you!
You finished School!
What will you do?
Go jump in a pool?
So now you’re cool!
What else will you do?
Because you’ve only begun
And you’re not really through!
I hope you can hear me,
Everette…I’m talking to you!
Yes…You can learn more!
Like…how to make a shoe!
“A shoe? Oh what a bore!
Keep talking Uncle Barney
And soon I will snore.
I buy my shoes… at the shoe store!”
But someone made the shoes
And sold them to the store
And without shoes…
Our feet will get sore!
So I appreciate him
And what he has done.
In my book Everett…
The shoe man’s number one!
Okay… Shoes are out.
So tell me what’s in!
You have to do something,
To do nothing’s…a sin!
You can be on T.V.
And give us the weather
Or be a leather salesman,
Because the shoe man needs leather!
You can be an inventor
And make a machine,
That lets us play games
And keeps our house clean!
You can be a dog catcher
Or make catchers’ mitts
Or be a shoe salesman!
Whatever shoe fits!!
It’s your choice Everett,
Whatever you do,
But please do something,
Because we need you!
You can do what you want,
And you can do a lot!
And what it takes to do it,
That’s what you’ve got!
To learn to write poems…
I had to learn how to rhyme!
It’s not really hard,
It just takes some time!
Before you counted to eight,
You had to count to seven
And before you counted to twelve,
You had to count to eleven!
And look at you now!
You can count to a million
And if you keep on going,
You will count to a trillion!
It’s fun to learn,
So don’t be afraid!
If you have trouble learning,
I will come to your aid!
If you do make shoes,
Then make them with passion!
And you can be sure…that
I’ll wear your new fashion!
You make this world,
A much better place
If you don’t make the shoes,
But you make the shoelace!
So do what you want,
And do what you will,
But make your shoes,
…Hard to fill!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey Folks,
Are you tired of feeling frustrated by golf? Have your kids given golf a try, only to quit because they found it too challenging? Are you searching for an outdoor game that can be enjoyed by everyone? Look no further than Softgolf, the original large-format, full-swing golf game. Softgolf provides the same experience as conventional golf, yet with oversized equipment, making it incredibly user-friendly, fun, and accessible for individuals of all skill levels and abilities. That’s why we proudly proclaim it as the World’s Most Fun Golf Game. Get ready to experience golf like never before with Softgolf!
Softgolf is played with 3 large faced clubs (driver, wedge a d putter) a 4 3/8” ball and 12” diameter holes. The ball will go about 90 yards on a good hit. We provide the equipment for anyone over 3 feet tall to play on our 9 hole course. The grounds stay dark while the holes, flags, balls, clubs, tee boxes and scorecard stands illuminate for night play.
The concept of Softgolf originated in 1974 when I was playing conventional golf with a plastic golf ball in my backyard. Ball landed next to fore in souvenir basketball from my high school. I decided to take a swing hitting the 4 inch ball. I had struggled, hitting the small plastic golf ball, but I was able to hit the large ball really good. My father was standing close by and I said to him, “Dad, Did you see that?” He said, “Yeah, Hit it again!” My second shot flew even farther.. “Dad, that Would be really cool golf with a bigger ball!” I could see he was thinking the same thing. Dad was a design engineer in the Aeronautical sector. We went to work on the idea the very next day.. By the end of 1975, We had everything ready to go to open up the world’s first Softgolf course. Everything except patents. Dad created the drawings and dictated the technical aspects while my mother provided all the technical writing for the patent applications. My parents were denied on 5 different patent applications on three separate submissions. Starting in 1978 they were granted 5 patents for Softgolf.
The great thing about Softgolf is it assessable for people of all skill levels and physical abilities. We have had 3 year olds to 96 year olds play Softgolf…. Beginners, people with disabilities and touring PGA pros have played and came back with family members. We use a much smaller property (less than 7 acres), which eliminates the need for expensive specialized greens mowers, (we use everyday commercial mowers on house hold grass) and are open day or night. The reduced footprint and lower maintenance help keep our costs down and make golf financially accessible too.
It is an excellent way to get children or beginners started in golf without the frustration often associated with conventional golf and 9 holes can be played in about 1 to – 1 -1/4 hours. Beginners can hone their skills at Softgolf a d graduate to conventional golf. It allows families to play together as it is forgiving enough for beginners yet it it plays like conventional golf a d is challenging enough for avid golfers.
We host a lot of fundraisers, parties and corporate team building events. We have designed games within the game for corporate team building and our talking hole adds to fun!
We are proud of our reputation! We are averaging “5 stars” on over 400 reviews between, Square, Facebook, TripAdvisor and Google. Over 60% of our reviews used to word “Fun” in their review! We just received an award from TripAdvisor for being in the top 10% of “Things to Do in WORLD!” And… we recently won 3 categories of Winston-Salem Journal’s “Reader’s Choice awards”
Best golf course,
Best night life
Best family entertainment
Most of all, I am proud to offer a venue where friends and family are able to spend quality time together and build happy memories together. We (Carolyn and I) love the instant gratitude we get from our patrons. We love hearing and seeing them laughing and screaming with joy while they are playing. That is why we are here! It is part of our mission!
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
In the 1990’s, I owned an air freshener business, Evergreen Sales & Service. We did a.lot of e-commerce sales but 66% of our revenue was from routes where we went to the facilities (restaurants, hospitals, high rise buildings, fitness centers, etc) and serviced air fresheners. One day, I was making a sales call at a nice hotel. I was with the director of house cleaning and a manager demonstrating how our product worked and I bent over and let one out. It was loud and I think vultures started flying over our heads. (Like something died) I was so embarrassed. The 3 of us just looked at each other for a couple seconds and we all burst out in hard laughter. I kept trying to apologize but in the middle of laughing… and I told them, “Do you know how the vacuum cleaner salesman comes in and throws dirt on your carpet and cleans it up? This what the air freshener salesman does.” We kept laughing and then the manager let one rip and we must have laughed for another 5 minutes. I ended up closing the deal and we maintained a great business relationship for many years. I think it’s important to be human in business relationships. Be honest and build on the trust. There is nothing better than sharing a good hard laugh and showing your humility when it comes to connecting with people. This transposes to Softgolf. If you stay real and keep them laughing they will come.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Fun! We are selling fun and relaxation. Disney built an empire doing the same thing. People need to have fun and connect with each other in a fun atmosphere.
“GOLF” is a four letter word. Many people hear the word golf and immediately think it is expensive, time consuming, difficult and frustrating. We made golf affordable, accessible less time consuming and fun for people of all abilities and skill levels. We have an average of “Five stars” on over 400 (Google, Tripadvisor, Facebook and Square) reviews. The majority of the reviews use the word “Fun” in their review. Our VP, Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan, came up with our new tag line. “Softgolf… The world’s most fun golf game”! Its true! No other golf entity has the reputation for being fun like we do. We hear and see our patrons laughing and letting out screams of joy everyday.
Some of our tag lines were good. “Have Fun, Play Softgolf”, … “Big Balls, Big Holes , Big Clubs, Big Fun”. One of my favorites was during Covid., “Bringing people together since 1979… keeping them 6 feet apart since 2020!” But I think “The World’s most fun golf game is accurate and it will be with us for a long time. I do not mean to dump on conventional golf. I love golf. Part of our mission is to get more people interested in playing conventional golf by lowering the frustration level of learning how to hit the small ball. Softgolf gives people a chance to hone their golfing skills. Once they get a basic swing down, they can transfer over to conventional golf using the same fundamental skills they learned at Softgolf. Only a small percentage of people in the world can go out there and have a good time playing golf. Even the best players in the world get frustrated playing it sometimes. Robin Williams had a great take on golf and how it originated. If you have not heard it google it. It’s pretty funny.
A lot of our business comes from returning customers and word of mouth.
We also have a great reputation for customer care, which I am very proud of. It is important to give people a lot of bang for their buck. We cannot sell “Fun” if our staff is not happy. We want to make sure our team members are happy and treated well. We want to create an image that Softgolf is place where you want to work. We try hard to give our patrons more than they expect. We have a talking (heckling) hole which is usually an add on for team building and group outings It’s a live conversation where a designated hole will start talking to people as they approach it. It’s guaranteed to get a few laughs. on random occasions, I will set it up for free and surprise our patrons with it. Sometimes we will give away one of our vintage Softgolf t-shirts, with our original Softgolf logo on it from the 1970’s. We also try to encourage great manners. Recently, we had a mother and 6 year old daughter playing Softgolf. The mother bought her a frozen treat after they played 9 holes. The daughter had perfect manners so I told them I want to give the mother a free frozen treat for teaching the daughter how to be respectful and use good manners. The mom was so happy… both of them were grateful.
Our strong reputation is essential to the future success of our business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.softgolf.net
- Instagram: Softgolf1979
- Facebook: Softgolf
