JON McALEER & GREG WAGNER RECOGNIZED AS MERCHANDISERS OF THE YEAR
Jon McAleer, PGA Head Professional at Bridger Creek Golf Course in Bozeman, Montana, has been honored as the 2021 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year for public golf course facilities. This award marks the first time he has been so honored by the RMSPGA.
McAleer has been a member of the PGA of America since 2014 and has been on staff at Bridger Creek the last 6 years. Jon reacted properly to the demands of the previous year’s oddities. With all the shipping and supply issues encountered during the 2020 season, his philosophy for 2021 was to order early and order plenty. With the popularity of golf soring, it was crucial to have access to a wide variety of golf equipment and apparel. McAleer keeps in constant contact with all his chosen manufacturer’s representatives with regard to inventory levels and the latest trends. This bit of due diligence enabled Jon to constantly rotate new inventory through the shop and maximize profit potential.
Greg Wagner, PGA Director of Golf at The Reserve at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, has been named the 2021 Merchandiser of the Year for private golf course facilities. This marks the second time he has won this Merchandiser of the Year Award having previously been honored in 2019. Wagner has been a member of the PGA of America since 2013 and has loyally served Moonlight Basin the last 8 years.
As the Director of Golf, Wagner wears many hats, but at a high-profile club like Moonlight Basin, he has to spend a solid fifth of his time focused on retail. Greg believes the merchandise offering at a private facility is just as important as the quality of the staff and the conditions of the course. The shop is operated by a team of six PGA Professionals and Wagner knows that the entire team is responsible for great results. He feels having PGA Professionals working the golf shop has helped Moonlight Basin create a special culture at the club where members are always engaged with someone with a golf mindset. Service is a huge key to success and his staff all being on the same page is a testament to that concept.
The Merchandiser of the Year Awards are presented to individuals who excel in their abilities to purchase, present and sell golf-related products in the most effective and attractive way possible while providing a high level of service to the customer at their respective golf facilities. McAleer and Wagner will receive their awards at the RMSPGA Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation next May.