For Oakville’s Zachary Creed, Golf is More than a Game

Oakville’s Zack Creed
has been playing golf since he was old enough to swing a club. Growing up in
New Jersey during the early 2000s, he was passionate about the sport
and played all the time, both as a member of his high school’s team and on his
own time. During the long hours he spent driving, chipping and putting, it was
evident, not only to himself but to those around him, that he had real talent.
It wasn’t long before he was named captain of the school team.

After graduation Zack moved to Las Vegas, studied Professional
Golf Management (PGM) and recreation management at the University of Nevada,
and served internships at several well known golf clubs. In 2009 he was named
Player of the Year within the PGM program.

In the 10 years since, he has built an impressive resume as a
professional golfer, instructor, club manager, salesman, trade show representative,
and entrepreneur. He continues to eat, sleep and breathe both golf and
business.

This fall the Oakville resident will launch his newest venture,
a golf facility in East Oakville that will offer golf lessons and simulator
play and feature a pro shop, snack bar and more. He’s excited about this new
chapter in his life, something he’s been preparing for since his college days,
and is always glad to share the wisdom he’s accrued with other entrepreneurs.

What advice do you give to young
people who want to start businesses?

Zack Creed: It’s important to take advantage of
opportunities to do new things, especially when you’re young and before you
have family responsibilities. If there’s something that you absolutely love,
and it’s something you’re good at, and you can build a career doing it, go for
it. Of course, starting a business requires capital and what they term “angel”
money. These are typically family and friends that will consider investing in a
well thought out plan based in no small part on your dedication and business
acumen.

Why should someone become an
entrepreneur?

Zack Creed: If you’re going to launch a company, I
think you should do it for the right reasons. Don’t do it just for the money.
Instead, do it for happiness, self-exploration or to acquire experience.
Consider your entrepreneurial experience an opportunity to build a more solid
foundation for the future. Also, try to look beyond the short term and build up
yourself as the asset.

How did your lifelong involvement in golf prepare you for a
business career?

Zack Creed: I’m truly grateful that I had the opportunity, not only to play golf but
to be immersed in the business side of it at a young age. Having a diverse
range of experiences centered around the sport shaped me significantly, both as
a person and as a professional, and provided me with perspectives I would
likely not have gotten otherwise.

There’s also the people side of playing golf. You can get to
know a lot about people when you spend time with them on the golf course. Being
able to interact with all types of people is essential for success, since so
much of business is built on networking, making deals, negotiating,
collaborating, and otherwise connecting with other professionals. Skill and
talent are extremely important, but honing your people skills is right there as
well.”

How prominent a role did mentorship play on your road to
success?

Zack Creed: Huge. I worked for a number of great bosses and learned from the finest
in the sport. My first boss was a golf legend who had tons of charisma and
skill, but what I really learned from him was leadership. Before big events we
would talk about how to make them really special and successful, for example,
“let’s hit one out of the park” and that would inspire me and sharpen my
performance.

What lessons did you learn from your mentors that you pass
along to others today?

Zack Creed: I often tell young business leaders to expand their horizons, not to
settle for mediocrity and to keep their eye on the big picture. It’s easy to
get sidetracked or caught up in success, especially if you have it while you’re
still young. Also, strive for work-life balance. Having a satisfying life at
home will help you succeed in your business life.

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