We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Dunn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I’m a highly driven person. As a child was taught to never give up. Failure is not an option. Once I committed 100% and quit my regular 9-5 job to pursue a disc golf business I new I had to have success and used that to drive me. Colorado has an incredible disc golf community and is really supportive. I live with epilepsy and it has also been a huge part of my overall resilience. The world does not slow down ever.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started playing disc golf around 2000. There was not really any places locally to buy disc golf gear. I saw the opportunity and decided to pursue it. I started selling online. In 2007 we opened our retail store, Fly Green Disc golf in Centennial CO. Having a degree in Hospitality, I put a huge focus on the ultimate customer experience. This involved amazing customer service, incredible product selection and support for the sport within the community. We started weekly leagues and a tournament series lasting March to Sept. In 2020 I decided there was a giant need for disc golf specific clothing and sportswear. within the sport We started our product design and research and Fly Green Performance was created. Designed and manufactured by disc golfers for disc golfers. Our apparel quickly became popular and sought after by Colorado disc golfers. We wanted to design products specific for the sport using the motto of Function meets form and fashion. Today we offer over 70 unique products that are designed and manufactured by Fly Green for disc golf. This year we hope to take this brand nationally through social media, marketing and hard work. You can check us out at www.flygreendiscgolf.com
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back I think so many factors are involved in operating a successful small business. Most importantly would be my ability to react. Every day is different and the road map that we have created in our minds and on paper may take unexpected turns along the way. Follow your heart and the road that is placed in front of you. Learn from your mistakes and use them as tools to grow.
Second is the ability to listen to my employees and customers. Great communication is key in every business, local communities and within all relationships. Understanding your customer and employees feedback will help keep you on the right path. Listening, being aware and following industry trends keeps you focused on things that matter.
Lastly having the same passion, commitment and drive I did when I started almost 20 years ago has kept me inspired to continue the fight.
Image Credits
All photo’s were taken by Fly Green Disc Golf Inc.
