PRESSSusan Schmidt(right) of Sassy Golf Bags shows off her golf bags at the Denver Golf Expo at the Denver Merchandise Mart. (photo by Kathleen Lavine | DBJ) Friday, February 15, 2008Modified: Thursday, February 14, 2008 Bright Ideas Schmidt's stylish, lightweight creations are easier to carry
Denver Business Journal When a doctor told golfer Susan Schmidt of Arvada she needed to "get off your pockets" and get more exercise, she agreed to leave her cart-riding days behind and begin walking the course. But having suffered from back and neck problems for years, she couldn't fathom lugging around a heavy golf bag. So Schmidt began looking for a lightweight, easy-to-carry bag. The search became as frustrating as an unyielding sand trap. "I couldn't find a lightweight bag that I liked," she said. Of the bags she tried, "I didn't like the complicated strap to carry it. I didn't like the colors. And I wanted one with a cellphone pocket." Having run a sewing business "on the side" since 1980, Schmidt, 49, decided to just make her own dream bag. And while she was at it, she decided to use fabrics that are, well, not plain and boring. Thus, Schmidt created what she now calls Sassy Golf Bags, which come in about 20 designs and sell for between $99.95 and $129.95. Fabrics range from polka dots, plaids and stripes to paisley and camouflage prints. Other styles include a sophisticated version rimmed with a wide strip of classic tapestry, a casual bag made of recycled Levi's and a nautical-themed version. "At first I made four or five prototypes in order to get it balanced correctly" across the shoulder and back, Schmidt said. The final result was a UV-protected, waterproof canvas bag that weighs less than 2 pounds and can carry a whole set of clubs. It's got an adjustable strap that goes across the shoulder, laying the bulk of the bag horizontally across the lower back. A cloth handle at the bottom of the bag allows the golfer to steady it while walking. "It's real easy to carry," Schmidt said, noting the true test for her was playing 27 holes with no back pain. "It probably weighs less with clubs than some of the heavier bags empty." The bag also includes lots of pockets for cellphones, water bottles, etc., as well as a ball sleeve, beaded stroke counter, an umbrella holder and a loop for use on a cart. Being a longtime seamstress with a degree in apparel arts and tailoring, Schmidt wanted Sassy Golf Bags to not only be attractive and comfortable to carry, but also durable. Five layers of stitching strengthen the stress points. A dowel rod gives vertical structure, but can be removed when you want to fold up the bag. Schmidt is so confident in the bag's integrity that she provides a two-year warranty. Schmidt officially became an entrepreneur in May 2005 when she received a trademark and began earnestly producing Sassy Golf Bags. She left her job as a professional assistant at Green Manning & Bunch last August to devote herself full time to the startup business, which she expects to be profitable by this fall. While Schmidt had been making the bags herself, she now has a manufacturer, Stryker By Design Inc. in Commerce Center. Because Sassy Golf Bags are easy to fold up, Schmidt said they're great for traveling with a spouse who's taking a standard golf bag with all the clubs. When you get there, both of you will have a bag, but "you don't have to lug around two full bags." Schmidt is designing a travel golf bag with wheels that can be checked on planes. Much of Schmidt's marketing efforts have been at local trade shows and expos, where she says the public reaction has been very positive. "Ladies say, 'It's about time someone came out with an attractive bag' ... and they like how light they are." A customer testimonial from Homer Hoffman of Arvada says he likes the Sassy Golf Bag because it "is real convenient when me and the guys want to go out and play after work at the executive courses. It is so easy to throw a few clubs in it and go. The only time I use my big, heavy bag is when I'm playing all day and riding." Schmidt has branched out with baby and children's golf bags ($29.95), which are 18 inches long and can hold anything from bottles and diapers to play golf clubs. She's marketing them primarily as gifts. Sassy Golf Bags also are being pitched to high school golf teams because they can be customized with the school logo. The fabric also can be written on -- a signature selling point with teens.
Sassy Golf Bags Sharon Gillen, an associate editor at the Denver Business Journal, can be reached at 303-803-9225 |
