Jason Richardson is the CEO and founder of Bad Birdie, a modern-day golf apparel brand. The Scottsdale-based brand recently opened a shop at Kierland Commons and is set to launch new leisurewear products. Learn about Jason Richardson…
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
First job: Caddie at Forest Highlands Golf Club
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: Golf, cycling, happy hour – cold drink in hand, sun on face. Family always included.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Launching Bad Birdie and stacking our claim within golf, while staying true to the initial dream and driving force behind the brand.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Myself. To give some more context, I think a lot of businesses fail because the entrepreneur gives up, not because the business is a bad idea. During the first couple years of starting Bad Birdie, obstacles were always behind the scenes (given our size) but could be absolutely mentally paralyzing. You find that you’re battling with yourself to keep the dream moving forward. Fast forward to today, I’m appreciative of those moments of struggle and self doubt. Makes me proud and confident in what Bad Birdie’s become.
Someone who inspires you and why: The Bad Birdie fam. Their belief in Bad Birdie and who we can become as a brand has helped me see a way bigger picture. It never hurts to see a lively group wearing and enjoying our product as well.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Best advice I got as a 23-year-old was “work your a** off in your 20s.” Learn as much as possible, put in the long hours and it will pay off later in life. Whether you’re 23 or 53, I think there’s a ton of benefit in learning the value of hard work.
Favorite quote: “The closer you are to failing, the closer you are to success.” –Anonymous
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I played the xylophone in high school marching band. Not my greatest moment.
What makes someone fabulous: Setting a thoughtful intention, and then grinding it out to complete the task.