#25: Brian Borichevsky, Founder & CEO | ROK Golf

In The Thick of It

Get inside the mind of a scrappy solo founder as we talk with Brian Borichevsky, the CEO and pioneer behind indoor golf entertainment startup ROK Golf. With no prior experience starting his own business but equipped with ample vision, Brian bootstrapped his unique concept from the ground up, tapping into his life savings to open the first high-tech swing analysis bay location in 2018.

In this episode, Brian gives an inside look at the Tribe of solo entrepreneurs by sharing his real-world journey - the idea lightbulb moment, navigating start-up unknowns and learning curves as a new dad and founder in parallel, to persisting through early COVID headwinds through sheer grit.

Brian transparently details the exhilarating reality of bringing a pioneering business to life, dispelling myths of overnight success and glory along the way. New founders and solopreneurs will gain tangible tips on fearlessly executing on a vision despite inevitable challenges, while ultimately keeping the purpose, product and customer experience at the core.

About Brian:
Recently we asked our followers what questions we should start including in our founder interviews. There were so many great ones and one in particular was perfect for our next guest. Should you make a business out of your passions or hobbies?

In this episode, I speak with Brian Borichevsky, founder and CEO of ROK Golf, an indoor golf entertainment company with locations in Austin, Texas. Brian shares his entrepreneurial journey, from watching his father build a successful meat provisions business to starting his own fantasy sports software venture before regulations changed. He then tapped into his life savings to launch ROK Golf during a chaotic time in his personal life.

We dive into the gritty realities of those early days, like realizing he had no point-of-sale system to take payments just days before opening. Brian also shares the steep learning curve of leasing retail space, hiring employees, managing cash flow, and delegating tasks.

Ultimately, Brian's passion for golf and vision to create better jobs in an industry he loves is what sustains him through the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship.

About ROK Golf:
ROK Golf operates state-of-the-art indoor golf facilities created to bring elite Trackman technology to the whole of the golf world. Designed by an avid golfer, for avid golfers, ROK Golf combines top technology with incredible instructors and master fitters in a seriously fun atmosphere where golfers can practice, take lessons, compete or just have a blast with friends all on your schedule. Combining practice, instruction and fitting in one holistic model, ROK Golf is here to help in all areas of the game. ROK Golf was founded in 2018 in Austin Texas and has locations in Westlake and Bee Cave.

To learn more, visit rokgolf.com.