In this episode of Branded Leaders, Ryan Ellis, CEO of lifestyle apparel brand TravisMathew, shares the gritty journey of transforming a modest golf-inspired startup into a $300 million retail powerhouse. From packing orders in a garage to revolutionizing golf fashion with technical fabrics and athlete endorsements, Ryan breaks down the brand’s pivotal moments—including their game-changing partnership with Bubba Watson, a national retail expansion, and a major cultural overhaul sparked by rapid growth and the pandemic.
Ryan also discusses the brand’s approach to retail innovation, balancing brand integrity with market expansion, and how cultural transformation became just as important as financial success. He emphasizes the value of patience, prioritization, and building great product above all else.
Whether you're a startup founder or a corporate leader, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, reinvention, and creating a brand that people are proud to wear—and work for.
