Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Blubaugh.
Hi Steven, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in consulting, working across three firms—starting at a healthcare-focused boutique (now Forvis Mazars), moving to North Highland, and eventually finishing that chapter at McKinsey & Company. Those years were instrumental in teaching me how to think both strategically and operationally, but my real ‘edge’ was an ability to synthesize disparate concepts into something new.
The transition to entrepreneurship happened during my paternity leave. I’ve always wanted to build a business, so I used that time to look at friction points in my own life. As a golfer, I realized I struggled to replicate the drills my coach gave me when practicing solo. I needed a way to practice effectively on any surface, mats, grass, or indoors.
When I saw a gap in the market for a high-quality, versatile alignment stick holder, I went deep into R&D. I cataloged every possible alignment stick drill and sketched a design that could accommodate all of them. I partnered with an engineer to move from sketches to prototypes, and then took those models to top-rated instructors here in Atlanta. Their feedback was invaluable; they helped me refine the design to be even more versatile. After several iterations, I finally had a product I was proud to bring to market
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, building a business while balancing a full-time career and a young family, I have a wife and two very young children, wasn’t a smooth road. It required a massive amount of discipline and a willingness to be a ‘student’ of everything.
I had to teach myself the entire ecosystem of a physical product business: from filming and editing my own marketing videos to navigating the trademark process and building the website (pathpalgolf.com).
The biggest struggle so far was receiving early feedback that the product wasn’t as durable as I’d initially thought. Instead of being discouraged, I went back to the drawing board to find a manufacturing approach that significantly improved quality without dramatically increasing production costs. It was a constant exercise in pivoting based on new data and balancing the vision with the reality of the market.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
pathpal Golf was founded on a simple mission: to create the most versatile, high-quality golf training aids on the market at a competitive price. We specialize in tools that bridge the gap between a lesson with a pro and a solo practice session.
Our core lineup includes three signature innovations:
the pathpal: The world’s most versatile alignment stick holder. It features 14 precision angles, it splits in two allowing a golfer to train simultaneous movements and drills, and features built-in functionality specifically for putting drills, making it a true all-in-one station.
the truestrike: A versatile pressure block designed to help golfers master ground force for more power, refine their swing path, and improve impact control and body-club connection.
the arrow: The world’s first padded, foldable alignment stick. It’s designed to protect your equipment while providing a larger visual obstacle for ‘avoidance training,’ a concept that helps golfers subconsciously correct their swing path.
What sets us apart? In a market saturated with flimsy, one-dimensional plastic tools, we prioritize durability and versatility. Our products are designed to work anywhere, whether on a grass range, an indoor simulator, or hitting off mats. We don’t just make ‘gadgets’; we make professional-grade tools for golfers who are serious about their improvement.
Our Proudest Achievement Brand-wise, I am most proud of our rapid adoption by the elite golf community. In just a few short months, pathpal Golf has received glowing endorsements from several of the world’s Top 100 Instructors. In addition, at least one golfer who will be playing in the Masters this year will have our product with them while warming up on the range.
While the professional accolades are rewarding, what truly motivates me is the feedback from everyday students. Hearing how these tools have helped a golfer finally ‘feel’ the right move or shave strokes off their game is incredibly moving. We want golfers to know that when they buy a pathpal product, they are getting a tool that has been vetted and approved by the best teachers in the world.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love listening to podcasts and some of my favorites include:
* Acquired – the hosts detail the history of some of the world’s largest or most unique companies and the strategic decisions they make them stand out in their industry – whether it’s Rolex, LVMH, Trader Joes, or Google, each episode is engaging and full of good business advice
* Chasing Scratch – a podcast that follows two guys who started out in their mid 30s with families and careers with a single goal: to reach a 0 handicap. It’s fun, full of pop culture references, and a good look at why golf is so fun
* How I built this – it’s nice to hear how other people built their companies and the struggles they faced
* Lenny’s Podcast – I rely on AI a lot as a thought partner and this podcast often touches on AI and product design and I can take a lot of the concepts and apply it directly to my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pathpalgolf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathpal_golf/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathpalGolf
