Entrepreneurs Find Success in Lafayette, LA
Since its early days, Lafayette, LA, has fostered a culture where risk-taking is encouraged, success is celebrated, and failure is a steppingstone to the next opportunity. This spirit of resilience and innovation makes the region an ideal environment for startups to thrive. Ahead, learn about two entrepreneurs who have found success in the Lafayette, LA, area.
Tom Cox
Golfballs.com
Many entrepreneurs start businesses where they live, and that was certainly the case for Tom Cox, founder and executive chairman of Golfballs.com.
“At the time, I was the club manager at Le Triomphe Country Club in Lafayette, but I had a deep passion for technology. When the commercial internet came along, I was able to combine my passion for technology with my years of experience in the golf business to start Golfballs.com.”
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Lafayette, Golfballs.com has grown to become one of the most recognized names in the online golf retail space. The company’s team consists of approximately 220 employees at the Lafayette facility, where they handle product customization, fulfillment, customer service and business operations.
Unlike a traditional golf store, where standard products are the norm, over 80% of what the company sells is customized, ranging from personalized golf balls and tees to embroidered apparel and corporate-branded accessories.
As an e-commerce business, Golfballs.com could be located anywhere. In fact, less than 5% of the company’s overall business comes from Louisiana.
“Ultimately, our decision to be in Lafayette comes down to people, culture and opportunity,” Cox says. “It’s a place where businesses can thrive, and families can enjoy an exceptional quality of life.”
Golfballs.com has grown over the years, now occupying close to 100,000 square feet of space between its Lafayette headquarters, warehouses, downtown location and new fulfilment center in Canada.
Like many local entrepreneurs, Cox received strong support from the Lafayette community. The company was embraced as a trusted business, valued employer and tech innovator.
“When it came time to launch Golfballs.com, the Lafayette community played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life,” Cox says. “The initial seed funding came from local investors – people who believed in the idea and took a chance on an e-commerce business before e-commerce was mainstream. The talent needed to build and grow a pioneering online company also came from this region, further proving that Lafayette was the perfect place to turn an idea into reality.”
Charlotte Busch Cryer
Caroline & Co.
Caroline & Co. is a locally owned store in Lafayette offering a wide selection of gifts, home décor, jewelry, home fragrances, children’s clothing and other items. The business opened in 1997 in Lafayette, LA, where Charlotte Busch Cryer, entrepreneur and owner of Caroline & Co., was born and raised.
“Caroline & Co. has expanded many times over the last 27 years,” Busch Cryer says. “We expanded four times in our original location on Arnould Boulevard before moving in 2020 to our new showroom in River Ranch. We currently occupy over 20,000 square feet of unique inventory.”
Busch Cryer recognizes that without a strong team, succeeding in business would not be possible. Her company has also received tremendous support from the Lafayette region.
“We absolutely love our Acadiana community,” she says. “We have a very loyal customer base and continue to gain new customers every day. We also have many tourists visit our store and continue to shop with us online from home.”
The retail industry has changed dramatically over the last 27 years, and Busch Cryer has learned to take risks, embrace change and invest in her staff and the Lafayette community.
To further expand her retail company’s presence in the Lafayette area, Busch Cryer says it is vital to attend markets and shows throughout the year to stay relevant. As such, she visits six to eight markets each year in places like Atlanta, Dallas and High Point. While at markets, Busch Cryer and her team attend seminars and listen to speakers to continually educate themselves on trends and changes in the industry.
“Lafayette has such a strong community, and customers are like family,” Busch Cryer says. “I love Lafayette, and I am so glad to be rooted here in this amazing city.”
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Why I Built My Business in Lafayette, LA, and You Should, Too
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Tips for Lafayette, LA, Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own business, The Opportunity Machine (OM) is the launchpad for scalable startups and a driving force behind entrepreneurial success in Lafayette, LA. Cox, who has been involved with OM since it began approximately 15 years ago, says it is more than just an incubator and accelerator. The program provides mentorship, education, networking and workspace solutions to help startups grow and thrive in Acadiana. As an integral part of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority’s economic development program and mission, OM connects entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders who offer guidance on e-commerce, technology, operations and financial management.
“Lafayette provides a thriving environment for innovators, entrepreneurs and lifelong learners,” Cox says. “Whether you’re starting a business, advancing your career, pursuing higher education or seeking opportunities in a high-growth company, the city offers a strong ecosystem designed to support your success.”
Click here to learn more about OM.
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.