Growth Capital

Beyond the Fairway: The Power of Golf in Building Business Relationships – Part 2

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Get Ready to Tee Off: Growth Capital’s Fabulous Foursomes Return in 2025

The new golf season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to announce the return of Growth Capital’s Fabulous Foursomes: the “Fab4.” What started as a small idea from John Kropf in 2023 has grown into an inspiring initiative where business and golf come together to create something truly special.

The Fab4 isn’t just about playing golf—it’s about creating opportunities for growth, building relationships, and celebrating the power of connection. Whether you’re new to golf or a seasoned player, the Fab4 offers a welcoming environment where you can learn, network, and enjoy the game in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

Just review this snippet from one of our previous players!

“Thank you so much for hosting us and providing us valuable tips for the game of golf – it is truly appreciated! I look forward to improving my game this summer. Also, thank you for inviting us to the Growth Capital VIP Invitational! I will keep you and Jeff in mind for any deals that may be a good fit for you.

~ Vanja Gleske, US Bank

“I’m always happy to meet fellow female golfers, especially when they too are in the business world. Major thanks to our host, John, for getting us together at Lake Forest, and looking forward to future events of this nature. It’s a pleasure to make new friends over a round of golf and identify ways to help develop more opportunities in our respective careers!”

 ~Bonnie Sherman, RGP

In 2025, we’re continuing our mission to empower women and foster community through the beautiful game of golf. This year, we’re expanding our events to include even more opportunities for you to connect with fellow professionals, gain confidence on the course, and make lasting memories.

The man with the vision for this  movement, John Kropf, is thrilled for another season to start and shared the why behind Growth Capital’s mission to support women in business: 

“Growth Capital’s support of women in business goes beyond our SBA financing to their companies, or the professional relationships that sustain our business and certainly extends to our Growth Capital’s Fabulous Foursomes as well. Begun several years ago, our Fab4s have grown considerably under the leadership of Growth Capital Board Member Kelly Smith, of Croghan Colonial Bank.”

“We look forward to expanding our Fab4 outings this year as our roster of fabulous lady golfers has grown. So if you’re a scratch or just got started, there’s a place for you at our Growth Capital Fabulous Foursomes as long as you enjoy good camaraderie and conversation, along with some professional networking and support for your golf game! Please register for a date as soon as we open the calendar. The weather is starting to improve and our Fabulous Foursomes are gearing up for the BEST year ever. Looking forward to seeing you.”

As Kelly Smith, one of our key organizers, shared, “I look forward to the start of golf season because I know that means the start of Growth Capital’s Fabulous Foursomes!  Supporting professional women through the game of golf is a unique way to foster relationships, collaborate, and build confidence.  The day is all about cheering for each other both on and off the course and I can’t wait. See you on the first tee.”

If you’re still not convinced of how business and golf weave together so beautifully, consider these 10 parallels between the Game and Professional Life:

  1. Strategic Thinking: In both golf and business, success often hinges on planning and executing a solid strategy while adapting to challenges.
  2. Patience and Perseverance: Golf teaches the importance of patience and steady progress, much like in business where persistence leads to long-term goals.
  3. Focus and Discipline: Both require intense focus and discipline to stay consistent, whether it’s improving your swing or achieving business targets.
  4. Networking Opportunities: Golf is renowned as a space where business relationships are fostered, offering informal networking that can lead to professional opportunities.
  5. Risk Management: In both realms, knowing when to take calculated risks and when to play it safe is key to achieving success.
  6. Adaptability: Weather, terrain, and course conditions in golf require adaptability, just as market conditions and business environments demand flexibility in leadership.
  7. Continuous Improvement: Mastery in golf and business demands constant learning, practice, and self-reflection to enhance performance over time.
  8. Handling Pressure: Golf teaches how to handle pressure and maintain composure, which is critical for making high-stakes decisions in business.
  9. Goal Setting: Whether it’s setting a score to beat on the course or setting sales targets, clear, measurable goals are essential for progress in both.
  10. Teamwork and Leadership: In team-based formats or business environments, leadership, and collaboration are necessary to bring out the best in others and achieve collective goals.

So, whether you’ve participated before or you’re new to the Fab4, we invite you to join us for another season of fun, growth, and community. Let’s continue to build lasting connections, share laughs, and create opportunities together—both on and off the course.

See you on the first tee in 2025! Let’s make this season one to remember! ⛳