CANCELED: SETX YPO Breakfast With The Boss 9.21. 21

Description

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Ever wish you had the opportunity to sit down over a cup of coffee with the "Boss" and hear his/her story of success and failure? SETX YPO invites you to our morning Breakfast with The Boss event on Tuesday, September 21 with featured speaker: Austin Williams, 5 Under Golf Center, LLC.


MEET THE BOSS!

Austin Williams hails from a family with drive, dedication, innovation and a commitment to community. His upbringing with the Games People Play brand allowed him the experiences that have shaped him into the executive that he is today. Extensive growth for in-store and e-commerce sales were all achieved as a direct result of his leadership. Recognizing an immediate need for further innovation in the Beaumont market, Williams envisioned expanding the existing Games People Play Top tracer driving range into a full-service entertainment venue. This vision gave birth to 5 Under Golf Center, a Top tracer range, Topgolf Swing Suite and full restaurant and bar. His vision brought a one-of-a-kind concept to the community in Southeast Texas, giving pro’s, amateurs and bachelorette party goers a high-tech and memorable experience they aren’t soon to forget. His continued passion and strong work ethic have solidified 5 Under Golf as a staple for entertainment for all ages in the Southeast Texas community. 
 
Born and raised in SETX went to West Brook Sr. Highschool. He went to Lamar University in the fall of 1997 on a golf scholarship while he studied Business Finance.  In 1999 he transferred to play collegiate golf at University of Louisiana Lafayette while he studied Managerial Economics till 2002.  after completing his eligibility, he came back home to SETX and was a grad assistant for the Lamar Men’s and Women’s golf teams while he finished his degree at LU in Finance and Economics. In 2003 he entered the family business, and worked for his parents Jeff and Marilyn Williams at Games People Play Inc. From 2003 to 2017 Austin worked for Games People Play. He was instrumental in growing Games People Play to a global business. Games People Play sold golf products all over the world.  Williams was instrumental in starting the e-commerce business for Games People Play.  The former college golf star and Nine-time Beaumont City Golf Champion — a feat accomplished by another Beaumont native and renowned PGA and Champions Tour Professional, Bruce Lietzke. Austin’s knack for business and leadership led him to be chosen to receive the prestigious “40 under 40” award presented by Sporting Goods Business Magazine in the spring of 2009. From a list of over 500 nominations, this coveted award was presented to 40 individuals under the age of 40 for their accomplishments within the sporting goods industry.
 
GPP was a multiple winner as one of America’s 25 Best Golf Shops. GPP has also been selected by Golf Range Magazine as a Top 100 Golf Practice Facility in the United States. Only three companies in the United States have been selected as a combined retail and range Top 100 Winner. All those who are involved with GPP take pride in these accomplishments and are honored to be categorized at such a high standard.  While at GPP he expanded the business from a tiny Beaumont Texas to a worldwide audience. GPP grew to 65 employees at its peak and was the number one independent stand-alone golf retailer in the country.  GPP sales hit 18 million mark in golf sales in 2009 and continued to grow until 2013. The golf world and business were changing, and Williams recognized that doing something outside the box would be necessary to compete going forward. In 2016 GPP sold most of the property (40 acre driving range) and sold its ecommerce business.  In 2017 after three years of business planning Austin formed the company 5 Under Golf Center LLC.  5 Under Golf Center, formerly Games People Play, Williams had two Topgolf-branded features - Top tracer Range and Topgolf Swing Suites - to its facility
 
5 Under was a major a four-phase renovation, which will introduce interactive virtual simulators, new outdoor hitting bays and a bar and restaurant. While not a full-scale Topgolf facility, 5 Under was the first to have both the Toptracer Range and Swing Suite 5 Under Golf is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue in Beaumont, Texas. We feature high-tech gaming, a full-service restaurant and bar, live music, corporate and social event spaces and more 5 Under Golf is the first facility in the country that offers Toptracer Range and Topgolf Swing Suite technology joined, in one location. The outdoor driving range is two stories with 20 bays, powered by Top tracer Range technology. Our indoor Topgolf Swing Suite simulators have a variety of different games, including over 140 golf courses 5 Under Golf is the most exciting place to be in Southeast Texas, delivering an immersive social experience that is fun for all ages, no matter what the occasion!
 
In 2020, 5 Under received national recognition  5 Under Golf Center, was recognized as one of the Top 50 “Stand-Alone” Ranges in the country. In addition, 5 Under Golf Center is the winner of the 2020 Golf Range Association of America Range Renovation Award.  5 Under Golf Center was the first facility in the United States to offer Top Tracer Range and Top Golf Swing Suite technology together in one location. This state-of-the-art facility offers 20 outdoor covered hitting bays powered by TopTracer Range technology and indoor TopGolf Swing Suites with the option to virtually play over 140 courses, and numerous other games. In addition, 5 Under Golf Center sells everything a golfer would need and features a full-service dining plus sports bar experience.
 
Austin and his wife Nicole have been married for 5 years and have a 12-year-old Son Reece, and a newborn Julia. In their spare time they enjoy traveling, golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors with family and friends. 
 




SETX YPO is an organization of young professional between the ages of 21 and 40, living in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange Counties, interested in making a difference in their community and networking with other young professionals with similar interests.