FlightPath Golf: Innovating the Game with Precision, Gratitude, and Resilience

From a Business Competition to a Global Brand:

FlightPath Golf began as an entrepreneurial dream sparked at the University of Central Florida. Caroline Castille and Mike Sierra, both passionate about business and innovation, encountered the product through UCF’s Blackstone LaunchPad, where the original inventor of the precision tee was seeking partners. Intrigued by the concept, Caroline and Mike recognized its untapped potential in a billion-dollar market. “The moment I saw this product, I remembered my professor’s advice: find something small with great margins that can scale,” Mike recalls. With their combined expertise in marketing and business development, the duo acquired the product rights, transforming it into FlightPath Golf.

Starting as a small operation, they faced the challenges of scaling production, educating consumers about the product’s benefits, and breaking into the highly competitive golf market. Today, their tees are used worldwide, proving that even the smallest innovation can make a big impact when backed by vision and perseverance.

A Culture of Gratitude and Progress:

At FlightPath Golf, the company culture is as innovative as its products. Caroline and Mike prioritize gratitude as a cornerstone of their operations, beginning each Monday team meeting with a round of appreciation. “It keeps us focused on what’s good and what’s possible,” Mike explains. This practice helps create an environment where positivity fuels productivity.

Beyond gratitude, the company champions progress over perfection. “We don’t wait for things to be perfect—we take action and learn along the way,” Caroline shares. This mindset has empowered their team to innovate, experiment, and grow, fostering a workplace where creativity and adaptability thrive. By creating a supportive atmosphere and celebrating small wins, FlightPath Golf ensures that every team member feels valued and motivated.

Innovating the Golf Industry:

FlightPath Golf stands out in a competitive market with its patented precision golf tees, designed to reduce friction and improve ball trajectory. Unlike traditional tees, FlightPath tees are durable, aerodynamic, and come with a replacement guarantee, making them the most premium tees on the market. “We’re not just selling a product; we’re creating an experience,” Caroline shares. Their success extends to global markets, with new innovations like gold and diamond-encrusted tees targeting luxury consumers, and expansion into retail channels like Amazon and Walmart.

Overcoming Challenges:

One of FlightPath Golf’s most challenging moments came during the holiday season, when 12,000 orders poured in, threatening to overwhelm their fulfillment system. “We quickly realized that if we didn’t act fast, we could disappoint thousands of customers,” Caroline recounts. In response, she and Mike flew to Michigan, where their production was based, and set up a temporary fulfillment center. “Within three days, we had 40 workers hired, trained, and packing orders,” Mike adds. This hands-on approach ensured that every order was delivered on time.

The experience reinforced their commitment to customer satisfaction and highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. “It was exhausting, but it also showed us how much we’re capable of when we stay focused on solutions,” Caroline reflects.

What It Means to Be and Honoree:

For Caroline and Mike, being named a GrowFL honoree is both a celebration and a motivator. “This is a moment to stop and reflect on how far we’ve come,” Caroline shares. “It’s an acknowledgment of the risks we’ve taken and the resilience we’ve shown.” Mike adds, “We’re proud to represent Florida’s entrepreneurial spirit, especially as UCF graduates who built this company here.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

Mike’s advice for entrepreneurs is to “think bigger—add a zero to your goals, then figure out how that changes your plan.” He encourages others to embrace bold thinking and not shy away from ambitious targets. Caroline emphasizes the importance of action, advising, “Progress is better than perfection. Start now, learn as you go, and always focus on delivering value.” Together, their philosophy encourages entrepreneurs to stay adaptable while pursuing their vision.

Notable Community Involvement:

Caroline and Mike are deeply committed to giving back, especially to their alma mater. They regularly mentor students at UCF, sharing insights from their entrepreneurial journey and offering internships at FlightPath Golf. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the mentorship we received, so giving back is our way of paying it forward,” Caroline shares.

Beyond UCF, the company supports its global workforce, ensuring fair practices and providing bonuses during peak production seasons. During their most challenging holiday season, Caroline and Mike personally thanked their temporary workers with meals and gifts, demonstrating their belief that every team member, no matter how short their tenure, deserves recognition. “Gratitude isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we practice,” Mike adds.