We’re looking forward to introducing you to Donald Burlock. Check out our conversation below.
Donald, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
We had our first child last April. He just started walking – and now running – this past summer. It has been absolutely mind-blowing to watch his fascination and curiosity with everything in the world around him. He brings me so much joy and it inspires me to work harder than ever at my dreams.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Donald Burlock, founder and managing director of Kingsmen Golf. We are a lifestyle and performance brand built to redefine what golf represents. For me, golf isn’t just a game; it’s a mirror for life. Every round tests patience, focus, and belief in yourself. I started Kingsmen to bring that spirit to modern players and lovers of the game. I started creating apparel that blends refined style with performance, while inspiring people to rise into their potential both on and off the course. Right now, I’m focused on growing the brand’s presence and continuing to tell stories that connect golf to something bigger than the scorecard. I’m also focused on weaving history and heritage into our brand, helping others see how many diverse journeys and stories have shaped the legacy of the game.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
At my core, I was always an artist. I could spend hours drawing, painting, and creating based on wherever I was inspired by during that time in my life. Eventually, I tried to follow the recommendations of other people in my life who cared about me. This led me to try and fit my creative interests into a career that could generate a salary. Over a decade, I worked as a mechanical engineer and eventually an industrial designer, applying my creativity in anyway I could to the corporate demands of different organizations. I spent almost a decade in the Bay Area before moving down to SoCal.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering can be one of the greatest teachers, but I’ve discovered through my times of hardship that it isn’t until healing takes place that we can really learn from suffering. I think that success can be a great teacher too. I think it is a reminder of how good it feels to chase your dreams and see them come to life. There’s a significant experience of joy that rests in our spirit when we live an accomplishment. But what success can’t teach you is the reality of the journey to accomplishment. The reality of the journey is defined by a different guide – and that’s suffering. Think of it like this: if you go to the gym one day in an effort to get into shape, the results after one day are imperceivable. The small step counts, but you won’t see immediate results. That’s when suffering comes into the picture; a guide to teach you that you’ll have to work towards your goal and that it will cost you pleasure. Ultimately, the dance between struggle and resilience it was truly defines character.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That you have to be in the industry to shape the industry. The fight between “growing the game” and “shrinking the game” has been part of the dialogue since I started Kingsmen. Over and over again, I was told by people in the industry that I was part of a problematic new wave of entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the huge number of people who’ve started golfing over the past 5 years. The truth is, we need brands that serve new golfers. We need brands that invite people into the game and give them a way to build their legacy in the sport. I think that the industry is too big to refuse new chairs at the table.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Trusting the process. And keeping the faith. I believe that most brands need 7 to 10 years to see a great horizon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingsmengolf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmengolf/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldburlockjr/
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/bysammyb/
