Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristjan LaCroix.
Hi Kristjan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of second chances and finding purpose in unexpected places. My life has been shaped by resilience from the very beginning—I was born premature, weighing just 2 pounds 2 ounces, and lost my mom when I was only 3 years old. Over the years, I faced challenges, including my time in the military, which brought both hardships and triumphs. These experiences taught me that setbacks can be powerful opportunities for growth.
About three years ago, I discovered golf, and it quickly became a passion. For me, golf was more than a game; it became a place of self-discovery, resilience, and reflection—a space where I could embrace the concept of second chances. This newfound love inspired the beginning of KLMulliganz, a brand built around the message of embracing setbacks and turning them into opportunities for growth.
As KLMulliganz grew, I realized it was about more than just clothing or gear; it was about building a community of people who resonate with that deeper purpose. I wanted to break traditional boundaries in golf culture, making it more inclusive and accessible to anyone who’s ever needed a ‘mulligan’ in life. This journey has connected me with people from all walks of life, each with their own story of resilience and growth.
Now, KLMulliganz is evolving into deuXros, a new chapter that expands on that original vision. In our first year, we’ve organized events like a tournament and a mixer to bring the community together and celebrate shared values. These events aren’t just about the game—they’re about fostering connections, supporting other community initiatives, and building a network of people who are inspired to live with purpose and overcome challenges.
My goal with deuXros is to create a brand that doesn’t just exist in retail spaces but lives within the community. It’s about supporting local initiatives, hosting events that bring people together, and building a platform where stories of resilience and second chances can be shared. I believe that life’s most pivotal moments occur in many different forms, not just in sports, and that everyone deserves a chance to redefine themselves on their own terms.
This first year has been incredible, and I’m excited to see how we can continue inspiring others to live boldly, with purpose, and to build a community that uplifts and celebrates one another.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has definitely not been a smooth road. Building a brand from scratch, especially one with a mission as personal and meaningful as deuXros, has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been balancing my active duty responsibilities with the demands of building a brand, all while being a present father. Juggling these roles requires constant time management, focus, and a lot of late nights. There are times when my day-to-day duties pull me in one direction, while my heart and mind are committed to growing deuXros and nurturing the vision behind it.
Balancing these responsibilities has also been a source of motivation. I want to create something meaningful, not just for myself, but for my family and for everyone who connects with our message of resilience and second chances. As a father, I think a lot about the legacy I want to leave, and that keeps me pushing forward, even on the tough days.
There have also been financial ups and downs, especially in this first year, and moments where sales were slow and I questioned if I was on the right path. Like any startup, resources can feel tight, and I often have to make tough decisions about where to invest my time and energy.
Another challenge has been getting the right people on board and maintaining momentum. It’s tough to build a team and keep everyone aligned with the vision, especially when things aren’t fully established yet. I had hoped for more involvement from some key people early on, and when that didn’t happen as planned, it tested my commitment and resilience.
One recent experience really captured both the challenges and the rewards of this journey. I had planned a tournament for KLMulliganz—soon to be deuXros—as a way to bring the community together, but as the date approached, we hadn’t reached the numbers needed, and I was on the verge of canceling the event. After all the time, energy, and resources that went into it, it was discouraging, and I wondered if I’d overestimated what we could pull off in the first year.
But as the tournament drew closer, things started to come together. Word spread, people rallied, and eventually, we had enough players to make it a success. It was incredible to see that last-minute support from the community, and the turnout exceeded my expectations. It reminded me of why I started this brand in the first place: to create a space where people can connect, share their stories, and support one another. The tournament became a defining moment that showed me the power of resilience, not just for myself but for the community we’re building.
Despite the struggles, each challenge has taught me something valuable, and I truly believe that the setbacks have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s direction. These rough patches remind me of the message behind deuXros—second chances, resilience, and growth. Every challenge has become part of the story we’re building, and it motivates me to keep going, not only for myself but for my family and for everyone who believes in the vision.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Logistics Specialist in the Navy, my career is dedicated to ensuring that essential supplies, equipment, and resources are where they need to be, often under tight timelines and high-pressure conditions. Life in the Navy isn’t easy; it demands resilience, adaptability, and a commitment that can place a strain on both mental and emotional resilience. Working in fast-paced, high-stress environments has been a constant, especially during deployments.
Throughout my time in the Navy, I’ve had multiple deployments that required me to be away from home for extended periods, missing birthdays and other special moments with my kids and family—all in service to my country. These sacrifices are challenging, but they’re also a source of pride, knowing that my role supports a greater mission. Balancing this commitment with my responsibilities as a father isn’t always easy, but I remain focused on the bigger picture.
One of the skills I’ve developed through my service is a strong attention to detail. In logistics, the smallest oversight can have major consequences, so precision is critical. This attention to detail has taught me to appreciate the little things—not only in my work but also in my personal life. When I’m with my family, I try to savor every moment, understanding how precious those times are, especially when they’re limited.
What sets me apart is my dedication, my ability to stay grounded, and my appreciation for the details, even when personal sacrifices are high. My experiences in the Navy have taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, perseverance, and teamwork—qualities that I carry with me in every area of my life, including building my brand and serving my community. I’m motivated by a desire to leave a lasting legacy, not only for my family but for everyone I hope to inspire through my work.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There’s no way I could have gotten this far without an incredible support system. I’m especially grateful to Ian, Jenay, and James. Each of them has played a unique role in helping me grow personally and professionally. Whether it was guidance, encouragement, or just being there when I needed someone to talk to, they’ve been invaluable in helping me push through challenges and stay focused on the vision for KLMuliganz (deuXros).
Beyond that, there are so many people I’ve met along the way who provided support I didn’t even realize I needed. Sometimes it was a conversation, a piece of advice, or just someone showing up and believing in the brand. These connections have made a huge impact, reminding me that I’m not in this alone and that the vision resonates with others.
And, of course, my family has been a rock for me throughout this journey. Their belief in me, their support, and their understanding of the sacrifices I’ve had to make have kept me grounded. Knowing that they’re behind me every step of the way gives me the strength to keep moving forward, even when things get tough. I’m incredibly thankful for everyone who has contributed, big or small, to the journey so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: klmulliganz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klmulliganz/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Image Credits
James Skeet- 82 Visuals
