OUR STORY
Before 2011, Bobby Holland (then an active-duty Navy SEAL) hadn’t given golf much thought...In fact, some would say he was the antithetical golfer. That is until a chance run in with golf changed his life forever and sent him down the perilous path of the golf obsessed.
Learn more about co-founder Bobby Holland's Navy SEAL background and the origin of Hoolie. Picture courtesy of the Jocko Podcast.
A decade later, Bobby found himself nearing the end of his military career and desperately searching for 'what was next.' This search landed him at UCLA Anderson’s Executive MBA program.
Just prior to classing up, Bobby had the first 'seed of an idea' for what would later become Hoolie, but it laid dormant until he found himself in an Entrepreneurship elective several months later. It was here, that Bobby met future Hoolie co-founder, Kevin Lee, and launched 'Team Hoolie'.
Hoolie would go on to complete UCLA Anderson's yearlong Business Creation Option (BCO) and Bobby and Kevin took the leap to launch Hoolie (officially) in the Spring of 2023.
Before founding Hoolie, Kevin spent his career in the apparel and garment industry, experience which has been invaluable to Hoolie. He also has a heck of a story of his own. Having immigrated from South Korea as a kid, Kevin has since completed two educational degrees and is now living the American dream in Southern California where he has built both a career and a family.
Bobby and Kevin hope to transform their passion for golf and apparel into a company that makes badass golfwear and more!
Hoolie is founded on the belief that grit, resilience and a good sense of humor conquer all - on and off the course.
To the Action Guys and Diehard Golfers out there...Hoolie Up - Let's roll!
Hoolie Founders Kevin (left) and Bobby (right)
HOOLIE: THE MEANING
Many moons ago, one of Bobby's jobs in the SEAL teams was that of a Breacher. Breachers have the fun task of breaking into buildings and other target compounds using a variety of tools including explosives, torches, saws and manual tools such as the 'Hoolie' tool. The Hoolie is used to pry open doors and break through windows, among other things.
Hoolie was the first name that came to mind and after learning that Hoolie was Scottish slang for 'blowing a strong wind', as in "to blow a hoolie" the name was set and there was no turning back.
Hoolie, in the parlance of our times, is also slang for 'Action Guys' and 'Diehard Golfers'.
OUR CHARTER
As a veteran founded company, Hoolie is committed to serving our veteran and law enforcement communities. We do so by offering a standing 20% discount to our protectors (at home and abroad) and by giving back through charitable contributions. We are only getting started but we will always honor and support those that serve and continue to serve.
