Get to Know Team GolfForever!
Meet Matt Rainbow, Senior Operations Manager
1. You became a part of the GolfForever team in April 2023. Can you share a bit about your professional journey, how it led you to GolfForever, and what you do for GolfForever?
When COVID hit in 2020, my family and I decided to relocate. When we did that, I had to leave my job at IZZO Golf. I bounced around at a few companies, but ultimately came to the conclusion I wanted to be back in a field that I enjoyed. I started researching fitness and golf startups and GolfForever kept popping up as one of the biggest game changers growing in the market. I reached out on a whim, and lucky for me, I must’ve been the right fit for what they needed at the right time!
As Operations Manager, I wear a lot of hats - Inventory Management, 3PL and Logistics lead, coordinator of Physical Product Development, head of Customer Service and whatever else is needed to help us continue to grow.
2. What drew you to work for the team?
After working at IZZO Golf, I really developed the taste for creating products that can help everyone get better at golf but also have fun. Being forced to leave the industry was really tough, but the moment I saw what GolfForever was trying to achieve, I knew I needed to be involved. Helping people to get stronger, live with less pain and enjoy their lives more was exactly what I wanted to do.
3. What do you find most rewarding about your role?
I love the “A-ha!” moment of problem-solving. Working in Operations is a hard position to explain to people because operations is a very, very broad subject. Most of my work comes from knowing an end goal and figuring out how to go from point A to point B without too many issues. When trying to find a solution, there is nothing better than when all of your hard work, collaboration and brainstorming come together and clicks for the perfect outcome. Even better than that is knowing that those perfect outcomes can directly lead to healthier and more active lifestyles for our GolfForever community. What could be better than that?!
4. Can you tell us about any exciting innovations or initiatives that you’re particularly proud of? (teaser question?)
One item that we are working on right now helps an issue I have struggled with in my golf swing, especially from battling back from a lower back injury - weight transfer and loading in the golf swing. I can’t say too much right now… but I will say we will be coming out with something that will help a lot of people out there who struggle with that same issue. The best part - it can be used anywhere (including the range).
5. Is there a particular book, mentor, or experience that has greatly influenced your leadership style?
Growing up, I was extremely fortunate enough to be surrounded by strong role models. The two that have stuck with me the most are my father and my Grandfather. Both had vastly different ways of communicating and leading, but both were well-respected, hard-working and caring. A lot of who I am is directly influenced by watching them, pulling the best parts while making sure to always be myself. I think the more true you can be to yourself, the better you feel about overcoming a difficult decision or situation.
6. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or passions?
Outside of work I spend practically all of my time with my family. We love getting outside to play golf, swim, fish and spend a lot of time at the park. We are a busy group - so we do a lot of traveling for Hockey tournaments as well. Personally, outside of all that, my other favorite hobby is powerlifting. I love the concept of pushing the body to its limits, getting stronger and hitting massive milestones.
7. What is your golf background?
I have been involved in golf in one way, shape or form my entire life. Between playing casually, competitively in highschool or at my country club, I’ve always been around it. In College, I took a job as a club technician at Golf Galaxy in Syracuse, NY and then in Rochester. I mastered how to bend clubs, replace shafts and grips and learned the ins and outs of the technical side of equipment. After moving to Rochester post college, I found myself working at IZZO Golf, a licensee of Callaway and started developing products to put to the market as training aids and games. I literally cannot get enough golf in my life.
8. As a dedicated powerlifter, how do you use the GolfForever Training System in your daily life and training?
Golf and Powerlifting are not complementary. Since incorporating more and more movements from the GolfForever program into my programming (typically as a warmup or on my “rest” days from lifting weights) - I have found my recovery has optimized, my pain has dissipated and my mobility has greatly improved. I can now Squat, Deadlift and Bench Press in the morning and play 18 in the afternoon and not feel the slightest bit of pain in my lower back. Prior to GolfForever - I could NEVER make that claim.
9. Do you have a go-to GolfForever workout or warmup?
I do the below warmup routine before every single weight training session. Modified Slightly for a pre-round warmup:
- 100 Trunk Twists with Swing Trainer
- 3-Point Stance (see below) x 20 Reps Per Side
- 10 Swings Per Side
- GolfForever Massage Ball To Release Tension In My Spine
10. What is your GolfForever move?
The 3-Point Stance - Green Ball on the ground, handle up in the air. Hands on top of the handle, arms outstretched and bent over at the waist. Twist my hips back and forth while keeping the Swing Trainer pressed into the floor and feet firmly planted. Helps open my hips, get a nice Lat and lower back stretch.
11. What is your favorite golf course?
The Links At Gettysburg
12. What is your favorite golf course snack?
Elevation Protein Puffs (Jalapeno Cheddar)