The origin story of 'Sold on the Dream'
In our final days before graduating from East Stroudsburg University, the world felt alive with possibility. A group of us dreamed of capping off our college experience by driving an RV from New Jersey to California and back. Just college friends cruising the country, traversing and hiking the vast wonders of America with nothing but our wits, laughter, and a dream.
We found a small and old RV that had already conquered the vast wilderness of Alaska and journeyed all the way to Pennsylvania. Despite its age, we knew it could go the distance. It was perfect and it was destined for us to buy. It had seen miles of open road, mountain passes, and star-lit skies. We knew it was the one. Its name, "My Little Put Put".
The only problem? The price. We pooled our savings (which was very little) and set a hard limit. Based on a previous call with the seller, we drove two hours to look at it. We were convinced that our dream was too compelling for him to resist.
When we arrived, the man greeted us with weathered hands and a kind smile. He clearly knew a thing or two about life on the road. We explained our vision: ten friends, fresh out of college, chasing adventure coast to coast. He listened intently, nodding as enthusiasm spilled out of us in waves.
Finally, we made our offer: $1,500 under his asking price. He was fine with the deal but needed to run it past his wife first. Like most married men know, women are the decision-makers, and her verdict was firm: No deal.
When the man delivered the sad news that the price was firm, we were bummed. But then, something magical happened. He lowered his phone, looked at us with nostalgia in his eyes, and said the words that would stay with us forever: "I can’t sell you the RV at your price, but I’m sold on the dream."
It was bittersweet. The RV slipped through our fingers, but his words sparked something larger. They encapsulated the spirit of the trip, the power of dreaming big even when circumstances didn’t align.
As fate would have it, we didn’t let that moment stop us. As we were searching multiple ways to do a cross country road trip where we all could be in one vehicle. A few promising ideas were being tossed around, but nothing worked out quite as we intended. Then someone else caught wind of our dream and proposed the best idea. That someone was my Uncle Bob. He somehow convinced his business partner to let a group of college kids borrow his RV. Suddenly, we upgraded from a could have been considered beaten-up 1989 Toyota Camry on wheels to something that felt like a brand new Mercedes. It was a complete game changer.
The ten of us embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, driving from coast to coast and back again. The stories we made, national parks we hiked, Vegas highs but mostly gambling lows, unexpected detours, and unbreakable friendships. The memories remain etched in our hearts.
That phrase, though: "Sold on the dream." It became our mantra. It wasn’t just about a road trip; it was about believing in something bigger than yourself, something worth chasing. Even when the road gets bumpy.
Now, every time we say it, we smile, because dreams, after all, are what keep the wheels turning.
How Sold On The Dream relates to Palm.
When we started Palm, there were plenty of doubters. People would say, “It’s just a golf glove,” or “If it’s such a good idea, wouldn’t Nike already be doing it?” Versions of those statements came at us from close friends, family members, and even people we admired. But for me, none of that mattered. I was sold on the dream—sold on the idea of building something completely different, something that had never been seen before in the golf space.
Palm wasn’t just about making products; it was about creating a brand that reflected a lifestyle, an attitude, and a vision. We wanted to stand out, to push boundaries, and to bring a fresh perspective to a sport that had long been defined by tradition. Being sold on the dream meant seeing past the naysayers and believing in the potential to disrupt and innovate. And here’s the thing: if you’re not fully sold on your own dream, how can you expect anyone else to be?
Keep Dreaming,
Dustin Ghaul
Co-Founder
If you’re interested in getting a hat then send me an email at dustin@palmgolfco.com.
