ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JEROME M. AUSTRY
Jerome Michael “Jerry” Austry was born and raised in the inner city of Chicago, Illinois. He attended Harrison High School, where he excelled in football, baseball and Track. Following high school, he earned a baseball scholarship to Western Michigan University. During his time at WMU, the baseball team qualified for two College World Series tournaments, and in his senior year, Jerry was elected team captain. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and went on to build a distinguished career in manufacturing and executive leadership. Austry later became President of the Ben Hogan Golf Company, where he played a key role during one of the most transformative periods in the company’s history. A lifelong student of leadership, innovation, and competitive business strategy, he brings a rare insider’s perspective to the story of one of golf’s most iconic brands. His firsthand experience working alongside the legendary Ben Hogan provides an authentic and compelling lens through which he chronicles the rise. Challenges, and legacy of the company. Drawing on decades of executive experience, from helping guide a company through the pressures of corporate raiders to co-developing the first forged cavity-back iron in golf history, Austry delivers a narrative that resonates with golf enthusiasts, business professionals, and sports history fans alike.
THE HOGAN EDGE
This book is not only a standard sports memoir, but it's an exceptional case study. Austry walks readers through the chaotic aftermath of the AMF Co-operation corporate raid and details the brilliant management restructuring required to keep the company afloat.
His marketing pivot, bringing an isolated Ben Hogan back into the spotlight with the legendary ad campaign at the Riviera Country Club, is a master class in leveraging heritage brand equity. It shows that corporate turn around isn't just about spreadsheets; it's about understanding the soul of your product.
What makes The Hogan Edge particularly interesting is that it is not just a book about golf. It is also a story about business, innovation, and the challenges that come with growth and change. Readers gain insight into how successful companies are built, how they respond to setbacks, and how quickly success can be threatened when key values are overlooked.Well-researched and informative, The Hogan Edge offers a fascinating look at the history of the Ben Hogan Company while providing valuable lessons for anyone interested in business, leadership, or sports history. It is a compelling read that shows both the rewards of innovation and the consequences of losing sight of what made a company successful in the first place.