Product Spotlight: The Marker Locker
Meet the Founders The Marker Locker was co-founded by three lifelong friends Austen Fitzpatrick, Scott Baron, and Steven Howell. This dedicated team of golf enthusiasts and dads recognized a common problem among golfers—constantly misplacing ball markers. The solution? A simple yet innovative product that keeps your ball markers secure and accessible, attached to the outside of your golf bag, so you know exactly where they are before and after your golf round.
The Lightbulb Moment For Austen, the idea for the Marker Locker sparked during a routine chore—laundry. Hearing his ball marker clattering around in the wash, he thought, “There has to be a better way.” The initial idea was simple: a way to store ball markers that would prevent them from getting lost in the “black hole” of a golf bag. After sharing his concept with Scott and Steve, and receiving their enthusiastic feedback, the team began to take the idea seriously.
Creating from the Ground Up With no prior experience, the team started with their Minimum Viable Product (MVP), by simply drawing their idea on a piece of paper and doing patent searches. Austen enlisted his brother, an engineer, to help with the initial 3D renderings, which eventually led to partnerships with design firms to bring the product to life. This journey was organic and challenging, but their teamwork and commitment to each other made the process smoother.
Building a Following Building an audience for a new product can be daunting, but The Marker Locker team was up for the challenge. Leveraging social media, they collaborated and engaged with influencers and ran targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Their entire team put in countless hours to ensure the brand’s growth and credibility in the golf community.
Pushing Through Challenges Like any startup, The Marker Locker faced its fair share of obstacles. The team learned to embrace setbacks, staying resilient and working towards solutions. They also made a point to celebrate milestones along the way. One standout moment was receiving their first order from a customer outside their immediate circle—a thrilling sign that their product was gaining traction.
Innovation in the Golf World The Marker Locker is unique in its functionality and fills a void in the market. It’s a simple, effective product for keeping golf ball markers organized—no more fumbling through pockets, golf bags or pouches to find a ball marker. Scott explains, “The biggest thing is its functionality; it’s something no one has seen before.” It is becoming the new collectible and gift item for all varieties of golfers.
Valuable Lessons for Aspiring Inventors The Marker Locker team has some advice for new inventors. Austen emphasizes the importance of teamwork and finding people who can balance you out. Scott suggests seeking guidance from those who have walked the path before, while Sara encourages resilience, noting that setbacks are part of the journey. Above all, the team advocates for realistic expectations—success doesn’t happen overnight. It is a marathon, not a sprint!
Looking Forward The Marker Locker team has exciting plans for the future. They are working on new product variations, licensing partnerships (i.e. acquired NCAA licensing) and limited edition drops (such as philanthropic and pro and non-pro tournament events) . They also have expanded into larger retailers like Golf Galaxy just in time for the holidays. With a solid foundation and a shared vision, The Marker Locker team is poised to keep innovating and reaching more golfers around the world.
The Marker Locker story is a testament to the power of a simple idea, teamwork, and perseverance. For aspiring inventors, it’s a reminder that every big idea starts with a small spark—and with enough passion and grit, it can turn into something extraordinary.
To learn more about The Marker Locker, visit: https://themarkerlocker.com/