Sometimes, a very long car ride can lead to your next great idea. That’s how the concept for PAR365 Golf Off Site Link came to Thomas Jackson and Mercedes McFarland Jackson.

The couple and their two children were heading home to Minnesota after visiting Ohio for the holidays in 2021. During their trip, they visited an indoor golf simulator that also featured a restaurant and bar. That long drive home to Minnesota got Thomas thinking, “What if we opened something similar in the Twin Cities?”

Today, PAR365 boasts state-of-the-art golf simulators in a casual, family-friendly, and sophisticated atmosphere. Located in Roseville, the venue also features delicious food, creative cocktails, and comfortable spaces to gather with friends, work on your swing and experience the sport in a truly unique way. The couple partnered with Sunrise Banks to turn their vision into reality.

Pandemic-Era Hobby turned Business Venture

The Jacksons didn’t become avid golfers until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As people looked for ways to get outside and active in a safe way, Thomas started to visit local courses and learn how to play. And it stuck for him. He started playing with other friends, and purchased a TopGolf membership so he could work on his technique off the course.

“Being able to spend time with friends and network, it became a really important part of his life,” says Mercedes.

Soon, Thomas began taking his two children along to courses, and they got into the sport. Mercedes eventually joined in, as well. The family also started to play at more simulators around town, which are less time-consuming than spending a whole day on a course.

Then came that fateful holiday trip to Ohio in December 2021. While on their trip, Thomas connected with the proprietor of that local golf simulator and about the business behind running one. When the Jacksons got home, they started mapping out a similar concept.

“We were looking to create a space that was bigger than just a golf space,” says Thomas. “We always envisioned including food and beverages, so we had to figure out how to put all of those elements together.”

Giving Golf a New Vibe

Thomas says the mission of PAR365, “is to make golf more approachable, more accessible and more affordable.”

That also means challenging some of the sport’s cultural norms, giving people of all ages, races and backgrounds a place to connect and play together.

“So, what does golf look like for us if you take out the PGA, take out what you see on TV, take out some of the sport’s history — how do you begin to rewrite that story and retell that narrative?” explains Thomas.

For PAR365, that means featuring a gallery with art from the nonprofit Art is My Weapon Off Site Link (a suggestion made by a customer), board games, darts stations, comfortable lounge seating, and space to mingle in between turns at the tee. And don’t forget the food and beverage options!

“We want people to come in here and see themselves in here,” adds Mercedes. “We want everyone who walks through this door to feel like this place is for them.”

Gathering Support

The Jacksons (pictured left) settled on a location in Roseville, close to New Brighton Blvd. for their flagship PAR365 location. Once they picked that spot, they worked on securing all the proper documents and licenses, including a liquor license. In fact, the Roseville City Council voted to change the city ordinance to allow a venue like PAR365 to serve liquor.

The couple also turned to Sunrise Banks for financing support, thanks to a recommendation from another bank. With Mercedes’ experience as a finance attorney with Fredrikson & Byron Off Site Link and former Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Off Site Link board member, along with Thomas’ entrepreneurial and product development experience, they had a good idea of what kind of small business support they’d need.

“Working with Thomas and Mercedes was an absolute pleasure,” says John Dooley, Vice President and Business Development Manager at Sunrise Banks. “Their backgrounds gave them a clear understanding of what they needed right from the start. Their patience and commitment stood out as they thoughtfully navigated the process to find the perfect location and lease. It was inspiring to see their dedication pay off.”

John helped set up the Jacksons with an SBA 7(a) term loan and an SBA Express line of credit. The loan helped finance both the renovation of the leased space, along with the equipment and other fixed expenses like utilities and inventory. The line of credit helps cover both ongoing and unexpected expenses.

“This approach gave them the flexibility to consolidate most of their startup costs into a single payment,” says John. “In addition, they can also prepare for costs that may not be on their radar, right now.”

Seasonal Transitions

Thomas and Mercedes say they are still finding ways to adapt their business model so it can serve guests all year. Naturally, cold weather months tend to be busier when people want to use the simulators. But business can slow down when the weather turns warmer and golfers go back to the outdoor courses.

The Jacksons have taken on that challenge by marketing PAR365 as an event space for parties, networking opportunities and company gatherings. They also offer golf lessons and golf league nights for guests of all ages and experience levels.

Long-Term Growth Potential

PAR365 celebrated its two-year anniversary this winter. The Jacksons say they are excited to build on the momentum and lessons they have learned in operating a business.

“I think we knew it was going to be difficult and challenging. I just don’t think we knew how and in what ways,” says Thomas. “That’s been part of the learning curve of trying to figure out how to continue to grow.”

Eventually, the Jacksons would like to expand their concept to other cities that have a vibrant golf culture, potentially using a franchise model. They say they’re not afraid to take some chances to see what works best.

“Growth can be inspiring, motivating and also painful,” says Mercedes.

Sharing the Story

With the rise in indoor golf simulators across the Twin Cities and around the country, Thomas and Mercedes say they know they need to share what makes PAR365 stand out to attract new guests.

“Thomas and Mercedes entered this market with a mission to make golf accessible to everyone,” says John. “Even as competition grows, they continue to stand out by remaining approachable and committed to inclusivity.”

“We truly want this to be a space where the community can come and just have a good time,” Mercedes says.

“The concept the momentum the vision that we have I think still remains very much intact,” adds Thomas. “Now, it’s about getting the word out and telling more of the story of what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and how it works.”

Ready to start or grow your small business? Learn about our SBA options at https://sunrisebanks.com/products-and-services/business-banking/lending/sba-loans/

Member FDIC