Meet Matt & Sarah Vanderpool of 8 Iron Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt & Sarah Vanderpool. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Matt Vanderpool has golfed since childhood. Playing courses throughout the East Coast and Midwest, golf has always been his “therapy”. Kansas weather is notoriously unpredictable, and a regular golf season typically only spans 6 to 7 months. In his office on a cloudy October day, pining for the course, Matt had the idea for an indoor golf facility. His career in technology, as well as advanced education (BIS and MIS, plus the decade of military training), provided him the background and experience to open 8 Iron Therapy. He’s the face you’ll see most evenings and weekends at the shop, usually with a kid or two in tow. 

Sarah Vanderpool does NOT love golf, but she loves Matt. Her MBA and Project Management Professional certification help her cover down the “operations” side of the house while Matt lives out his passion with golf. A retired Major with the Army Reserves, she’s also an Executive Director with Color Street. 

Together they have four kiddos, all attending Shawnee Heights School District. None of them golf, or show any interest. 

Yet. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Learning the various city permits we needed was a bit of a challenge, and realizing the time frame associated with them had a bit of sticker shock. Outside of not being a “typical” business (meaning doing most of the work ourselves and not using a general contractor), everything else has been relatively smooth sailing. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Whether an avid golfer or novice, we want you to feel better when you leave. Come and work on your game on the virtual driving range, or play one of our 100+ golf courses to scratch that itch. 8 Iron is stress-free!! No one behind you, no one wanting to play through, and of course we’re open rain or shine. Providing golf without the physical strain of riding or walking, frustration of hunting for your ball, and adding the flexibility of starting and stopping at whatever hole in whatever time, we are here to please. Available for private events, we’re a unique opportunity for team-building exercises as well as parties. Both Veterans, we insist on integrity and honor as our cornerstones for running our business. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
While building out the business plan, Matt reached out to a number of mentors and family friends that run businesses or entrepreneurs. One in particular, Ken Scott, has been an advocate for Matt and his idea. Ken and Matt have worked together for many years at Capitol Federal and Matt gives much of his business plan’s success to the mentorship that Ken has provided. Through Grace Point church, Matt and Sarah have befriended a married couple that both run their own businesses. Kelly and Ian Robbins have been incredibly influential throughout the journey from concept to grand opening and beyond. 

Pricing:

• $35/hour (per bay, not per person)
• $40/hour for The Batters Box (Team)
• $20/hour for The Batters Box (individual athlete)
• $30 per month, Bourbon and Whiskey Club

Contact Info:

• Email: 8irontherapy@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.8irontherapy.com
• Instagram: @8irontherapy
• Facebook: @8irontherapy