CHATTANOOGA — For 12 years, Chattanooga firefighter Paul Mason has answered calls to help others, but a handmade Christmas gift has sparked a business that reaches far beyond the firehouse.
I love Chattanooga, said Mason. “I’ve been here my whole lived here, grew up here, and I just always wanted to kind of have a sense that makes you doing something.
Through 423 Golf Customs, Mason and his wife, Morgan, create custom golf ball markers that have found their way onto courses across the country and into professional golfers’ bags.
Mason started making the markers three years ago as gifts for fellow firefighters, then expanded the hobby after they received a positive response.
Today, the couple has produced about 50,000 markers, balancing the growing business with public service jobs and raising their two sons.
After a 24-hour shift at Chattanooga Fire Station 7, Mason trades the sound of sirens for the tools and workbench in his garage workshop.
The business now supplies private golf courses in the Chattanooga area and customers throughout Tennessee and the country.
“We’re supplying all the private courses in and around the Chattanooga area. We’re throughout the state, throughout the country, Morgan Mason said.
Morgan, a nurse, helps torch, paint and hammer the markers, adding finishing touches to each piece.
Now I torch the markers. I help paint the markers, hammer edges, and just add the finishing touches for everything, Morgan said.
Their products have reached an estimated 10 to 12 professional golfers’ bags, including local golfer Steven Yeager…