PennWest Clarion SBDC Client Success Story
Swinging for Success

With a dream of combining tradition with technology, two friends, Dave Zawatski and Timothy Johnson, set out with a bold vision: to create a top-notch golf simulator business that would transform how golfers practice and play. Despite coming from diverse professional backgrounds, the friends shared a common love for the game of golf. That shared passion became the driving force behind their venture, The Crow’s Nest.

Located in the heart of downtown Ridgway, the team purchased an old building bursting with potential but in need of major renovations. They officially formed an LLC and set their sights on revitalizing the space into a modern, welcoming environment for golf enthusiasts. However, turning their vision into reality wasn’t without challenges. From unexpected renovation hurdles to navigating the complexities of securing financing, the group encountered more than a few roadblocks along the way. At times, the future of the project felt uncertain.

“We thank you for your help. We look forward to working with your team in the future.”

After several months of hard work, the team finally began to see progress. With the renovations nearing completion, they were ready to shift focus to launching the business—but they weren’t sure what steps to take next. Lacking prior experience in running a business, they turned to the PennWest Clarion Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance. It was there that they with the team who helped them map out a clear path forward. The SBDC worked closely with the team, providing insight on business operations, tax assistance, and how to navigate the complexities of launching a new venture.

The Crow’s Nest officially opened with one state-of-the-art golf simulator—and demand quickly proved that more was needed. In response to growing interest from the community, the team has already added a second simulator, allowing them to better serve local golfers and expand their services.

Looking ahead, David and Tim are poised for even more growth. They envision the business becoming a multi-purpose venue, offering space for company meetings, private parties, and other community events. With their continued passion and commitment—and ongoing support from the SBDC—they’re poised to make a lasting impact in Ridgway and beyond.

This is just the beginning for a team whose shared love of golf is inspiring others to come together, play, and connect—all year round.