Garrett Goodkin named Retail Student of the Year

This spring, the David F. Miller Retail Center in the Warrington College of Business recognized Garrett Goodkin (BSBA ‘26) as the Retail Student of the Year, honoring a journey defined not by a traditional path, but by initiative, creativity and an ability to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Goodkin’s introduction to retail began long before he formally entered the field. During his junior year of high school, he created an Instagram account centered around his hairless cat, Bingus, which quickly gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as entertainment evolved into a business, as Goodkin began launching merchandise drops and managing collaborations with brands such as Youtooz.

At the time, he didn’t even realize he was participating in retail.

It wasn’t until taking courses with Christina Norton at UF Warrington that Goodkin recognized the scope of the industry. 

“I realized that’s what I had been doing since I was 17,” he reflected. “Retail isn’t just department stores, it’s everything.”

That realization marked a turning point. Goodkin became increasingly involved in the retail center, speaking in front of the Retail Advisory Board, attending industry events and serving as a teaching assistant for the Retail Management Seminar. Looking back, he identifies one major regret: not getting involved sooner.

“Get involved early,” he emphasized. “There are so many opportunities, and each one introduces you to people who can change your perspective and your future.”

Making opportunities, not waiting for them

Goodkin’s approach to opportunity was most evident during his experience at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Conference in New York City this January. While many students rely on structured programming such as tours and career fairs, Goodkin quickly realized that meaningful connections required a different strategy.

“The most meaningful interactions are the ones you seek out, get scrappy with it,” he explained.

Rather than waiting for opportunities, he created them. He visited company offices independently, initiated conversations with employees, walked confidently through closed doors to speak with guest speakers and even invited professionals to coffee meetings on the spot. In one instance, this initiative led to a conversation with executives at his dream company, leaving a lasting impression that could shape future opportunities.

His mindset was simple: rejection is part of the process.

“Every rejection you receive is one rejection closer to a yes,” he said.

Goodkin also noted that authenticity played a key role in building lasting relationships. Rather than relying on rehearsed elevator pitches, he focused on being candid and letting conversations develop naturally. In one instance, this led to a meaningful interaction with an industry leader over their shared interest in the punk rock scene, something unlikely to come up in a typical setting, yet it ultimately forged a genuine connection.

“There’s only one of you,” he explained. “If you put on a corporate face, you’re just going to blend in.”

Growth through uncertainty

Goodkin’s journey has also been shaped by moments of unpredictability. After a planned internship in New York City fell through, he made an unconventional decision: driving alone from Florida to California in search of new opportunities.

Once in Los Angeles, he visited more than 150 businesses with his resume in hand before securing a role in the service industry. While the experience may not have followed a traditional internship path, it became a defining period of personal and professional growth.

“It was about creating something out of nothing,” he reflected.

This pattern of resilience and adaptability has been a constant throughout his journey, from building an online business during isolation to navigating unexpected setbacks with determination.

Skills for the future of retail

As the retail industry continues to evolve rapidly, Goodkin emphasized several key qualities that students must develop to succeed:

• Adaptability: Trends can shift overnight, often driven by social media and consumer behavior.
• Curiosity: Staying informed and continuously learning provides a competitive edge.
• Consistency: Discipline and persistence are essential for long-term success.

He also highlighted the growing importance of understanding emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, noting his own pursuit of an AI certification at UF.

“You need to be aware of what’s changing,” he said. “Even if you don’t like it, you need to understand it.”

A nontraditional path, defined by connection

As graduation approaches, Goodkin is actively exploring opportunities in major markets such as New York and Los Angeles, building on the connections and experiences he has developed throughout his time at UF. While his next step is still taking shape, he has already established a strong foundation through his network, initiative and diverse experiences across the industry.

“My success comes from my networking,” he said. “It comes from the people I know and how I build those relationships.”

Goodkin’s journey serves as a reminder that success in retail, and beyond, is rarely linear. Instead, it is shaped by initiative, resilience and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

“Your life is what you make of it,” he said. “Fear is the only thing that holds you back.”

As he leaves the University of Florida, Goodkin exemplifies the impact of embracing uncertainty, taking initiative and building meaningful connections, qualities that will continue to define his path going forward.