Goodbounce Pickleball is committed to not only growing a successful business but also fostering a vibrant local community. The driving force behind the brand is John Fodder, whose diverse career path reflects his passion for both fitness and service. Before becoming the owner of Goodbounce Pickleball, John spent 12 years piloting jets in the Navy. He then transitioned to working in a startup that designed and built control centers for NASA. After a few years, John ventured into business ownership, eventually teaming up with his brother-in-law to explore startup opportunities. It was around a year before the pandemic that they discovered the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.
Founded in early 2023, Goodbounce Pickleball now has locations in Louisville, KY, and Clarksville, IN. The Louisville facility offers six outdoor courts, a volleyball area, free space, and a sports bar. As part of its mission to serve the community, Goodbounce hosts a wide range of events for both individuals and businesses. “Corporate events and youth leagues help bring people in, which raises awareness and drives repeat visits,” John explains. One of the club’s key focuses is engaging local youth.
Youth Development Programs
Goodbounce Pickleball has created a variety of youth programs, including middle and high school summer camps, as well as year-round leagues. “Many kids drop out of sports around 7th or 8th grade as competition intensifies,” John observes. “What I love about pickleball is that it’s accessible to anyone, regardless of skill level.” The sport’s appeal to younger players is growing, and Goodbounce aims to capitalize on this trend. The club currently partners with five local schools for after-school programs and has developed strong relationships with private institutions. Now, John is focusing on expanding to public schools, where the need for after-school programs is greatest.
Overcoming Awareness Challenges
One of the club’s biggest challenges is raising awareness. “We have an awareness problem,” John admits. “There are 10,000 cars that pass by here every day, and most people don’t even know who we are.” To address this, Goodbounce hosts a variety of events and works to build connections with families through its after-school programs. The club also benefits from an experienced staff, including instructors Mari Humburg and Greg Daubard, who bring years of professional teaching and high-level playing experience to the team.
A Progressive Business Model: The Sports Bar
Another key aspect of Goodbounce’s success is its sports bar, which contributes to the club’s revenue and enhances the overall experience for members. When the club was first starting, John researched how food and beverage offerings could complement a pickleball venue. In June of this year, he attended the World Pickleball Convention in Las Vegas, where industry leaders shared insights on the latest trends. At the convention, John identified three main revenue models for clubs with food and beverage offerings, each catering to different types of clientele and business goals.
- Cuisine-Focused Model: In this model, food and beverages are the primary revenue source, and pickleball serves more as a secondary attraction. This approach is designed for venues that want to create a social gathering spot where the dining experience takes center stage. Clubs operating under this model focus heavily on offering high-quality food and drink options—such as craft cocktails, gourmet meals, and specialty coffee—and may not place as much emphasis on the number of courts or playing time. The idea is to draw in customers who may not necessarily be interested in playing pickleball but are attracted to the atmosphere, food offerings, and overall experience. While pickleball is still part of the equation, it’s an additional activity for those who are already enjoying the restaurant-like ambiance. “If your primary focus is to create a vibrant social scene around food, pickleball can be an excellent complement but not the central draw,” John explains.
- All-Inclusive Membership: This model combines unlimited pickleball access with food and beverages included in the membership fee. It’s particularly appealing for those who want a seamless experience without worrying about additional costs every time they visit. Members pay a flat rate, which covers their court time as well as meals, drinks, and snacks while at the facility. This model works well for pickleball enthusiasts who play regularly and want the convenience of grabbing a bite or a drink after a match without the hassle of paying separately. It also encourages longer stays and repeat visits, as members are more likely to stay for multiple games and socialize, knowing that everything is included. “It’s a great way to keep players on-site, increase their engagement, and create a community atmosphere where people stick around after their games,” says John. This model is perfect for creating a loyal customer base of frequent players and social members.
- Customizable Membership: This is the model that Goodbounce Pickleball adopted. It offers a low monthly membership fee with a variety of add-ons that allow members to customize their experience based on their preferences. For a base rate, members get access to the courts, and then they can choose to add on different perks, such as food and beverage packages, priority court bookings, or discounted event tickets. This flexible model allows members to pay for what they actually use, without the upfront cost of an all-inclusive plan. It also attracts a wide range of customers—those who may not play pickleball as often but still want to enjoy the social aspects of the club, as well as frequent players who might want more amenities, such as healthy meal options or premium beverages.
John believes that the customizable approach provides more flexibility for people with different lifestyles and playing habits. “Some members want to play as much as possible and also enjoy a nice meal after their games, while others just want the basic access without extra costs. By giving them the option to choose, we cater to a broader audience and allow them to tailor the experience to their needs.” This model has proven to be particularly popular among people who are balancing pickleball with busy schedules or who want to keep their memberships cost-effective while still enjoying some of the premium features.
