We had the pleasure of sitting down with some of the best pickleball minds in the country at PickleCon 2024 in Kansas City, including the dynamic duo from Pickleball Management Group. In this Interview, Charlie Hauser and Scott Winters talk about the problems that clubs face with a growing industry, and share insights on how clubs can thrive as successful businesses, not just sports facilities.
A successful pickleball club isn’t just about the courts and paddles. It’s also about the experience. And a big part of that experience is the front desk.
Afterall, first impressions are everything, and the front desk is the first thing that members experience when they walk through a club’s doors. Research continually shows that a good first impression of a business will lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. In fact, 72% of customers will generally tell six or more people if they are having a satisfying experience with a business.
You love pickleball. Everyone you know loves pickleball. Your community really wants/need more places to play. So why not open a pickleball facility?
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, creating exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs to open dedicated pickleball facilities. Whether you’re launching a standalone pickleball club or a multi-sport facility with additional entertainment options (or “EATertainment”), the journey involves careful planning, brand building, and operational setup. This guide will help you evaluate your options, develop a business plan, and execute on opening a thriving pickleball facility.
Eastside Paddle Club in Austin, Texas is providing a fresh approach to pickleball. Its dynamic community and intentional approach to aesthetics make the Eastside experience one of a kind. Eastside Paddle is an “exclusive community dedicated to providing the ultimate pickleball experience.” The owners at Eastside Paddle are building an exciting community around a high-quality…
Battle Creek, Michigan is the cereal capital of the world and home to the Cereal City Pickleball Club. Cereal City Pickleball is a non-profit club “dedicated to organizing and promoting pickleball in the Battle Creek area.” The founding members started the CCPC in hopes of forming a competitive pickleball community with diverse programming options like lessons, tournaments, and community outreach events. The CCPC has a mission to “enhance the health and welfare of the general public by encouraging, organizing, and promoting the development and growth of pickleball.” The folks at the CCPC are fulfilling their mission through programs like the CPCC grant program which provides pickleball equipment and instruction for various local communities.
Pictona, a world-class pickleball complex located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is creating waves at the “World’s Most Famous Beach”. In this interview, we sit down with Mark Shaw of Pictona to hear about the journey of this club’s founders, Rainer and Julie Martens, and how their love for the sport evolved into a multi-million-dollar facility. From its origins as an idea to alleviate crowded courts, Pictona has grown into a 15-acre campus with 49 courts, a 1,200-seat stadium, and various recreational amenities. Shaw shares insights into the Martens’ dedication, the challenges and triumphs of developing Pictona, and the unique position it holds within the Daytona Beach area as a top-tier pickleball venue that attracts both local members and global visitors.
