Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball, shares insights on the sport's rapid growth and the challenges of managing the national governing body. To keep up with the sport's rapid growth, USA Pickleball has expanded from a volunteer-run organization to having 35 full-time employees. USA Pickleball aims to support overall development, including expanding its membership base, promoting the sport in schools and youth camps, and developing new membership structures. With host Rico Figliolini
Resources:
USA Pickleball Website: https://usapickleball.org/
Good Get's Dan Lawson Shares His Vision for Pickleball Apparel
Rico Figliolini interviews Dan Lawson, co-founder of Good Get Apparel Dan shares his journey of discovering pickleball during the pandemic and creating a brand tailored to players' needs. They discuss the challenges of launching an apparel brand, emphasizing details, fit, fabric, and customer feedback. They highlight strategies for selling at events and leveraging social media influencers. They also note the growth of pickleball facilities and the importance of catering to a diverse demographic.
Courting Success: The Hardemans' Journey with Dill Dinkers to Elevate Atlanta's Pickleball Scene
In the debut episode of the "PickleballGrit" podcast, hosted by Rico Figliolini, pickleball enthusiasts and entrepreneurs Daniel and Laura Hardeman discuss the growing popularity of pickleball in the Atlanta metro area. They share their journey from sports enthusiasts to regional developers of Dill Dinkers Pickleball, a company dedicated to improving pickleball facilities and community engagement.
The podcast delves into various topics, from the challenges of finding adequate court space and the advantages of cashless and streamlined playing facilities to the overall impact of pickleball on community and entrepreneurial spirit.
Daniel and Laura highlight their commitment to creating high-quality playing environments and discuss plans for expanding access and facilities to foster the sport's growth in Atlanta. The episode underscores the cultural shift towards more interactive and community-focused sports, emphasizing pickleball's role in enhancing social connectivity and active lifestyles.
