Taking your club to the next level – whether you’re just starting, sustaining, or scaling your club – is exciting. But, it is not without its own set of unique challenges.
And if you go into big business decisions and significant club changes blind, you increase your risk of failure, missed opportunities, operational disruption, and wasted resources.
So, it’s important to research using industry resources – as they allow you to tap into knowledge and experience that might otherwise take years to acquire. This way, you can better anticipate market shifts, refine your business strategies, and implement innovative ideas effectively.
At CourtReserve, we want to see your club thrive. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources, including articles, books, podcasts, videos, etc., to help you launch, manage, and expand your pickleball or tennis club.
Let’s get started.
- Read
- 1. Dill Dinkers: The Power Behind Pickleball’s Fastest-Growing Franchise | Pickleball Club Magazine
- 2. The Lean Startup | Eric Reis
- 3. These Business Strategies Are Blowing Up The Indoor Pickleball Club Market | Todd Boss for Forbes
- 4. Pickleball Club Launch: Going Behind the Scenes with CourtReserve’s Founders | CourtReserve Blog
- Watch
- Listen
- Attend
Read
The following articles, books, and publications offer expert advice, real-life success stories, and practical tips from industry leaders. Whether you’re still building your club or looking to refine your operations, these resources will help you drive growth.
1. Dill Dinkers: The Power Behind Pickleball’s Fastest-Growing Franchise | Pickleball Club Magazine
If you aren’t familiar with Pickleball Club Magazine, it is a great business resource for those looking to launch or expand a racquet sports club. Each magazine issue and online article offers useful strategies, expert tips, and inspiring success stories – providing readers with actionable tips.
In their September / October 2024 issue, their cover story featured Dill Dinkers – one of the largest growing pickleball franchises in the US. This is an in-depth look at the Dill Dinkers franchise and how the founders started. As such, it is a valuable resource that provides viable ideas that you can apply to your own club.
Key takeaways
- Hire strategically for success – Hire or partner with individuals who bring diverse skills and experiences that complement your strengths and weaknesses. And, prioritize hiring essential roles like Operations, Sales personnel, and a Director of Pickleball to ensure your club is set up for operational and strategic success.
- Have a clear vision – Define a clear vision for your club and target audience. Ensure that vision is integrated into every aspect of your business, from branding to membership models and even franchise opportunities.
- Attend industry events – Go to key industry events to learn from experts and expand your network. These connections and knowledge-sharing opportunities can drive growth and innovation for your club.
Where to read: Pickleball Club Magazine publishes a digital issue six times a year. You can find the current issue as well as past issues here.
2. The Lean Startup | Eric Reis
This book is a popular business resource that introduces a methodology for developing a business and products in a more efficient and flexible way. The “lean” approach focuses on minimizing waste, testing ideas quickly, and learning from customer feedback to make sure that products and services meet real market needs.
For new entrepreneurs, this book provides a low-risk framework for launching products, while experienced business owners can use it to stay innovative and responsive to market shifts.
Tim Owens, Co-Founder of CourtReserve & Old Coast Pickleball Club, recommends The Lean Startup by Eric Reis saying,
“It was truly impactful for me. We modeled CourtReserve after principles in that book.”
Key takeaways
- Start small, learn fast – Launch with a simple version of your product (a Minimal Viable Product) and gather feedback quickly. This is feasible advice for new entrepreneurs who are tempted to perfect their product before launch.
- Use data-driven approaches – Perform in-depth data analysis and split testing to discover truths about present and future prospects. Data-driven decisions should guide your business strategy.
- Pivot or persevere – Based on customer feedback and data, you may need to change your approach. Knowing when to pivot and when to continue along your current path is a key skill for any business owner.
Where to read: There are a few different places and ways you can enjoy this book.
- Preview the first 30 pages on Google. (See link above)
- Watch a video summary of the book available on YouTube.
- Purchase a physical copy or ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online booksellers.
- Borrow from a library near you!
3. These Business Strategies Are Blowing Up The Indoor Pickleball Club Market | Todd Boss for Forbes
Todd Boss, the author of this Forbes article, spoke to 13 indoor pickleball club reps about their experience in the industry. Using their experiences and approaches, Boss compiled a list of 8 leading business strategies for indoor club owners.
This makes it a great resource for pickleball and tennis club owners as it discusses market dynamics, growth opportunities, and how to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
The Business Strategies Behind The Exploding Indoor Pickleball Club Market
— Todd Boss (@toddeboss) January 25, 2024
I interviewed the owners of more than a dozen local and national indoor clubs and chains to talk business strategy and the results are fascinating. @ForbesSports #pickleballhttps://t.co/VjD6QlntfH
Key takeaways
- Not all pre-existing spaces are suitable – Competition is high when it comes to repurposing existing spaces. So, make sure the space is ideal for your club by considering the structural layout (example: assessing the distance between dreaded columns). And, compare the price and advantages of a ground-up build.
- Choose a revenue model that reflects business goals and customer needs – Select a revenue model based on your target audience, facility use patterns, and peak time optimization – balancing memberships, drop-ins, or hybrid approaches accordingly.
- Observe local market demand when establishing food and beverage services – Base your food and beverage offerings on customer behavior. If pickleball is the primary draw, simpler options like grab-and-go or food trucks may suffice. However, if your player base is looking for a social, “eatertainment” experience, a full kitchen may be the way to go.
- Decide whether to franchise or not to franchise – Franchising offers rapid facility expansion, but requires solid infrastructure and experience. On the other hand, not franchising allows you to maintain full ownership and ensures quality control. Decide based on your growth goals, market demand, and operational readiness.
Where to read: You can read this article on Forbes’ website.
4. Pickleball Club Launch: Going Behind the Scenes with CourtReserve’s Founders | CourtReserve Blog
This CourtReserve blog post offers a behind-the-scenes look at the process of launching a pickleball club. Specifically, it deep dives into the development of Old Coast Pickleball, established by CourtReserve Co-Founders, Tim and Ashley Owens.
The post covers key milestones such as planning, facility development, and community engagement. And, it highlights practical strategies for pickleball club owners – including tips on programming, member retention, and legal considerations.
This makes it a beneficial resource for anyone looking to start a club or build one from the ground up. But, it’s also a must-read for those looking to improve their tennis or pickleball club — as it provides real-life examples and pragmatic recommendations from experienced entrepreneurs.
Key takeaways
- Create a lasting impression with a distinct brand – Branding goes beyond logos. You must create a consistent experience across all touchpoints, including socials, websites, mobile apps, locations, and so on. This enhances brand recognition, brand credibility, community loyalty, and member advocacy.
- Listen to feedback from neighboring residents when seeking zoning approval – Address resident concerns like noise, lighting, and traffic flow. Prepare a detailed proposal that outlines solutions for parking, signage, and other issues, and educate yourself on local regulations. Integrating resident feedback can also improve your chances of zoning approval.
- Keep members engaged with diverse programming – Offering a variety of activities like clinics, tournaments, and social events keeps members engaged and increases retention. Engaged members are also more likely to become brand ambassadors, promoting the club and supporting long-term growth.
- Consider local sponsorship opportunities – This strategy helps clubs generate additional revenue, enhance member experiences, and strengthen community ties. By collaborating with local businesses that share similar values, clubs can offer added services to their members. And, partnerships help boost the club’s visibility within the community – attracting more members and creating a win-win situation by promoting both your club and local businesses.
Where to read: You can read this specific post at the link above or by going directly to CourtReserve’s blog. Here, we post content designed to help club owners launch, manage, and expand operations.
We also offer ebook resources for tennis and pickleball club owners, a webinar series (called CourtReserve Spark) for feature walk-throughs, and a help center for additional product support.
Watch
Video content and webinars provide an engaging and effective way to learn from experts. Below, we’ve listed a selection of must-watch videos that provide inspiration and blueprints for success.
5. Watch This Before Opening a Pickleball Facility | Building Pickleball
Building Pickleball is both a podcast and video YouTube series. In each episode, the host – Brian Lim – interviews founders, players, and other behind-the-scenes individuals from notable pickleball brands and companies.
In this episode, Lim interviewed Pat Rolfes – Co-Founder of The HUB – a chain of successful pickleball facilities in California. They delve into the business side of launching a pickleball facility – including real estate considerations, community engagement, and balancing overhead costs.
Key takeaways
- Location is crucial – Although cheaper real estate might be available farther away from an active population, the convenience of being centrally located attracts more players and drives consistent foot traffic. Choosing a location that balances affordability with accessibility is key to ensuring long-term success.
- Build a club, not just courts – Create a community-focused environment where players feel a sense of belonging. Offering amenities such as a restaurant and lounge areas enhances the customer experience – making your club more than just a place to play. It also encourages loyalty and repeat visits – contributing to your club’s sustainability.
- Invest in quality infrastructure – Build your courts and facilities correctly from the start with proper spacing and high-quality surfaces that meet player expectations. Poorly designed or constructed courts can drive members away, whereas a well-built facility makes them more likely to return.
- Develop multiple revenue streams – Consider diversifying your income to stabilize revenue and help offset the high costs of running a club. Think beyond court bookings such as events, leagues, pro shops, and additional services like food and beverages.
Where to watch: You can watch this video resource on Building Pickleball’s YouTube channel using the link above. Or, you can listen to it in podcast form on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
6. Wolverine Pickleball / Leslie White and Christy Howden, MI | Start Up
Start Up is a local public television program presented by Detroit PBS with 12 seasons, 100 episodes, and more to come. This series follows host, Gary Bredow, as he interviews small business owners across the United States to uncover what it takes to create a business from scratch.
In this episode, Bredow sits down with Leslie White and Christy Howden, Founders of Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their business grew from converting school gymnasiums into temporary courts to establishing a successful eight-court facility. Now, they are building a massive 17,500-square-foot pickleball complex.
Their story offers inspiration and recommendations on expanding operations, fundraising, and cultivating customer loyalty.
Key takeaways
- Establishing a strong community is key – People come for the sport, but stay for the relationships they build. This social aspect not only drives participation but also fosters loyalty. Focusing on community-building activities (such as mixers, tournaments, health & wellness events, etc.) creates a solid foundation for growth.
- Adaptability and innovation drive growth – It’s important to be resourceful and flexible. Remain open to evolving your business model based on changing demands and seizing opportunities that come from unexpected challenges.
- Fundraising and community investment powers expansion – Wolverine Pickleball raised $2.5 million from their community. And their investors, primarily women, were not only motivated by financial returns, but also by the chance to support a project they believed in. So, consider engaging your community in investment opportunities, especially if your vision resonates with members.
Where to watch: You can watch Start Up episodes, including this one, on the PBS website.
7. Social Media Strategies for Tennis Providers | USTA Webinar
For those who may be unfamiliar with the USTA (United States Tennis Association), it is the governing body for tennis in the US. This organization promotes the sport at all levels and organizes major events like the US Open.
On their website, they offer a variety of content including webinars. These webinars cover everything from helping players strengthen their game to business strategies for tennis and pickleball club owners.
For example, the USTA webinar mentioned here is focused on effective social media strategies. The presenters discuss things like creative ways to stand out on socials and how to maximize your reach in the competitive online space.
Key takeaways
- Tailor your social posts and focus on authenticity – Tailoring posts to each social platform ensures higher engagement and better results. This way, you connect effectively with different demographics, boosting reach and engagement across all platforms. Additionally, authenticity is key to making social media a space for meaningful interactions rather than just promotional messages – building long-term loyalty.
- Consider paid ads for targeted reach – Investing in paid social media ads allows you to target specific demographics. This helps boost visibility to new, relevant audiences – making it essential for growing membership, driving program registrations, and promoting your club beyond your current followers.
- Maximize video content – Prioritize video content, as it drives higher engagement across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Short, captivating videos grab attention quickly – making it easier to showcase events, programs, new services, or player highlights.
Where to watch: You can watch this webinar and all other USTA webinars on their website.
Listen
Podcasts are a fantastic way to gather information while on the go.
And in the ever-evolving world of tennis and pickleball club management, staying informed is key. So, we’ve curated a list of podcasts that cover everything from financial modeling to operational success and marketing strategies.
8. The Pickleball Brief Podcast | Robert Allen and David Feldman
The Pickleball Brief is a monthly podcast for pickleball industry professionals and business owners, hosted by Robert Allen and David Feldman. Each episode covers important topics like facility design, growth strategies, and supplier sourcing – offering insights into the business side of pickleball.
Featuring expert guests, the podcast provides actionable advice for those looking to start, grow, or invest in a pickleball business. So whether you’re new to the industry or aiming to expand, this podcast delivers the tools and knowledge needed to gain a competitive edge.
There are over 15 episodes of The Pickleball Brief podcast available. For this reason, we’ve narrowed it down to two episodes that would be beneficial for pickleball and tennis club owners to listen to:
Key takeaways
- Financial planning is a must – Margins can be thin in the pickleball industry – making it essential to have a well-structured financial model that accounts for local market size, revenue streams, and costs like labor and leasing. Many club owners overlook granular financial details, which can lead to difficulties in achieving profitability.
- Plan for long-term sustainability – Many enter the racquet sports business with high expectations, but the reality of managing costs and market competition can be challenging. So, it’s important to focus on long-term sustainability by being diligent about financial planning, understanding market dynamics, and continuously evaluating your business model to stay competitive. This will help you proactively avoid pitfalls and thrive in the evolving pickleball industry.
Key takeaways
- Hire with core values in mind – Hiring based on your core values ensures that employees naturally align with your club and overall vision. This fosters a cohesive culture and long-term success. The same principle also applies to members. Attract those who resonate with the club’s values for a stronger community.
- Keep yourself accountable – Establish quarterly priorities and review them regularly to maintain focus and structure. Visionary leaders should balance their strengths by building a team with strong execution skills, ensuring discipline and accountability in day-to-day operations to drive long-term success for the club.
Where to listen: The Pickleball Brief podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podopolo. The Pickleball Brief also offers a subscription-based newsletter that covers the same types of topics as the podcast, available on their website.
9. The Tennis Business Academy Podcast | David Martins
The Tennis Business Academy Podcast, hosted by former ATP-ranked player and business consultant David Martins, provides bite-sized ideas on vital off-court skills like marketing, team leadership, coach development, and customer experience.
With over 20 years of experience in tennis and business, David shares useful tips to help clubs grow, stand out, and thrive. If your goal is to get more people playing and enjoying tennis, this podcast is an excellent resource for you.
The Tennis Business Academy Podcast includes 30 episodes; here’s the episode we recommend checking out:
Key takeaways
- Set up a solid payment and booking system – Selecting reliable club management software for managing payments and bookings streamlines operations and enhances customer experience. Avoid pen-and-paper methods and adopt digital solutions that automate processes and reduce administrative burden.
- Outsource where necessary – Trying to do everything yourself may not be the best approach. Identifying tasks that can be outsourced – such as marketing, admin, or even food and beverage services via food trucks – allows you to focus on core areas of your club while improving overall efficiency and reducing stress.
- Choose the right payment model – Selecting the right payment model (monthly, quarterly, or one-time) impacts your club’s cash flow and customer relationships. Options like direct debit vs. one-off payments affect the administrative processes, so choose one that fits your business goals and customer convenience.
Where to listen: This podcast is available directly on The Tennis Business Academy website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
10. 10 Minute MBA | Scott D. Clary
10 Minute MBA, hosted by Scott D. Clary, is a straightforward, daily podcast tailored for entrepreneurs. It focuses on general business strategies like sales tactics, customer retention, and leadership tips.
For tennis and pickleball club owners, the podcast is highly relevant – providing tips on improving business efficiency, enhancing satisfaction, and boosting revenue. Its concise format allows busy club owners to quickly learn new strategies to grow their clubs and streamline operations.
10 Minute MBA has over 250 episodes. So if you don’t know where to start, here are two episodes we think would be helpful to club owners:
Key takeaways
- Leverage competitor reviews – Regularly analyze competitors’ customer reviews to identify common complaints and popular features. Then, apply these insights to improve your club’s offerings – enhancing member experience and gaining a competitive edge.
- Monitor competitors’ pricing strategies – Routinely track competitors’ pricing changes and feature offerings to identify gaps where you can add value or adjust pricing. This allows your club to differentiate itself – offering more competitive packages or services that appeal to potential members.
Key takeaways
- Maximize profit from existing customers – Instead of focusing solely on acquiring new members, tap into your existing customer base. Engage loyal members by offering higher-value services or products. And, use their feedback to refine offerings – increasing revenue without the high cost of new customer acquisition.
- Resurrect inactive leads – Revisit leads that initially showed interest, but didn’t convert. By nurturing these prospects with targeted offers, discounts, or special events, you can re-engage potential members. This low-cost strategy helps fill classes and memberships without the expense of acquiring completely new customers.
Where to listen: 10 Minute MBA is available anywhere you can listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeartRadio, and more.
Attend
Attending industry events and conferences is extremely beneficial and valuable to new and experienced club owners. And that’s because these events are packed with useful information and provide an accelerated learning environment. So, you gain hands-on experience and discover innovative strategies to propel your club forward in just a few days.
Let’s take a look at two events designed specifically for pickleball and tennis club owners.
11. Club Mastermind | Devan Egan and Mike Egan
Club Mastermind, created by Devan and Mike Egan, is a three-day event for pickleball club owners. It is designed to help you improve operations, increase revenue, and minimize expenses through accelerated learning. It features curated training sessions, networking opportunities, and guidance from industry experts.
Attendees of Club Mastermind have found it to be a transformative experience. Co-Founder of Dill Dinkers, Will Richards shares,
“We learned a ton from Egan’s program, and also realized we were already doing a lot of things right.”
Every Club Mastermind event is different in terms of agenda and keynote speakers. But, here’s what you can generally expect at the event:
Key takeaways
- Learn from successful club owners – Learn from the proven success of leading clubs like Club Pickleball USA and Old Coast Pickleball. Discover the strategies both clubs used to scale operations, boost revenue, and enhance member engagement.
- Network and collaborate– Participants can network and connect with peers and industry leaders, fostering advantageous partnerships and collaborations.
- Engage in CourtReserve software training – Take an in-depth look at the software that helps Club Pickleball USA and 1,500+ other clubs thrive. Learn how our solution can help your club by automating processes, streamlining operations, and more.
- Receive ongoing support – Attendees will receive a monthly Club Mastermind webinar and access to a private Facebook group, ensuring long-term guidance and success beyond the event.
Where to attend: Club Mastermind is a yearly event, visit their website to find out when and where the next one will be held.
12. CourtReserve Catalyst: The Invited Tour | CourtReserve
CourtReserve Catalyst: The Invited Tour is an event designed for current CourtReserve users and those interested in learning more about club management systems.
Previously, this was a two-day event held in St. Augustine, FL. But now, CourtReserve is taking this user conference on tour across the United States. And, we’ve partnered with Invited to host this event at their premier locations nationwide.
Each stop will be an all day event, providing attendees with extensive training on maximizing the use of CourtReserve and boosting operational efficiency.
Key takeaways
- Network with CourtReserve experts and peers – This one-of-a-kind event offers you the unique opportunity to connect with our dedicated team and other users – allowing you to exchange experiences, troubleshoot challenges, discover new trends, and foster a supportive network that can help propel your business forward.
- Master CourtReserve – Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to fully leverage CourtReserve’s capabilities through in-depth training sessions.
- Get personalized guidance – Receive one-on-one training and tailored support from product experts. Unlock new features, optimize your account, and customize solutions to meet your unique business needs.
Where to attend: Check out our dedicated Catalyst page for upcoming event dates and agendas.
Take your club to the next level with CourtReserve
Operating a pickleball or tennis club can be challenging, no matter what stage you’re at. We hope these 12 resources help you grow your business by providing meaningful perspectives and actionable strategies.
In addition to these resources, CourtReserve offers a variety of educational tools tailored for pickleball and tennis club owners. Whether you’re seeking guidance through our webinars, blog posts, or events, we want you to have the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions and thrive in this competitive space.
And, if you’re looking to enhance your tennis or pickleball club further, CourtReserve offers a comprehensive club management system. Our solution is designed to help you streamline your operations, improve member experiences, and drive revenue. So, you can focus on what matters most—growing your club.
Get started with CourtReserve today and unlock the full potential of your club. Book a call below!
