GAME, SET, WIN: WELCOME TO THE BUSINESS OF PICKLEBALL

Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two players or four players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball with paddles over net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction. Pickleball is played indoors and outdoors. Ace Rodrigues, Founder & CEO, Pickleball Kingdom gets into a candid chat with Parina Sood.

Kindly discuss in detail the inception, evolution & growth of your brand.

I was introduced to Pickleball by friendsand I immediately fell in love it. I recognized the existing problems with it like non-reservation of courts, bad weather affecting outdoor courts etc.  With my background, I quickly figured how to navigate throughthese obstacles and built a brand that meets the needs of this growing market.We have eliminated these obstacles with our brand. Now, we are the largest and most profitable indoor pickleball franchise entity in the world and are scaling fast. 

What are your expansion plans for the next 5 years? What kind of potential do you see in India?

We will be in every developed country in the world inside of 5 years.And I see a huge opportunity in India.  I believe that soon it will be one of our largest markets. As a country’s economy grows, it creates more discretionary income for its citizens, which leads to more free time and in turn a push to be active for health reasons.  Pickleball Kingdom will provide places good for people not just physically but socially as well, just like it did in the US and Canada.

 How many partners do you have at present and what are your expansion plans regarding them?

We currently have 150+ franchise locations in the US that are built or being built.  We are now turning to overseas, identifying key players for us in other countries. 

 What criteria do you follow to select the partners & what kind of training and support do you provide?

Franchisee / master franchisee needs to have is the right attitude. They have to see the vision of how pickleball is sweeping the globe and want to be an ambassador of our brand in their country.  After that we look for people who have had success in some area of business.  All franchisees are put through a 5 day intensive training program that equips them to handle the operations of the club.  Once their club is running, our corporate staff has regular check ins with them and provides all the resources needed for the franchisee to win.

How are you enabling technology for your brand’s growth & expansion?

We have an app and reservations can be made online via the app or our website.  Our facilities are cashless and our courts have video capture capabilities. Currently we are in talks with a major tech company to add “next level” tech that will radically enhance our members’ experience.  Technology is big in the Kingdom!