Episodios

  • USA Pickleball's Mike Nealy Shares Insights on the Sports Growth and the Organization's Mission

    USA Pickleball's Mike Nealy Shares Insights on the Sports Growth and the Organization's Mission
    Jul 8 2024
    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/

    Timestamp:
    00:00:00 - Pickleball's Growth and Governing Body
    00:02:46 - From Hockey to Pickleball
    00:07:12 - From Recreational to Governing Pickleball
    00:09:43 - Navigating Grassroots and Professional Pickleball Growth
    00:12:41 - Pickleball's Organizational Growth and Expansion Plans
    00:17:14 - Pickleball's Explosive Growth and Demographic Shift
    00:21:24 - Dropping Median Age in Competitive Sport
    00:22:48 - Pickleball's Recreational Popularity and Technological Challenges
    00:26:10 - Pickleball's National Tournament Qualifying System
    00:29:05 - Clarifying the Path to Nationals
    00:31:42 - Pickleball's Consolidation and Olympic Potential
    00:33:42 - Spread the Pickleball Passion
    00:36:16 - Family Pickleball
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Good Get's Dan Lawson Shares His Vision for Pickleball Apparel

    Good Get's Dan Lawson Shares His Vision for Pickleball Apparel
    May 19 2024
    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.

    Related Links:
    Good Get Pickleball: https://goodgetpickleball.com/

    Timestamp:
    00:00:00 - Good Get Apparel: The Future of Pickleball Gear
    00:01:11 - From Math to Pickleball Apparel
    00:03:25 - Designing Pickleball-Specific Apparel
    00:05:11 - Designing Performance Apparel: Prototyping and Fabric Selection
    00:07:55 - Importance of In-Person Experiences for New Apparel Brands
    00:10:43 - Balancing Comfort and Style in Activewear
    00:13:19 - Minimalist Product Inventory and Sales Channels
    00:14:29 - Expanding Retail Footprint and Pickleball Growth Across the US
    00:16:55 - Embracing the Diverse Pickleball Community: Designing for All Ages
    00:19:20 - Designing Apparel for Different Demographics
    00:21:48 - Expanding Apparel Lines with New Colors and Designs
    00:24:09 - The Rise of Pickleball Influencers and Sponsorships
    00:27:42 - Customizing Apparel for Teams and Brands
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • Courting Success: The Hardemans' Journey with Dill Dinkers to Elevate Atlanta's Pickleball Scene

    Courting Success: The Hardemans' Journey with Dill Dinkers to Elevate Atlanta's Pickleball Scene
    Apr 15 2024
    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, 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.

    Resources: Dill Dinkers Website: https://dilldinkers.com/

    Timestamp: 00:00:00 - Pickleball Passion in Atlanta
    00:01:17 - From Sports to Entrepreneurship: A Pickleball Journey
    00:04:24 - Passionate Pickleball Pioneers Bring Community
    00:07:53 - Choosing Dill Dinkers: Passion for Pickleball Community
    00:10:24 - Streamlined Cashless Tennis Experience
    00:12:10 - Ensuring Competitive and Skill-Based Pickleball Gameplay
    00:15:19 - The Need for Dedicated Pickleball Facilities
    00:17:56 - Challenges of Reserving Pickleball Courts
    00:20:47 - Repurposing Spaces for Pickleball Facilities
    00:23:09 - Balancing Retail Spaces and Community Engagement
    00:27:36 - Inspiring Community Engagement through Pickleball
    00:29:24 - Embracing the Southern Community Spirit through Pickleball
    00:33:51 - Pickleball Entrepreneurship and Community Building
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    36 m