Pickleball Episodes

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tim Klitch, a former D1 tennis player, "Chief Fun Officer" and co-founder of Austin Pickle Ranch. Pete and Tim talk about everything from how pickleball skyrocketed from a niche sport to a 40-million-player phenomenon, the blend of social energy and accessibility that fuels its growth, and what it really takes to make money in this space. You'll hear how Austin Pickle Ranch's beginnings from a rooftop to a 50,000-square-foot facility, the data-d...

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Dario Miceli, the passionate founder of Padel Magazine, to explore the explosive growth and unique challenges of padel, one of the world's fastest-rising racket sports. Dario shares his career path from real estate investor to becoming the unlikely publisher of a global magazine, revealing what makes padel so addictive, how it's carving its own unconventional path in the U.S., and why the current market still feels like the Wild West. From navigat...

Excited to share highlights from this week's HALO Talks FastBreak featuring Kaitlin Miller from Court Kings. A level 5 player herself, Kaitlin and Pete dive deep into the rapid growth of pickleball and how Court Kings innovative court solutions are shaping the industry—especially for health and fitness facilities. 3 key takeaways: Booming Demand: Pickleball courts in NYC (especially at Life Time Inc.) are booked solid from open to close—sometimes with waitlists to join! If your facility hasn't...

Today, we're diving into the pickleball world (perhaps you've heard of it?) ;) with David and Sam Ring. Join host Pete Moore as we talk about the Rings' grassroots effort to open PickleballXpo, a state-of-the-art pickleball club in Oceanside, Long Island. David, a former consumer electronics executive, and his son Sam have turned a once-forgotten sports complex into a thriving pickleball venue, complete with professional court design, a smoothie bar, and more. David recently transitioned out of...

Larry Blundred found solace and a new passion through an unexpected yet heartwarming intervention by friends. In the wake of his wife's passing due to a brain tumor, Larry was navigating a tumultuous period, balancing the demands of his job and his role as a caretaker. Amidst all this, he was introduced to pickleball by two friends. Initially unfamiliar with the game and without a paddle, he quickly embraced the sport, finding both emotional refuge and camaraderie on the court. His journey into ...

Matt Slowinski, a college junior when the pandemic struck, found himself at a crossroads along with his friend Aaron Reznik. With their academic lives interrupted and traditional internships inaccessible, Matt turned to his long-standing passion for tennis as a way to fill his time. For years, he and Aaron had coached private tennis lessons during the summer break. As they sought to shape their uncertain futures, Matt's entrepreneurial nature shone through. Leveraging his skill on the court, he...

Jim Ludwig, an enthusiastic former tennis player, has been the linchpin for the pickleball community in Naples since 2010. His journey with the sport began at a small country club where he recognized the game's potential for growth, particularly among the senior demographic. Sensing the need for more space, Jim's vision led him to a nearby park, where he observed underutilized tennis courts. Taking the initiative, he proposed the idea to the county, which culminated in the transformation of a fe...

Randy Sussman is an entrepreneur who identified a gap in the market for pickleball apparel early on. Observing that players were initially wearing items like heavy cotton shirts with kitschy designs, he quickly realized the need for high-quality, stylish clothing in this growing sport. The number of players have grown exponentially to approximately 7-8 million players, with 35-40 million having tried it at least once last year. Determined to meet this demand Randy approached his friend David, a...

In a world where tennis courts are king, one man struggles against the odds. He trudges forward daily doing his best to build a pickleball empire and overcome the obstacles of a competitive market and multiple naysayers. (Admit it. . .you just read that in the "in a world" voice, right?) ;) Our job is done here! Moving on . . . In this episode, you will learn: 1. The potential for pickleball to generate significant revenue streams from multiple sources, including membership dues, tournaments,...

Lynn Cherry picked up a pickleball racquet about three years ago and, a month later, she got hooked and quickly started the Pickleball Fire podcast and website. Pickleball started back in the 60's, and is now one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. "Anyone can get on the court and play immediately! I've met so many people who've never played any other sport in their life, but they get on the court and can get started easily!" she states. We are still in the "top of the first" wh...