Racquets Biz Podcast

In this episode of Racquets Biz, host Dominique Lemperle sits down with Martina Kochli, a former D1 tennis athlete turned top 15-ranked pickleball pro and now director of national partnerships and sponsorships for Dill Dinkers, one of the fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise groups in the United States.Martina shares a comprehensive inside look at the business behind modern pickleball, including:What life is really like for today’s professional pickleball players — and why most still coach, teach, or run businesses to make it sustainableThe economic model behind profitable indoor facility development, including conservative lease strategy and court utilization benchmarksWhy Dill Dinkers plans strategic placement of 20–30 minute–spaced franchise facilities in Tampa and LakelandThe rise of coaching travel businesses (70+ Pickleball Getaways trips) and instructional tech like Pickleball 360How equipment technology is changing the speed and strategy of the gameThe industry shift from Director of Tennis to Director of Racquets in major clubs nationwideMartina’s approach to balancing career expansion, multi-sport facility visioning, family, and continued involvement on courtIf you're in racquet sports management, facility development, or coaching and you want to stay ahead of where the sport is going—not where it’s been—subscribe to Racquets Biz now. New episodes drop monthly with insights from top operators and innovators shaping the industry.

Today’s guest is Mark McMahon, Founder and President of McMahon Careers. With more than 40 years in racquet sports—as a world-class competitor, tennis pro, director, USTA executive, and now industry-leading search consultant—Mark breaks down what’s truly driving the explosive growth of padel and pickleball, the essentials of community-building, and the business fundamentals every modern racquet sports director must master.Mark shares the evolution of his career from Melbourne to Boca Raton, his role in launching USTA’s national consulting initiative, and the story behind his highly respected Certified Racquet Sports Executive (CRSE) program. He also speaks directly to facility owners, directors, and first-time operators about avoiding burnout, hiring with clarity, and building sustainable club cultures.A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of racquet sports.Key TakeawaysWhy community matters more than the sport itselfThe truth about whether padel is a fad or the “next golf”What new facility owners misunderstand about business planning and budgetingWhy mindset—not just skill set—defines great racquet leadersHow to compete with other leisure activities by creating “the third place”The biggest misconceptions GMs have when hiring directorsWhat CRSE grads gain: strategic planning, budgeting, HR, leadership, and moreMemorable Quote“The court sizes never change. It’s what happens in and around the courts that really makes the difference.” — Mark McMahonIf you enjoyed this episode, follow Racquets Biz on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a rating, and share it with another racquet sports professional who would benefit from Mark’s insights.

Patrick Chucri joins host Dominique Lemperle to unpack the rapid growth of pickleball in Dubai and across the Middle East. Patrick, former pro tennis player and founder of Pickler, shares how he transitioned from media investment to launching the region’s first dedicated pickleball club.In this episode, they discuss:Why he pivoted from touch tennis to pickleball after only two weeksHow he built a thriving club in Dubai despite paddle’s dominanceWhat drives 2,200+ app users and 110 daily walk-ins at PicklerWhy community, coaching, and tech are essential to club successExpansion plans across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyondWhat investors need to consider before entering the sportThe future of pickleball – Olympic visibility, university scholarships, and facility innovationFollow Patrick on LinkedIn to explore collaboration or investment opportunities.Subscribe to Racquets Biz on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for weekly episodes exploring the business behind racket sports.

Pickleball is exploding. Padel is redefining racquet sports. Tennis is reinventing itself to stay relevant.But with rapid growth comes growing pains… conflicting rules, frustrated members, inconsistent player experiences.In this episode, Dominique speaks with Cassandra Toroian, CEO of Ruely.ai, a groundbreaking platform that uses AI to deliver instant, sport-specific rule clarification and enhanced gameplay support across tennis, padel, pickleball, golf, and more.Together, they unpack how:AI is helping clubs eliminate disputes and build stronger community cultureLeadership decisions on court allocation and programming must be data-backedPlayers and spectators adopt racquet sports faster when they're less intimidatedMulti-sport clubs can use technology to scale, differentiate, and retain membersThe rise of pickleball and padel is reshaping tennis-focused facilities globallyWhether you’re a club owner, racquet sport executive, coach, or investor, this conversation delivers strategic insight into racquets, leadership, AI, and the future of facility operations.Subscribe to stay ahead of industry shifts.

In this episode of Racquets Biz, host Dominique Lemperle sits down with Barry Falcon, Chief of Franchise Development at Conquer Padel Club. Barry brings more than twenty five years of experience in franchising and has built and sold multiple franchise businesses. He explains why Padel is poised to become the next major racket sport in the United States, how the sport compares to pickleball, and why the timing for investors could not be better.Barry shares his journey from New York to Los Angeles and finally to Atlanta, along with the sports that shaped his life. He describes the moment he recognized Padel’s explosive global growth and decided to partner with Conquer Padel. With a fully developed 400 page operations playbook, a strong executive team, and a growing pipeline of franchise territories, Conquer Padel is positioning itself as the leading Padel franchise brand in the country.Listeners will learn what makes a great franchisee, the red flags that keep candidates out of the system, and the operational decisions that help new clubs flourish. Barry explains staffing models, community building, member engagement, and why local market adaptation is essential. He also highlights the biggest mistakes emerging franchisors make and how to avoid them.Whether you are an investor, operator, or someone following the Padel boom, this conversation is packed with clear guidance on what it takes to build a profitable franchise in a fast growing sport.

In this episode, Dominique sits down with longtime friend and former pro tour competitor Justin Romero to explore what it takes to run the largest pickleball facility in the world. From managing 85 staff members and 65 courts to partnering with Collier County and rebranding one of the sport’s most iconic venues, Justin shares his blueprint for building community and sustainable growth in the booming world of pickleball.He reveals how creative leadership, smart membership models, and consistent presence on the courts can transform a public facility into a thriving, world-class operation.What You’ll Learn:How Justin transitioned from tennis director at Ocean Reef Club to leading the National Pickleball CenterThe key differences between managing private clubs and public facilitiesCreative ways to balance brand integrity with sponsorship requestsWhy visibility, approachability, and small daily gestures create lasting member loyaltyHow to structure memberships, lessons, and retail for long-term revenue growthThe strategy behind new programs like the Battle of the Clubs and the US Open Pickleball Academy for juniorsJustin’s advice for tennis pros, club managers, and investors entering the pickleball industryMemorable Quote:“If you do the membership right, the money follows. We’re in the people-pleasing business — and that starts with showing up.” — Justin RomeroSubscribe to never miss an episode of Racquets Biz — where data meets the future of racquet sports.

How do you build a profitable, design-driven Padel brand that thrives across multiple U.S. cities? In this episode, host Dominique Lemperle sits down with Santiago Gómez, CEO and founder of Padel Haus, to uncover the mindset, strategy, and metrics behind one of America’s fastest-growing Padel networks.From a six-year career at UBS Investment Bank to co-founding Cosme—now ranked the No. 1 restaurant in the U.S.—Santiago has applied his deep background in finance and hospitality to transform how Americans experience Padel. With clubs in New York, Nashville, and Atlanta, and more on the way, he shares the financial discipline and design philosophy that make Padel Haus stand out in a rapidly expanding industry.In This EpisodeSantiago’s path from UBS Investment Bank to launching Padel HausThe strategy behind expanding from New York to Nashville and AtlantaHow $18M in funding is fueling their next growth phaseThe metrics that guide daily decisions and club performanceWhy lease terms and amenities determine long-term successLessons from scaling multiple clubs while preserving cultureReal advice for investors and new facility owners entering the Padel spaceKey Quote:“The most important day in a club’s life is the day you sign the lease. That single decision determines how long you survive.” — Santiago GómezAbout Padel Haus: Founded in 2021, Padel Haus is redefining racket clubs for a new generation—where design, sport, and community converge. With six clubs open and a goal of fifteen by 2028, Padel Haus is expanding across major U.S. cities including Dallas, Denver, and Los Angeles.Connect with Santiago: 🌐 https://padel.haus 📸 @padel.haus

In this episode of Rackets Biz, host Dominique Lemperle sits down with Patricio Misitrano, CEO of Racket Social and Misitrano Consulting, to break down the economic reality behind the exploding U.S. padel market. From startup costs and ROI to building community and leveraging data, this episode gives investors, operators, and enthusiasts a clear roadmap to sustainable success in the racquet sports industry.Patricio shares insights from his 2025 Q2 Padel Industry Report and years of experience building clubs across the U.S., Argentina, and Europe. Learn why indoor facilities are outperforming outdoor ones, how pickleball acts as a gateway sport, and what metrics really matter when planning your next club.Key Topics Covered:🇺🇸 U.S. Padel Growth: How 850+ courts are reshaping the market💰 Real Estate & ROI: Buildout costs and pricing by region🏗️ Facility Strategy: Why indoor clubs win on stability and revenue📊 Data & Analytics: Using AI tools to optimize scheduling and retention🍸 Revenue Streams: From memberships to food, beverage, and events🤝 Community Building: How to turn casual players into lifelong members🚀 Future Forecast: The next big trend in racquet sports by 2026

In this episode of Racquets Biz, host Dominique Lemperle sits down with Andi Neugarten, CEO and founder of 6lovesports, the fastest-growing women’s padel community in the United States. A lifelong athlete, Ironman finisher, and former tennis player from South Africa, Andi shares how she transformed a personal frustration—struggling to find women to play with—into a nationwide movement connecting and empowering thousands of female players.You’ll hear:The story behind 6lovesports and how it’s reshaping women’s padel in the U.S.Why Miami has become a powerhouse for women’s padel growthHow Andi is expanding 6lovesports nationally and internationallyThe balance between competition, community, and personal growthAdvice for entrepreneurs entering the booming padel industryAndi’s passion for connection and empowerment shines through every part of her story. Whether you’re a club operator, investor, or player, this episode offers a powerful look at the community-driven future of padel.

Dominique sits down with Katherine Lynch — a former U.S. Navy officer, Harvard squash champion, and now founder of Vamos Racquets, a new kind of wellness and racket club in New Jersey. Katherine shares how her years in the military shaped her leadership style, why she believes community is the heartbeat of every great club, and how she’s redefining what “whimsy” means in the world of racket sports.You’ll hear stories from her time navigating destroyers in Southeast Asia, lessons from serving as the right hand to a three-star admiral, and how those same principles — discipline, ownership, and empathy — now guide her entrepreneurial journey.Key Topics:Leadership lessons from the Navy that translate to businessThe power of community in sustaining new racket clubsWhy “whimsy” matters in building inclusive spacesHow to balance work, family, and personal purposeThe growing intersection of pickleball, paddle, and wellnessMemorable Quotes:“If you expect your team to show up at 5:30 a.m., you better be there too.” “It’s not about how fancy your club is — it’s how you make people feel when they walk in.”Connect with Katherine:Instagram: @vamosRacquets