Why Facility Growth Breaks Operations (And How to Fix It for Your Padel, Pickleball or Multi-Sport Club)
Welcome to the world of racket sports and facility growth! This week we sat down with Mike Knowles, Head of Growth at Facility Ally, to talk about his path from CMO of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) to driving growth in the racket sports industry, backed by major agency and client-side experience and his […]
Why Pickleball Clubs Fail (And How to Fix Yours) with Courtney Jenkins
Welcome to the Facility Playbook! This week we sat down with Courtney Jenkins, co-founder and operator of Armory Pickleball in the Pacific Northwest, to talk about navigating the rapidly changing landscape of the sport. From taking over failing clubs to building a robust volunteer staff, this episode explores the nuances of planning and executing strategies […]
Stop Treating Your Website Like a Brochure (And Start Treating It Like a Sales Engine)
The biggest mistake I see facility operators make with their digital presence is treating their website like an architect’s portfolio. They build gorgeous, high-resolution digital brochures focused entirely on how the building looks, and they completely ignore the customer’s actual journey. Here is the hard truth: if a player has to click more than twice […]
Unlocking your facility’s success with hiring, operations, marketing and more
In this episode of The Sweet Spot, the official podcast of the International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities, host Josh Kerns sits down with Luke Wade, founder of Facility Ally in Kansas City. Facility operations are about much more than court reservations, programming, software, marketing, or community building in isolation. The real challenge is pulling all of those pieces together […]
Renovating Your Sports Facility
Welcome to the world of Parks and Rec! This week we sat down with staff from the award-winning Johnson Country Parks and Recreation Department to talk about one of their recently renovated indoor facility, Okun Fieldhouse. From storage challenges to flooring choices, this episode explores the nuances of planning and executing changes made to preserve and improve this community pillar. Discover the insights shared by the facility managers and gain a deeper understanding of the strategies employed to navigate the ever-changing world of community sports.
{% module_block module “widget_554c2e9f-d64c-4381-9ab2-7a56dfe6d7ce” %}{% module_attribute “alignment” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”center”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “child_css” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “css” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “label” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “module_id” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}107345708729{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “schema_version” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “tag” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”module”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
Life After Sports: Networking for Athletes
The world of sports creates a familial bond that connects people far beyond the thrill of the game, but what happens after an athlete retires from their sports career? Dive into the challenges and solutions presented by Chris Smith, CEO, and founder of Athlete Network, as he shares his journey and insights. Inspired by the experiences of his own sports community, Chris was determined to create the power behind the promise “Once Family, Always Family” so often delivered at the end of a season. In this episode, discover the potential impact on facility managers looking to hire athletes and how Athlete Network’s technology is reshaping the landscape. Join us as we unravel the key themes and valuable takeaways that bridge the gap between athletes, facilities, and the ever-evolving realm of technology. For more insights on creating a healthy culture, check out our episode on Creating a Company Culture that Empowers Employees.
Pick Up, Drop In, or Open Play: Which is it?
Welcome to the heart of the action where the thrill of the game meets the pulse of community engagement. In this blog, we dive deep into the nuances of pick-up sports leagues and open-play initiatives, exploring the strategies that turn casual sports events into thriving community hubs. We hear from Mitch and Greg of KC Crew to share the good and the bad from their experiences facilitating open-play sporting spaces. From the first dribble to the final buzzer, we dissect the elements that contribute to the success of these events, offering valuable insights for facility managers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to create a community-based sports culture. For more from KC Crew, check out their episode on Running Adult Sports Leagues.
How to Generate Revenue in Your Sports Facility
In the world of sports facility management, success and stability don’t come easy. But what if you had a roadmap to profitability? Enter Chuck Stollery, Membership Director of US Indoor, an organization built to help sports programs succeed. In this episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation, sharing insights on maximizing revenue, the importance of cleanliness, customer engagement, and what the future holds for sports facilities. Join us as we uncover common pitfalls new facilities often fall into and start your business ahead of the game. For more insights from Chuck, check out his episode on Staff Recruitment, Training, and Retention.
Strategies for Winning Partnerships
Fundraising is typically a constant need when it comes to youth sports, and the right partnership can significantly reduce that stress on facility managers. Explore the dynamic realm of sponsorships in youth and amateur sports facilities, as we delve into insightful conversations with industry expert Mark Dvoroznack, co-founder of Base Sports Group. By channeling his varied experiences with landing mutually beneficial partnerships, he created an organization that seeks to secure those for other youth sports organizations. In this blog, we’ll hear about the pivotal role played by partnerships in shaping community centers, fostering growth, and creating positive impacts. Discover the nuanced strategies employed by Base Sports Group and gain valuable insights into the key elements that make these partnerships thrive. For more fundraising wisdom, check out our episode on Nonprofit Fundraisers.
Championing a Winning Culture: Wisdom from Joel Goldberg
With a career spanning over 25 years, Joel Goldberg has become a trusted voice in the world of baseball, specifically known for his deep connections with the Kansas City Royals. Beyond the glitz of victories and championships, Joel’s storytelling skills unveil the human side of the game, capturing the essence of resilience, leadership, and teamwork. His unique journey from a local sports anchor to a nationally recognized figure reflects his unwavering commitment to his craft. Joel Goldberg not only narrates the triumphs of baseball but also imparts invaluable lessons, making him a sought-after speaker, mentor, and storyteller. Explore the unique dynamics of a championship team, discover the secrets of cultivating a winning culture, and unravel the parallels between the baseball field and the business arena. Joel’s engaging anecdotes and lessons learned provide a valuable playbook for success in sports, leadership, and life. For more leadership insights, check out our episode with Pro Athlete!
