Empowering Pickleball Success,
One Business at a Time.

Mission

At Pickleball Innovators, our mission is to empower and educate pickleball business owners, arming them with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in the dynamic and fast-growing sport of pickleball. We are committed to providing valuable insights, industry expertise and practical solutions that enable operators to build, manage and grow successful pickleball ventures. Our dedication to fostering excellence within the pickleball community drives us to deliver high-quality educational content, connect industry professionals and facilitate the success of every pickleball business.

Vision

Our vision at Pickleball Innovators is to be the ultimate resource and community hub for pickleball business owners worldwide. We aspire to create a vibrant and supportive ecosystem where operators can confidently navigate the complexities of the pickleball industry. Through our comprehensive educational content, innovative solutions, and a passionate network of like-minded individuals, we aim to play a pivotal role in the sustained growth and development of pickleball businesses. We envision a future where every pickleball operator not only survives but thrives, contributing to the global growth and popularity of this beloved sport.

Contact

211 Townepark Circle, Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40243

The Pickleball Innovators Team

Rachel Chonko

Editor-in-Chief
rachel@peakemedia.com

Jordan Meek

Staff Writer
jordan@peakemedia.com

Shawn McDonald

Shawn McDonald

Publisher & Co-Founder
shawn@peakemedia.com

Rico Francis

Rico Francis

President & Co-Founder
rico@peakemedia.com

Carter Francis

National Media Consultant
carter@peakemedia.com

our advisory board

Kelli Alldredge

President
Chicken N Pickle

Ted Angelo

CEO
The Hub Pickleball

Denise Day

Owner
YMCA of the USA / Dragonfly Management Consulting

Mitch Dunn

Co-Founder
The Pickle Lodge

Richard Green

President & Co-Foundert
SPF Pickleball

Christy Howden

CEO/Co-Founder
Wolverine Pickleball & Northville Pickleball Club

Frank Lawrence

CEO
Little Rock Athletic Centers

Perry Leyden

Owner
Epic Pickleball

Anish Manrai

Assistant Director - Community Programs & Services
Columbia Association

Elliot Marcille

Founder
Bozeman Classic Pickleball Club

Mookie McDevitt

VP of Strategic Partnerships
Ace Pickleball Club

Kevin Richards

CEO
RECS

Will Richards

CEO & Founder
Dill Dinkers

Chris Sears

Owner
Indianapolis Pickleball Club

EXPLORE

the serve

The Serve Builds Community Giving into Daily Operations

Through event partnerships, volunteer opportunities and a separate family foundation, The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen has made community involvement a ...

center court tournament technology

Center Court Pickleball Builds Its Tournament Tech Around the Player Experience

Center Court looks at how tournament technology can improve the player experience during an event. Tournament days leave little room ...

2026 Pickleball Innovators Summit Takeaways

Building Better Pickleball Businesses at the 2026 Pickleball Innovators Summit

How do you turn a first-time player into a regular? Make quieter court hours profitable? Build a team that can ...

Picklr bankruptcy

The Picklr Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with Plans to Restructure

The Picklr, the franchised indoor pickleball club brand, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 10, seeking a court-supervised ...

halloween pickleball events

10 Halloween Events Pickleball Clubs Are Using to Engage Their Communities

As fall settles in and Halloween approaches, pickleball operators are building programming around the season. Themed tournaments, costume contests, and ...

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay informed! Subscribe for exclusive insights on the pickleball industry not found on our site.

Pickleball Innovators Email