In the ever-expanding landscape of pickleball, Ace Pickleball Club stands out by focusing on what truly matters: community, accessibility and a sustainable business model designed to thrive over the long haul.
Co-founded by Jay Diederich and Joe Sexton, veterans in the franchise and recreation industry with tenures at Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Ace Pickleball Club brings a unique approach to this booming sport. With deep-rooted experience in franchising and a passion sparked during the pandemic, Diederich’s vision is transforming the pickleball experience into something inclusive, affordable and community-driven.
From Passion to Purpose: Ace Pickleball Club’s Origin Story
Diederich’s journey into pickleball began unexpectedly. While he and his wife were living in Southwest Florida during the pandemic, they found themselves drawn to the local pickleball courts, which became a daily escape and a chance to meet new people. “We fell in love with it pretty much right away,” Diederich recalled, highlighting how the game brought people together across different backgrounds and skill levels. “We met people within a few weeks we probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
As their passion grew, so did the realization of a unique business opportunity: an indoor pickleball facility that could offer year-round play without weather concerns. “My wife looked at me and said, ‘You need to move this indoors. If this existed indoors, I could play anytime,’” said Diederich.
The idea clicked, and he quickly reached out to former Sky Zone colleagues with expertise in franchising and real estate. Together, they set out to create a club model that went beyond simply offering courts — it would become a gathering space where anyone could walk in, play and feel part of a community.
Keys to Success: Community, Open Play and Long-Term Focus
At the core of Ace Pickleball Club’s success is a community-centric, “open play” model. Unlike traditional reservation-based systems, open play allows members to walk in and find a game without needing to book courts or arrange partners. This fosters organic connections among players.
“What made pickleball great was how inclusive it was,” says Diederich. “We really felt strongly that pickleball would not operate like tennis … it needs to stay community-driven.”
Ace Pickleball Club’s model is structured to support this openness, making it more social, welcoming and approachable for all skill levels.
To keep the experience consistent, Ace Pickleball Club caps its memberships, ensuring a steady flow of players without overcrowding. This all-inclusive membership approach — where balls, paddles and court access are covered by the membership fee — enhances value for members and keeps costs predictable.
“Nobody wants to pay a monthly membership and then have to wait five games in between every game they play,” said Diederich.
Diederich also credits Ace Pickleball Club’s success to its senior leadership team including chief operating officer Brianne Carter, chief development officer Vincent Barrios and others, many of whom also worked at Sky Zone prior to joining the pickleball franchise.
“Our biggest strength is our team that we have,” said Diederich. “There’s so much trust because we’ve worked together for so many years and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve all been through a startup before in a fast-paced growth industry.”
Avoiding the “Gold Rush” Mindset: A Long-Term Vision
In an industry where new pickleball facilities are popping up rapidly, Diederich’s vision is refreshingly cautious. He describes an almost “gold rush” mentality among developers eager to capitalize on pickleball’s growth.
“People just need to be OK to slow down,” said Diederich. “There’s too much focus on the dollars and cents that can be made now, versus looking at how to build this sustainably.”
For Ace Pickleball Club, this means carefully selecting franchisees who align with their mission of creating quality, community-focused experiences, rather than pursuing quick returns. “If you’re looking for a super fast payback and want to squeeze the location for everything you can, that’s not us,” said Diederich.
Ace Pickleball’s franchise model was built with a “smart growth” strategy. By assembling an internal team for real estate, design, project management and training, they control quality and ensure consistency across all locations.
Diederich stressed the importance of close, hands-on support for franchisees. “Everything we do is built internally,” he said. “When you join with us, someone is glued to your hip, driving the process the entire way.”
A Brand for the Long Haul
Diederich’s approach is as forward-thinking as it is community-oriented. Recognizing the need for more high-quality courts, he believes that focusing on the long-term infrastructure for the sport will keep the game accessible and engaging for future generations. He emphasized creating optimal playing experiences, from court layout and lighting to proper fencing, as essential for the longevity of both Ace Pickleball Club and the sport itself.
“We’re not building for right now,” said Diederich. “We’re building for five and 10 years from now.”
With seven locations already open and 16 more under construction, Ace Pickleball Club’s growth trajectory speaks to the strength of its model. By valuing community, quality and responsible growth, the brand is setting a new standard for an accessible, inclusive and sustainable home for players of all backgrounds and skill levels.
