In this video Q&A, Ashley Owens, the co-founder of CourtReserve, shares key strategies for successfully navigating the growing landscape of pickleball clubs.
Key takeaways:
- CourtReserve’s Origin Story: Ashley Owens, a fervent tennis player and enthusiast, alongside her husband Tim Owens, initially developed tennis software as a hobby, which evolved into a comprehensive reservation system, Court Reserve. Since, the couple has also opened their own pickleball club, with another 12-court facility on the way.
- Importance of Software in Managing Facilities: The development of CourtReserve was a response to the inefficiencies observed at their local tennis club, such as lack of visibility for court reservations and programming. This highlights the importance of robust software solutions for effective management and customer satisfaction in sports facilities.
- Operational Insights from Running a Club: Having founded their own pickleball club, the Owens are gaining valuable firsthand experience of club management, which has and will further refine their software.
- Flexibility and Community Engagement: According to Ashley, the couple has learned the need for flexibility in business plans and listening to community needs is critical in operating a successful pickleball club.
- Selecting the Right Technology and Tools: Investing time in choosing and setting up the right management software is crucial, shared Ashley. This can significantly impact operational efficiency and customer experience. A good setup facilitates better data management and service delivery.
Gain more insights by watching the full Q&A above.
With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
