Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing trends in the fitness industry, with operators of all types hopping on board — from multipurpose clubs and community rec centers to pickleball-only facilities. I recently spoke with two pioneers in the space who have been successfully running pickleball centers for over three years. Here are their top tips for success: 1. Community Comes First Werner Zehnder of Pickleball Zone Bend stressed the importance of building a community before opening an indoor facility. His advice: “If you build a facility and THEN try to build a community, you’re going to struggle.” Werner rallied an outdoor club of 350 members before opening his indoor space, making the transition smoother and more successful. 2. Prioritize Experience Over Revenue Michael Grewe of Missouri Pickleball Club has taken a bold approach by limiting alcohol sales, avoiding food service, and rejecting tiered memberships. Instead, he focuses on creating an unmatched player experience, proving that you don’t have to chase every revenue stream to succeed. 3. Don’t Skimp on Quality Both operators emphasized that in a booming market, high-quality facilities are non-negotiable. Lighting, courts and equipment can make or break your club’s reputation. If you cut corners, a competitor offering a premium experience could outpace you. What do you think of this advice? What more do you want to know about this budding and explosive industry that I can explore in future stories? #pickleball #fitnessbusiness #fitnesstrends
Great insight! Hmm wouldn't it be great if there was an event for the best pickleball operators/facilitators to meet and discuss great tips like this? 🤔 I'd imagine a one-of-a-kind experience like this would happen October 7-9 2025 at a beautiful four star resort in Tucson Arizona. That would be really cool. It'd also have an awesome name like the Pickleball Innovators Summit.
As a player, I can't stress lighting enough! I am now driving a little further to play on outdoor courts that have lights instead of courts five minutes away from my house that don't. Member experience matters. 👏
Really like the approach of focusing on player experience. Creating a space that will consistently attract active players should be huge for operators!
great advice - running profitable facilities is a tough model traditionally!
Werner Zehnder has a "CrossFit box" sort of mentality! Community and the power of it is truly evident.
Great advice!
Missouri Pickleball Club story: https://pickleballinnovators.com/missouri-pickleball-club-michael-grewes-bold-stand-against-pickleballs-over-commercialization/