Nick started mixing sports and tech at an early age. He played Basketball at the European Junior Championships and was also awarded a young Nobel prize for optical athletic movement analysis, prior to studying at Cambridge University.nnHe is a multi-award winning filmmaker and he founded, ran and sold several companies – raising funds from high profile VC firms like Google Ventures and Lockheed Martin Ventures.nnHe invents things regularly and has more than 10 patents in the fields of Camera Accessories, Augmented Reality and Sporting Goods.nnHe also plays guitar, sings, windsurfs, skis, eats granny smith apples and corrects typos in emails.nnHe started playing pickleball in 2022 and quickly identified a key problem in the sport, the fact that paddles degrade very fast. He is the CEO, Creator and Co-Founder of Reload Pickleball, the world's first high performance pickleball paddle system with a replaceable surface.
Andrew Cordova is the Racquets Director at the Maryland Club in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 30+ years in the Hospitality and Racquets industries, he is passionate about building relationships and creating exclusive experiences in the racquets world. He specializes in program creation, national and international events, and fundraising. He is dedicated to crafting the ultimate experience for his members and guests. He is a former world top 20 touring professional in doubles squash, and is a member of the Maryland State Squash Hall of Fame. Andrew has a BA from Fordham University and a MS in Recreation and Sports Management from Western Kentucky University.
Ansley Golf Club’s Athletic/ Director of Tennis, Matt Grayson, played most of his tennisncareer in Texas, but his family members are native Georgians. He is a graduate fromnBaylor University (1994) with degrees in Business Broadcasting and marketing. Whilenattending school, he played tennis as a walk on and played men’s volleyball for thenuniversity for two years as well. As a summer job, he played on the Jose Cuervo BeachnVolleyball Tour. This was a two-on-two professional beach volleyball tour in Florida.nMatt has spent his entire teaching career in the Atlanta area. He began as an assistantntennis professional at Atlanta Country Club and Atlanta Athletic Club and then moved tonLaurel Springs as the head tennis professional in 1997. In 2003, Matt joined the CountrynClub of Roswell staff as the head tennis professional and moved into the director role inn2004. In 2009, Matt restructured the club’s management and took over as the Director ofnRacquets and Athletics. As of 2012, he now coordinates the tennis, fitness, aquatic andnyouth care programs at the Ansley Golf Club in mid-town Atlanta.nMatt is certified with the United States Professional Tennis Association as an ElitenProfessional and has served on many boards and committees on the local and southernnlevels. Matt was honored as the Head Professional of the Year 1999-2002 by the GeorgianProfessional Tennis Association and as the Southern Professional of the Year by thenUSPTA in 2013. He manages the Ansley Golf Club’s annual pro-am that received thenUSPTA’s National Charity Event of the Year in 2012 and it raises over $200,000 a yearnannually for local charities. He has made presentations at the Southern and National levelnon club management and on-court strategies. Matt joined the Wilson Speakers Bureau innJanuary of 2012.
Kyle LaCroix is a renowned leader in the racquets industry with over 25 years of experience in racquet sports industry, player and coach advancement. A RSPA Master Professional, RacketPro Global Master Professional and Chief Education Officer of SETS Consulting, he has certified and mentored over 1,700 coaches worldwide, reinvesting more than $250,000 into professional education for his clients since 2022.nnA decorated industry veteran, Kyle has earned accolades such as the USPTA National Tester of the Year Award and the Florida Division Industry Excellence Award. In 2024 he was recognized by Racquet Sports Industry Magazine as the RSPA Member of The Year. He holds degrees from Ferris State University (B.S.), the University of Michigan (MBA), and Stanford University (M.Ed.), bringing unmatched expertise to the future of racquet sports education for industry professionalsnn
Dominique Lemperle was born and raised in Germany. She was recruited to play college tennis at the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduated with a master's degree in journalism and then worked as a statistician and graphics specialist in the TV industry for about 10 years, representing IBM at all 4 Grand Slams. She spent the next 10 years of her career in the club racquets industry, first as head tennis and pickleball pro at a Platinum Club, then promoted to Director of Racquets at a country club and recruited to be Director of Programming and Instruction at a corporate indoor pickleball club, called The Pickleball Club in Sarasota, FL, which went bankrupt in December of 2024.nnShe serves as on the National Pickleball Task Force for RSPA, regularly writes articles for RSI magazine and also leads a team of six pickleball coach developers for RSPA Florida.nToday she is here to tell us lessons from the trenches at the Pickleball Club and how we can learn from its failures.
Robert has worked in sports, brand building and media for over thirty-five years. His passion for sports started as a young boy with baseball and hockey. Tennis took over as his favorite sport at age twelve, and he eventually earned a scholarship to play tennis the University of Richmond. He tried his hand at playing professionally for a few years, and in 1987 started his first sports marketing company, Pinnacle Promotions with a lifelong friend (and tennis playing buddy). At Pinnacle he created and managed many sports-related events and marketing campaigns for some very big brands, and was a pioneer in helping companies take a more business-driving approach to sponsorship. In 1993, he headed to advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi Holdings (which became Cordiant Communications Group), where he co-founded marketing agency 141 Worldwide, which grew to have over $200 million in revenue in six years. After helping 141 Worldwide grow to serve clients in over fifty countries, he headed to sports and entertainment giant SFX Entertainment (now called Live Nation), where he led the executive team creating global brand sponsorship alliances with major global brands. In 2017, he co-founded SportsEdTV and is again engaged in sports and media, helping people across the world learn to be better at their favorite sports. Robert also remains active in brand consulting, recently creating a special workshop for racquet sports professionals looking to gain a edge through stronger branding.
Patricio Misitrano is the founder of Misitrano Consulting, a leading authority in padel and pickleball consulting. With over 20 years of experience as a Racquet Sports Director and Professional, Patricio is a recognized expert in the racquet sports industry. His innovative approach and deep knowledge have positioned Misitrano Consulting as a trusted advisor to clubs and organizations worldwide.nnPatricio is also the founder of The Sports Haus, an indoor club in Norwalk, featuring 5 padel courts and 4 pickleball courts. This was the first club in New England open to the public offering these sports. He is a proud member of the United States Padel Association National Teams Committee and a member of the US National Padel Team, further solidifying his commitment to the growth and development of padel in the U.S.
Squash World Champion and former World #1 for 5 years, Peter fell in love with many sports from a young age, with squash taking the lead for his pro career. Upon retiring from the pro circuit Peter started his eponymous junior squash program, developing young players into lifelong athletes through to professional players.nnAlongside his business partner and wife Jess, Nicol has opened multiple squash facilities, serving both kids and adults, with the goal of getting more people on any type of court. Nicol's model is public, accessible, with world class coaching. Nicol NYC is squash, fitness + bar; Nicol NJ is squash, pickleball, padel, bar + physical therapy. Nicol is actively expanding within the multi-sport space.nnOriginally from Scotland, Peter lives in downtown Manhattan with his wife, soccer-obsessed son, and dog. n n
Brock Orlowski is the Director of Racquet Sports at Fort Wayne Country Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Brock is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan and is a graduate of Kuyper College, holds an MBA from Indiana Tech, and a graduate certificate from the University of Florida's Director of Racquet Sports program. Brock is also one of less than 60 people who are certified Directors of Racquet Sports with the RSPA and PTR.nnBrock is RSPA certified as an elite tennis professional, padel professional and pickleball professional. He is also a Professional Pickleball Registry and RacketPro certified pickleball professional and is a certified padel professional with Padel MBA.nnPrior to being at FWCC, Brock was the Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach and Athletics Operations Manager at Indiana Tech, Assistant Coach of Women's Tennis at Huntington University, a tennis professional at Empowered Sports Club, and was the Head Girls' Tennis Coach at Blackhawk Christian High School and Head Boy's Tennis Coach at New Haven High School.nnBrock was named the 2023 RSPA Indiana Professional of the Year and currently serves on the RSPA Midwest Board. Brock is a proud member of the Directors’ Club of America and client of SETS Consulting.nnBrock is married to his wife, Abby, and they have five children.
Renato Paiva has been a pivotal force in the world of squash and youth development, serving as the Executive Director of Access Youth Academy since its inception. Over the past 19 years, Renato has led Access to remarkable achievements, establishing it as one of the premier urban squash and youth development programs in the world. Under his leadership, Access students have achieved a 100% college graduation rate, secured over $15 million in scholarships, and won 13 national squash titles. Renato was instrumental in the design and construction of a state-of-the-art education and squash facility in a federally designated Promise Zone in Southeastern San Diego, which opened in June 2021.nnA native of Brazil, Renato's passion for squash propelled him to become an internationally ranked player, competing across several countries. Before his tenure at Access, Renato honed his coaching skills at prestigious institutions, including Squash Coach at Harvard University and Head Coach at USC. His exceptional coaching abilities were recognized when he was named Development Coach of the Year by U.S. Squash in 2010 and honored as Coach of the Year by the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports in Washington, DC, in 2011.nnIn addition to his role at Access Youth Academy, Renato serves as a board member at the Panamerican Squash Federation and the PSA Foundation, where he continues to influence the sport's growth and development on a global scale. His dedication to both the sport and the holistic development of young athletes underscores his commitment to making a lasting impact in the community.
Tennis Content creator and new tennis player highlighting his journey with the sport on Youtube, while highlighting recreational tennis and showing the coolest courts around the world.
Will is an Air Force veteran and has 40 years of experience in management. After leaving the Air Force he embarked on a road to get his undergraduate education but was side-tracked into a career at Domino’s Pizza. He rose through the ranks at the company and was part of Dominos Pizza rapid growth throughout the late 80s and early 90s. He later became an area Franchisee with the company. After transitioning away from Pizza in 2000 he became involved in IT and logistics serving in various management roles until finally getting into the world of non-profits - helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment for over 14 years. After developing an interest in Pickleball, Will and his wife Denise started Dill Dinkers in March of 2022. The first location opened in Nov 2022 and has since doubled in size. Using experience from his days at Dominos Pizza with rapid growth the company will have 5 locations open within a year. Due to the success of the Dill Dinkers business model, the team decided to partner with Franchise Well and developed the current franchise concept. Since the launch of their nationwide franchise program last September, Dill Dinkers has signed 25 developers in Texas, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Connecticut, South Carolina, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania for over 400 committed locations. Dill Dinkers expects to sign 10 or more developers in 2025 and open 20-30 new clubs.
Dan Santorum is an experienced and innovative Chief Executive Officer with a proven track record in the racquets industry. Appointed as the first CEO of Racketpro in August 2024, Dan brings expertise in Association Management, Membership Management, Coaching, and Program Development. He leads the team dedicated to creating the world’s leading racquet sports coaching platform. An International Master Professional, Dan has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, earning a global reputation as a visionary, leader, and educator. He was the 2023 RSI Pickleball Executive of the Year. Before taking the helm at Racketpro, Dan spent nearly 40 years building PTR/PPR into industry leaders. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Florida.
Ed Starr is the Managing Partner of BMF, an award-winning global integrated creative marketing agency with expertise in brand strategy, experiential, digital, influencer, talent, and lifestyle PR.nnWe conceptualize and execute multi-channel programs that earn attention from key opinion leaders, engage with our clients' target audiences, and create unforgettable brand experiences with lasting impact. We do this for brands who seek to have a meaningful role in the current cultural conversation.n nLast year, with teams working around the world, BMF produced 350 programs of which 50 were in 19 countries outside the US. Each of the programs we develop are unique — the red thread is our commitment to delivering ROI by humanizing brands in unexpected and impactful ways that are made to inspire.nnEd is a massive tennis fan and has dreams of becoming a 5.0 player
Florida native Lindsey Vermillion joined the Chicken N Pickle team in 2021 as the company’s first Pickleball Partnerships Coordinator. Lindsey was a Sport Business major and Division 1 collegiate tennis player at Stetson University, and upon graduation, moved to Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL where she served as a tennis and pickleball teaching pro and later as the Racquet Club’s Assistant General Manager. nnAt Chicken N Pickle, Lindsey coordinates high-profile relationships between the company and pickleball communities, leading Chicken N Pickle-hosted initiatives with the APP NextGen and Collegiate Series, National Pickleball League, and National Junior Pickleball. She also leads relationships with the PPA tour, Major League Pickleball among other Pickleball tours, camps and companies. She has been instrumental in Chicken N Pickle’s partnership with the Special Olympics and its adaptive pickleball programs, which are now offered at all eleven of the company’s locations. nnAdditionally, Lindsey oversees and fosters relationships with Chicken N Pickle’s Sponsored Pro team and Ambassador Program, comprising more than 175 athletes from across the country.
Rich Wade is an accomplished racquet sports professional with over a decade of experience in coaching, development, and leadership. He holds a BA in Sport & Recreational Management from Leeds Beckett University in England and has earned multiple certifications, including UKCC Level 3 Squash Coach and Level 1 Racquetball Coach, US Squash Level 3 Tutor, PadelMBA Level 2, and Coach Developer certification from the Racquet Sport Professional Association (Squash).nnCurrently serving as the Director of Squash & Padel at The Philadelphia Cricket Club, Rich oversees the growth and development of these sports within the prestigious club. Previously, he held the role of Senior Director of National Teams & Coach/Officiating Certification at US Squash, where he contributed to the advancement of national teams and professional coaching standards.nnWith a deep commitment to racquet sports, Rich continues to shape the future of squash and padel, combining his expertise as a coach and leader to foster talent and elevate the sports globally.
Ian Westermann is a passionate, lifelong tennis coach with over 25 years of experience helping everyday tennis players reach their goals. A pioneer in online tennis learning, Ian launched the first ever tennis instruction podcast in 2008 (the "Essential Tennis Podcast") and began his YouTube channel in 2009 which now has over 300,000 subscribers, 90 million views, and 2,000 videos. He has dedicated his career to creating the most helpful, game transforming digital tennis instruction in the world and now has over 20,000 students in his paid, online coaching programs who play in 137 countries around the world. He’s also the author of the third best selling tennis coaching book on Amazon titled: “Essential Tennis - Improve Faster, Play Smarter, and Win More Matches”.nnAs a player, Ian attended and graduated from the Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University which works in partnership with the United States Professional Tennis Association to certify aspiring teaching professionals and other tennis industry leaders. While there, Ian walked on to the nationally ranked men’s tennis team as a sophomore and played three seasons of singles and doubles. He achieved a national doubles ranking of 14th in NCAA Division 2 competition his second year of play.nnIan lives with his wife of 20 years, Alison, outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with their 14 year old daughter and 11 year old son on a small hobby farm. The three cows, three horses, 50 chickens and 5 barn cats keep them busy, entertained and well fe
Marcos del Pilar is a very successful serial entrepreneur and businessman as well as a Padel pioneer. He is an award-winning Global Padel Consultant, renowned speaker, and Master Teaching Professional. His determination, commitment, hard work, and powerful network have made Marcos become one of the most influential and important figures in the development of Padel in the United States since 2017. His continuous successes and great advances for the sport in these 9 years have made him known as The Godfather of Padel in the United States. He has also been recognized as Top #3 of the “Top 50 Most Influential Persons in the New Padel World” by international media.nnAmong other great milestones, he is the Fmr. USPA President and key leader behind the first ever Padel World Championship in the USA (2022) and he is proud Co-founder and Fmr. CEO & Commissioner of the worldwide known PRO PADEL LEAGUE.nnHe is a key piece for some of the most important Venture Capitals and Investment Groups involved in Padel in the world and cornerstone of most of the Padel projects in the United States.nnHis extensive and renowned experience in Management, Marketing and Sales, make him one of the most valued Padel Consultants all over the globe.nn nnDel Pilar has a true vocation for coaching, and he runs one of the most important projects in Padel Education in America with more than 800 coaches certified.nnMarcos has a clear vision to build a better world through Padel and Racquet Sports. With that in mind, he left his successful business in Europe to fully dedicate himself to what is his mission in life: to grow Padel in North America while creating opportunities for others.nn nnHe definitely has a very special talent to get the world inspired around him with his beginner’s mentality, disruption, creativity, and evolved business vision.nnHe is a giver, and generosity runs through his veins. He is a true encourager, joy-spreader, speaker, team builder, and Padel business growth strategist that enjoys making people’s lives better with “the magic of Padel”.
