The Pathway Forward

I have always been a believer in people. In the worst of times and the best, our people determine the heights of our success. Members worldwide look toward our staff to welcome them home and in doing so, creating lifelong memories. It is through these comforts that memberships continue to thrive across generations. The most outstanding leaders gain knowledge through experience. Failure, persistence, passion, dedication, and unwavering conviction lay the foundation for success.?

?Unfortunately, leaders of today are few and far between. The tennis industry will lose up to 30% of its professionals in the next five years. This comes at a time when racquets is seeing unprecedented growth and is expected to continue increasing participation at record levels. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in our leaders now. If we don’t invest in our leaders, they cant invest in their people and if we don’t invest in our people there will be no leaders of tomorrow. The need to invest in racquets has never been more urgent.?

?Boards are often quick to create master plans. These plans target facility upgrades and expansions across a period of time. The goal is always to enhance the member experience. Yet, how often do we create a master plan for our leaders? Do we ever? How often do we give our leaders the tools and support to create a master plan for their teams? Professionals need a path forward. The three reasons clubs lose great leaders are compensation, culture, and lack of continuing education. In the same way we plan for facilities, we must prepare for our people. Your staff is worth more than any facility.?

?A true leader has an insatiable appetite for growth. On average, directors have grown from one racquet offering to three. In some positions, it has even jumped to five: tennis, paddle, pickleball, squash, and padel. This professional development directly correlates to increased participation, revenue, and membership growth. It should also mean increases in compensation, education, and team growth. An investment now always creates a positive return later. We invest for the future. It is essential to understand that your people are your future.?

Professionals need to grow into leaders both on and off the court. It is equally as crucial for General Managers to understand the needs, demands, and opportunities racquets provides. Managers cannot depend on search firms to fill in the blanks. The stakes are too high, and the ripple effect is too significant. Success requires partnership and a commitment to do better and to be better– together.?

Participation in tennis in the United States has hit a record high. Pickleball is underreported at 6.2 million players and is expected to surpass 30 million in the next five years. In 2021 we saw 1.5 million players try tennis for the first time because of pickleball. The most important statistic is that, on average, there is a 30% crossover rate between sports when a club has a successful total racquets program. That means if 100 people are playing pickleball on average, 30 will try tennis. Of that 30%, half will continue with racquets. The clubs with true racquets professionals have a crossover rate of over 54%. That is game-changing. At Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas, we grew our racquets program by over 50% in one year by investing in our people who, in return, invested in our membership!

?The Professional Sports Registry is the largest educational body in the world for racquet sports. The United States Professional Tennis Association is another successful option for professionals to network, learn and grow. However, The Directors Club of America offers the most effective platform and community for General Managers and Racquets Professionals to learn together. The future of education is allowing professionals to be better and grow further together. It doesn't matter what you choose. What matters is taking the first step toward growth.?

?The future of Racquets continues to be plagued with obstacles, but these barriers are nothing more than growing pains. True leaders will continue to adapt and rise to the occasion. Racquets offers limitless opportunities comprehensively to all membership tiers. Racquet sports are one of the only activities that can be shared by the whole family, often bringing them together.?

?The future for racquets has never been brighter, but our tomorrow depends on our actions today. What we choose to do now will be the foundation on which everything is built. I challenge everyone to help their people grow, take care of their families, and be happy for them, even when it is time to say goodbye. By doing these things, you will not only affect positive change and culture within your club but also help change the industry for the better. The future depends on your people. The future depends on you! Good Luck.