What happens when you combine pickleball, hospitality, entertainment, and community into one experience-driven business model?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Kelli Alldredge, President of Chicken N Pickle, to explore how one of the most recognizable names in pickleball entertainment grew from a bold idea in Kansas City into a nationally recognized hospitality brand with 13 locations across the country. Long before pickleball exploded during the pandemic, Chicken N Pickle saw the sport’s unique power to bring people together. Kelli shares the story behind the company’s early vision, how she went from customer to president, and why the organization’s real success comes not from pickleball itself, but from creating meaningful human connection through food, celebration, and shared experiences. This conversation matters for anyone leading a racquet sports business, operating a facility, or trying to build community around sport. Whether you manage a tennis club, pickleball venue, or multi-sport facility, you’ll gain valuable insight into hospitality-driven business models, experiential programming, and how to create spaces people genuinely crave returning to. What You’ll Learn: Why Chicken N Pickle views itself as a hospitality and human connection business—not just a pickleball company How “owning celebrations” became a core part of the organization’s business strategy  Why food, entertainment, and dwell time are critical to long-term facility success  How Kelli Alldredge evolved from customer to president by leading with passion and adaptability  Why inclusive programming and community impact are essential to the future of pickleball  The importance of creating experiences that make guests want to stay for hours—not just play and leave  How Chicken N Pickle balances growth, hospitality, and operational complexity across multiple locations  Why racquet sports leaders should think beyond court revenue when building sustainable businesses Resources & Mentions:Chicken N Pickle— Hospitality and entertainment brand combining pickleball, dining, and community-driven experiencesHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Kelli Alldredge — President, Chicken N PickleLearn More & Get Certified:Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]

What can racquet sports leaders learn from one of the world’s most admired service organizations?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Holly Rivera, Chick-fil-A owner-operator in Orlando, to explore how one of the most recognizable brands in customer service develops leaders, builds intentional career pathways, and creates a culture where hospitality becomes a competitive advantage. From hiring for humility and soft skills to designing structured growth plans that start on day one, Holly shares how Chick-fil-A transforms part-time employees into future leaders through clear systems, personal investment, and purpose-driven leadership. Her insights offer a unique perspective for racquet sports directors, facility managers, and business owners seeking to improve staff retention, customer experience, and leadership development within their own organizations. This conversation matters for anyone building teams, managing people, or trying to create exceptional customer experiences. Whether you lead a club, operate a facility, or manage a growing business, you’ll gain practical strategies for developing talent, retaining staff, and building a service-first culture. What You’ll Learn: Why hiring for character, humility, and soft skills often matters more than experience  How structured career pathways improve retention and long-term employee growth  Why leadership development should begin at orientation, not promotion How lateral growth opportunities can keep team members engaged without burnout  The importance of promoting employees only after they’re already demonstrating leadership readiness  How consistent retraining and coaching maintain elite service standards  Why purpose-driven leadership helps teams make better decisions than fear-based management Resources & Mentions:Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program— Competitive operator and corporate training systemHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management Simon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Holly Rivera — Chick-fil-A Owner-OperatorLearn More & Get Certified:Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]

What if the future of racquet sports leadership depends not just on understanding the game, but on knowing how to tell its story, build belief, and lead through change?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Ben Nichols, founder of Padel 22, to explore how communication, strategy, and storytelling are shaping the next chapter of racquet sports. With a background spanning Wimbledon, the Australian Open, Formula One, and global sport communications, Ben brings a wide-angle view to one of the industry’s fastest-growing conversations: how leaders should think about padel, pickleball, tennis, and the evolving racquets landscape.This conversation matters for directors, coaches, club leaders, and anyone trying to navigate growth in a changing industry. Whether you are deciding whether to add a new sport, trying to influence boards or investors, or learning how to lead a team beyond on-court expertise, this episode offers practical insight on what modern racquet sports leadership requires.What You’ll Learn: Why storytelling is no longer just a marketing skill, but a leadership skill How padel -- whether you pronounce it "pa-DEL" or "PAD-dle" -- is growing internationally and what that means for the U.S. market What directors should consider when balancing tennis, pickleball, and padel Why great coaches do not automatically become great business leaders How clubs can think more strategically about programming, pricing, and participation Why qualitative stories and quantitative data both matter when influencing decision-makers How racquet sports can create community, belonging, and long-term engagement Why the leaders who succeed next will be the ones looking ahead, not standing stillResources & Mentions:Padel 22 — Communications and storytelling consultancy focused entirely on padel Playtomic — Global racquet sports booking and technology platform Premier Padel — International professional padel tourHexagon Cup — Professional team padel competition LTA   — Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for tennis and padel in Great Britain U.S. Padel Association — National governing body supporting padel growth in the United StatesHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Ben Nichols — Founder of Padel 22Learn More & Get Certified:Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here: Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1 Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries: Contact: [email protected]

What does it take to build a successful tennis academy that not only develops players, but also develops people?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Tina Keown and Jack Glennane, directors of the Victorian Tennis Academy. Operating four venues and 24 courts just minutes from the Australian Open grounds, VTA has become one of Australia’s leading tennis organizations, earning multiple Tennis Australia awards along the way. Tina and Jack share how they’ve built a thriving multi-venue tennis business by focusing on people first. From implementing a seven-tier career pathway for coaches to shifting toward more sustainable employment models, they discuss how leadership, culture, and long-term thinking can help clubs retain great staff and deliver exceptional experiences for players. They also reflect on their own journeys from casual coaches to directors and the lessons learned while balancing leadership, operations, and growth. This conversation matters for anyone managing a tennis program, leading a racquet sports department, or trying to create a sustainable coaching workforce. Whether you run a single facility or oversee multiple locations, you’ll gain practical insight into building strong teams, empowering staff, and evolving from working in the business to leading it strategically.What You’ll Learn:Why hiring for values first helps build stronger coaching teamsHow creating a clear career pathway can turn coaching jobs into long-term professionsWhy the tennis industry often loses coaches to other industries—not competing clubsHow owner-operators can balance day-to-day operations with long-term leadershipThe importance of empowering staff with ownership and leadership opportunitiesWhy investing in professional development and education helps retain great coachesHow diverse programming—from court hire to adult leagues—creates a more sustainable business modelResources & Mentions:Victorian Tennis Academy — Multi-location tennis academy based in Melbourne, AustraliaTennis Australia  — Learn more about what Australia has to offer for the racquet sports worldHosts:Kim Bastable — UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale — USTA Leader & Facility ExecutiveGuests:Tina Keown — Director, Victorian Tennis AcademyJack Glennane — Director, Victorian Tennis AcademyLearn More & Get Certified:Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry — UF PBM Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1 Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance —  UF DORS        - Course 1 completion is required for Course 2.Discount Codes:Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry: Use code “RF25” for $25 offCourse 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]

What if the future of racquet sports growth depends less on tradition and more on designing experiences for beginners, families, and urban communities?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Anthony Evrard, Co-founder and CEO of Court 16, to explore how innovation, listening, and purposeful design are reshaping the way families enter tennis. What began in a Brooklyn industrial building with red ball courts has evolved into a multi-location, multi-generational racquet concept backed by strategic partners including Babolat and USTA Ventures.This conversation matters for anyone building programs, launching facilities, or trying to grow the game in non-traditional markets. Whether you lead a private club, public facility, or are dreaming up your own concept, you’ll come away with practical insight on carving out a niche and staying adaptable.What You’ll LearnWhy competing for families’ time, not other clubs, changes your programming strategyHow “learn here, play anywhere” creates clarity in junior pathway developmentWhy niche specialization often beats trying to serve every segmentThe power of listening and responding quickly to your communityHow engaging the entire family strengthens retention and growthWhy letting players move on can actually build long-term loyaltyWhat it means to run your business like a “living Google document”Resources & MentionsCourt 16 — Urban, family-focused tennis clubs founded in BrooklynUSTA Ventures (Court 16) — Growth-focused investment arm of USTAHosts:Kim Bastable  — UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale  — USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest:Anthony Evrard — Court 16 Co-Founder and CEO Learn More & Get CertifiedRacquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. Learn more here:Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry — UF PBM Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1 Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS 2Course 1 completion is required for course 2 Discount Codes:Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry: Use code “RF25” for $25 offCourse 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off Inquiries:Contact [email protected]

What if the most successful racquet sports leaders aren’t the most credentialed—but the most adaptable, self-aware, and committed to culture fit?In this episode, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Andrew Minnelli,  Director of Racquets at Bighorn Golf Club and Consultant with GSI Executive Search,  to explore what modern leadership, hiring, and career growth really look like in today’s racquet sports industry. Drawing from his unique dual role, Andrew shares insights from both sides of the interview table: leading a high-level club operation while helping facilities nationwide identify and place top talent. Whether you’re an aspiring director, a seasoned pro, or a club decision-maker, this conversation offers clarity on fit, balance, and building long-term success. What You’ll Learn:Why culture fit and passion often matter more than a long list of certificationsHow COVID reshaped racquet sports leadership and accelerated multi-sport oversightCommon interview mistakes candidates make—and how to avoid leading with the wrong agendaWhy a strong 90-day plan should focus on listening, not instant solutionsHow search firms help uncover a club’s true needs—and prepare candidates for successWhat “balance is earned” really means for leaders managing teams, families, and careersA mindset shift: how being the best part of someone else’s day strengthens leadership impactResources & MentionsGSI Executive Search — Executive recruiting and leadership consulting for clubsBigHorn Golf Club— Boutique, high-touch club model in Palm DesertInternational POP Tennis Association — Expanding access and innovation in racquet sports Hosts:Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest:Andrew Minnelli — Director of Racquets at BigHorn Golf Club & Consultant with GSI Executive Search Learn More & Get Certified Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What if the future of racquet sports leadership depends less on titles and more on advocacy, early identification, and building a profession people are proud to choose?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Brian Dillman, CEO of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), to unpack one of the most significant leadership transformations in the industry. Brian shares the thinking behind the transition from United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) to RSPA, and what it takes to rebrand not just a name, but a culture. This conversation matters for anyone invested in building sustainable careers, recruiting the next generation, and elevating racquet sports as a legitimate, long-term profession. What You’ll Learn Why rebranding is a cultural shift, not a cosmetic changeHow early identification can shape future leaders long before collegeWhat “advocacy” really looks like at the facility, city, and industry levelWhy racquet sports must be positioned as a profession, not a side jobHow managing up, sideways, and down strengthens leadership impactThe risks and rewards of making big decisions with collective buy-inWhy “we, not me” leadership builds trust and long-term momentumResources & Mentions Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA)Hugh O’Brien Leadership SeminarHosts:Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility ExecutiveGuest:Brian Dillman - CEO RSPA Learn More & Get CertifiedRacquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What happens when a Hall of Fame career ends and the real leadership work begins?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Gigi Fernandez, Hall of Fame tennis player, Olympic gold medalist, and founder of Tennis for Hope, to explore what leadership looks like after elite performance. Gigi shares her honest transition from individual excellence to collaborative leadership, including lessons learned running major programs like Chelsea Piers and launching a mission-driven foundation after personal loss. This conversation matters for anyone navigating the shift from being great at something to leading others with humility, purpose, and impact. What You’ll LearnWhy elite performance does not automatically translate to effective leadershipHow Tennis for Hope was born from personal adversity and community responseThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than youHow ego can limit leadership growth and what it takes to dismantle itWhy networking is a long-term leadership skill, not a transactional oneHow tennis uniquely teaches resilience, failure, and emotional regulationWhat legacy-driven leadership looks like beyond wins and titlesHosts:Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility ExecutiveGuest:Gigi Fernandez – Founder & President, Tennis for Hope; Tennis Hall of Famer & Olympic Gold MedalistLearn More & Get CertifiedRacquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What’s Really Going On with Gen Z in the Workplace?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with leadership expert and author Tim Elmore to unpack the realities of Generation Z and how they’re reshaping the workforce. Tim breaks down insights from his new book, The Future Begins with Z, explaining what makes Gen Z tick — their mix of high agency, high anxiety, and a craving for authenticity. The conversation hits work-life balance, purpose-driven motivation, four-day workweeks, and how connection is vital.What You’ll Learn:Generation Z is rapidly becoming the core of the workforce.They bring strong agency but also elevated anxiety to the job.The Peter Pan paradox captures their tension between maturity and authority.Leaders must start with belief and understanding instead of frustration.Onboarding is a make-or-break moment for Gen Z belonging.Meaningful work and work-life balance drive their decisions.Gen Z is motivated by a blend of money and mission.Entrepreneurial, flexible environments keep them engaged.Connection > control when it comes to leading younger employees.Gen Z’s preferences will heavily shape the future of work.Hosts:Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility ExecutiveGuest:Tim Elmore – Author of The Future Begins with Z, Leadership Expert, Founder of Growing LeadersLearn More & Get CertifiedRacquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What’s Driving the Explosion of Pickleball and Padel?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with industry pioneer David Johnson about the massive growth of pickleball and the rising momentum of padel in the United States. David shares his early journey co-founding Pickleball Central in 2006, what he’s learned watching the sport scale, and why participation curves are now shifting as the market matures.The conversation breaks down the real data behind growth trends, why multi-sport facilities are becoming the new norm, and what operators need to know before adding padel. They dig into staffing needs, leadership skills, membership models, and how hospitality ultimately determines whether a facility thrives.Hosts:Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility ExecutiveGuest:David Johnson – Co-Founder of Pickleball Central, Pickleball ConsultantLearn More & Get CertifiedRacquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquet leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here