Today, we’re diving into the pickleball world (perhaps you've heard of it?) ;) with David and Sam Ring. Join host Pete Moore as we talk about the Rings’ grassroots effort to open PickleballXpo, a state-of-the-art pickleball club in Oceanside, Long Island. David, a former consumer electronics executive, and his son Sam have turned a once-forgotten sports complex into a thriving pickleball venue, complete with professional court design, a smoothie bar, and more.

David recently transitioned out of a 46-year career into becoming a new business owner, spurred on by his wife (an enthusiastic player herself) who noticed his restlessness after retirement. Eight months ago, he seized on a great piece of real estate with ample parking and high ceilings and--recognizing a gap in the local market with only one distant competitor who lacks adequate parking--David made the jump.

Dave and Sam discuss self-funding the venture, the unique features of their facility, and the pivotal role of data analytics in their model. From discussing operational hours, pricing strategies, event planning, and the potential future implementation of video technology, this episode is packed with takeaways for anyone interested in the pickleball community.

Ring mentions, "It's been a really fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to come and learn a new sport. We find that we're really attracting anywhere from the twenties to the seventies. That seems to be the range of folks that are looking to do something and get out of their homes and socialize."

Key themes discussed

• "Retirement" led to a new real estate venture.
• Partnering with South Shore Brewery for events.
• Play by Point POS essential for club operations.
• Current facility hours and future plans discussed.
• Advocates of pickleball promoting health, active lifestyles.

A few key takeaways:

1. Grassroots Approach and Self-Funding: David emphasized the importance of a grassroots approach to opening, choosing to self-fund rather than adopt a franchise model. This allowes them more control over their operations and the ability to learn valuable lessons firsthand.

2. Detailed Financial and Operational Management: The Rings invested significantly in top-tier court designs involving multiple layers of rubber and acrylic paint, which provide better support for the body. They also implemented detailed KPI (Key Performance Indicator) tracking and utilized sophisticated software like Play by Point for scheduling, reporting, and communication.

3. Enhancing Customer Experience: To boost revenue and enhance the customer experience, the facility offers additional amenities such as a smoothie and iced coffee bar. While initially focusing on their primary baby boomer clientele, they have pre-wired their facility for future enhancements such as video technology for game replays and highlights.

4. Community-Centric Vision and Expanding Pickleball: The entire project has a community-centric vision, aiming to grow the local pickleball community on Long Island. The Rings are ensuring their facility can adapt to demand, offering flexible hours and various services including open play, private rentals, and clinics led by experienced pros.

Resources:

• PickleballXpo: https://www.pickleballxpo.com
• LI Herald Article: https://www.liherald.com/oceanside/stories/oceanside-pickleball-facility-set-to-open-sept-8,209685
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with longtime friend and former investment banker, Patrick Sandone. Sandone has a diverse background in private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. After earning his MBA from Columbia, he ventured into his family's automotive business, but quickly realized his true passion lay elsewhere. He eventually moved on to the firm DLJ, and eventually shifted into entrepreneurship to create the transformative GUIDE App.

Designed to aid first responders, military personnel, veterans, and others in high-stress professions, GUIDE provides anonymous support, microlearning, community interaction, and wellness practices aimed at building resilience and promoting mental and emotional well-being. Listen not to learn how his own experiences and passion for personal development fueled the creation of GUIDE and the significant impact it’s already making.

Regarding the critical importance of anonymity, Sandone states, "If you're in some of these professions that may have a real macho culture around them, you may not want to tell other people that you're diving into this world, that you're meditating, taking wellness courses, that you're getting in touch with how you feel about things, and so on. This is completely anonymous. And for most people that have access to the app, it it may be the only anonymous way that they can jump in, and that it's a safe haven where you can get help, get support, and learn without anyone else knowing about it."

Key themes discussed

• Founded GUIDE to support high-stress professionals' wellbeing.
• Hybrid business approach: Plans, gut, passion, accessibility.
• High app usage, ongoing clinical trial results pending.
• Anonymous community fosters self-improvement and reflection.
• Partnered with a PhD for university collaboration.

A few key takeaways:

1. Personal Transformation Journey: Patrick discussed his career shift from investment banking and private equity to starting his own company after burning out. His journey from dealing with intense stress to focusing on wellness became the foundation for GUIDE.

2. Focus on First Responders and High-Stress Professions: GUIDE is specifically designed to help first responders, military veterans, and individuals in high-stress professions build resilience and wellness. The uniqueness lies in its complete anonymity, allowing users to engage in without fear of being stigmatized.

3. Microlearning and Interactive Features: The GUIDE app offers microlearning courses, interactive community support, and scheduled wellness practices like meditation and journaling. These features ensure that users can integrate wellness into their daily routines effectively and consistently, mirroring the approach to physical wellness.

4. Scientific Validation and Impact: The app's effectiveness is backed by clinical trials conducted with reputable institutions like the University of Pennsylvania. Results showed significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in overall wellness and motivation.

5. Growing Adoption and Financial Viability: Despite challenges in securing funding from public entities, the app has seen substantial adoption, including onboarding major police departments like the Philadelphia PD. The company is profitable and aims to balance doing good with financial sustainability, showcasing a new model for mission-driven businesses.

Resources:

• Patrick Sandone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-sandone-iii-b92b995
• The GUIDE App: https://theguideapp.com
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com