Karen’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing leadership and guidance throughout the development process for each club.  Karen understands the entrepreneurial nature of the franchise community as well as the thirst for guidance and direction.  

As a Marine Corps veteran and subsequently, decades of working with renowned companies like Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks Coffee, and Massage Envy, Karen has vast experience and a passion for developing systems and processes in the architecture and construction world, more specifically, how these relate to franchising.  

Having worked as a franchisor, a franchisee, and a vendor, Karen brings a depth of experience and a passion for staying abreast of the latest construction trends and technological advances.  

Jeff’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing strategic sales and operational support for the clubs and franchise partners.

Prior to joining Pickleball Kingdom, Jeff was a Strategic Account Management professional with many years of experience delivering value in services, benefits, and growth opportunities for clients across the nation. He is skilled at driving top-line sales while staying focused on customer retention. As a leader in sales and operations, he strives to maintain employee engagement and encourage profitable growth across all functions of the business.

Outside of work, Jeff is passionate about sports and coaching. His favorite time is on the baseball field with his son, and he never misses a moment in the stands to cheer him on. Jeff and his family love the outdoors and spend their free time hiking and camping throughout Arizona where they reside.

Robin’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing hands-on operational expertise, strategic guidance, and comprehensive training to ensure the successful launch and growth of each franchise location. With a deep understanding of business development and operational efficiency, Robin works closely with franchisees to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and maximize profitability. By equipping franchise owners with the necessary tools and insights, Robin is committed to fostering long-term success and maintaining the high standards of Pickleball Kingdom.

With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries, Robin has a proven track record of leading large-scale operations and driving business growth. As Vice President of Operations at Corwell’s Seafood Dining, Corwell’s Pizza, and Corwell’s Consulting, Robin successfully oversaw the launch of 97 new restaurant locations, managing everything from site selection and staffing to daily operations. Robin also implemented high-impact sales initiatives, such as upselling workshops and campaigns that contributed to increased revenue and community engagement. In the retail sector, Robin served as Retail Director of Purchasing at Crowell’s Country Market and Novelty Shop, where they focused on guest service, inventory management, and loss prevention strategies, leading to consistent sales growth and a significant reduction in inventory shrinkage through improved operational controls.

Beyond his professional achievements, Robin is passionate about staying active, engaging in the pickleball community, and exploring innovative leadership strategies. With a strong commitment to excellence and franchisee success, Robin is excited to contribute to the growth and expansion of Pickleball Kingdom, helping franchisees thrive in an exciting and rapidly growing industry.

Ethan’s unique talents and skills support Kingdom Franchisees by providing strategic financial guidance and operational support during the buildout process and into operations. His expertise in financial analysis, FP&A, and strategic planning helps franchisees navigate the complexities of starting and running a successful Pickleball Kingdom location.

Prior to joining Pickleball Kingdom, Ethan worked as a financial consultant, helping small—to medium-sized businesses by implementing CFO-level insights, processes, and procedures. He also led development underwriting and asset management for a Scottsdale, AZ-based real estate development company. His diverse background gives him a comprehensive understanding of financial management and real estate development, which are crucial skills for supporting our franchisees.

Outside of work, Ethan volunteers as a youth leader at his local church, where he helps lead the next generation in their faith. He is passionate about staying active by going to the gym or the pickleball courts with his wife, Paige. Ethan also enjoys hunting and fishing and is a licensed pilot.

Joseph’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing strategic guidance and direction in the areas of pickleball and learning and development. His expertise in these areas help franchisees build and teach the Pickleball Kingdom model.

Before joining Pickleball Kingdom, Joseph proved to be an innovative leader through consulting and later at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). During his most recent tenure at CBN, Joseph spearheaded digital strategy for the flagship show 700 Club Interactive. Through his leadership, the show experienced remarkable digital audience growth, including over-doubling the monthly digital reach by his eighth month.

Beyond his professional accolades, Joseph is a competitive pickleball player who brings authentic passion and a deep understanding of the sport to his role as the Senior Director of Pickleball and Learning & Development. Joseph is dedicated to fostering excellence in providing a world-class pickleball experience while cultivating a culture of continuous growth and development within the organization. By designing innovative training initiatives and supporting franchisees with tailored learning solutions, Joseph ensures that Pickleball Kingdom remains the leader of the industry, empowering both players and staff to thrive and excel.

Mitch’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by leveraging his 15+ years of experience in marketing and sales to drive brand growth and engagement through creative and data-driven strategies. At Pickleball Kingdom, Mitch oversees marketing efforts that support franchisees and enhance the customer experience by delivering innovative campaigns across digital, social media, and event activation. His expertise lies in aligning marketing and revenue-driving initiatives to achieve measurable results and foster brand loyalty.

Prior to joining Pickleball Kingdom, Mitch led the marketing and sales efforts for a portfolio of 14 distinct brands in the automotive and outdoor industries. With a strong creative background and a deep understanding of how to build and promote brands, Mitch excels at crafting compelling campaigns that resonate with audiences. He has mastered CRM strategies that drive customer engagement, activation, and retention, while fostering loyalty and growth. Known for developing innovative, multi-channel marketing strategies, Mitch has successfully driven results across both B2B and D2C markets. His expertise includes digital marketing, event activation, social media strategy, and building strategic partnerships that amplify brand presence and impact.

Outside of work, Mitch enjoys traveling and discovering new restaurants with his wife, watching hockey and football, spending time on the lake fishing, and enjoying outdoor adventures with his dog, Roo.

Sam’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing guidance and support. With over 10 years of experience in the marketing industry, Sam has a proven track record of driving brand growth and engagement through innovative campaigns and data-driven strategies. Sam brings a dynamic blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for sports. 

Sam has extensive experience in creating engaging content, which has helped both his own brand and other companies amass over 1,000,000 followers across platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This success has enabled him to partner with major companies such as Disney, Pixar, Google, McDonald’s, and Amazon. His content’s widespread appeal has been featured on prominent media outlets, highlighting his ability to craft impactful and compelling narratives.

Sam loves playing pickleball and connecting with the community. His passion for the sport and its people drives his ability to create marketing strategies that resonate with enthusiasts. He finds joy in helping others connect with their own pickleball communities and is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment at Pickleball Kingdom.

Zac’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by creating and providing exceptional media content that grows the Pickleball Kingdom brand and sphere of influence.

Before joining Pickleball Kingdom, Zac was the owner of 4TheAges, a thriving media company known for its innovative content creation. Zac has also made significant contributions as the lead graphic designer and video editor for BogeyBandits/BigDaws, a YouTube sensation renowned for their viral content. Zac’s track record of success is underscored by his ability to deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences across various platforms.

As a leader in media creation, Zac is dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends and fostering innovation approach. With his wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to his craft, Zac continues to shape the landscape of media production, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and inspiring others to pursue their creative passions.

Sidney’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing strategic business and operational support for the clubs and franchise partners after they officially open for business.

Sidney brings a wealth of experience in the medspa and wellness industry, having excelled in both management and sales roles. She has a proven track record of driving member retention, increasing revenue, and providing exceptional sales coaching to help teams and businesses achieve their goals.

In addition to her work in the medspa field, Sidney held operations and training roles with the largest Massage Envy franchise group, overseeing multiple locations and implementing strategic initiatives to streamline processes and elevate team performance. Her experience in this capacity allowed her to develop a deep understanding of operational excellence and effective team training at scale.

Sidney holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Project Management.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her senior rescue cat, practicing yoga, and paddleboarding.

Shawn’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by leveraging his 10+ years of experience in construction and project management to ensure seamless operations and successful outcomes throughout the construction phase.

His journey began in behavioral health, where he served as an Admissions Counselor at Journey Healing Centers. He later transitioned into the construction industry, starting as a Renovations Project Coordinator for Zillow. Over the past decade, he has advanced through various roles, including Construction Coordinator, Regional Supervisor, Assistant Project Manager, and now Construction Manager, working with companies like Zillow, Invitation Homes, and FirstKey Homes.

At Pickleball Kingdom, he is dedicated to delivering exceptional results and contributing to the team’s success. His diverse experience has honed his leadership, adaptability, and strategic skills, enabling him to drive organizational growth and achieve impactful outcomes.

Tyler’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by creating digital and print graphics that support franchisees in their local marketing efforts. He also creates assets that enhance the in-person experience for customers, helping to create a cohesive and engaging environment at all locations. Additionally, Tyler contributes to the corporate clubhouse by concepting and designing content that strengthens The Kingdom’s brand identity and voice in the growing world of pickleball.

Tyler is a versatile creative and graphic designer with expertise in all mediums of design, including branding, print, digital, environmental, and media production. He has a strong foundation in UX/UI design, having worked on the brand identities, web and mobile applications, and marketing websites for B2B and SaaS companies. He combines curiosity, creative problem solving, storytelling, and strategy to create impactful designs for every any use case.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys the warm sunshine and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. He loves new adventures, traveling to new places, and trying new foods. In his free time, Tyler is either on the range or on the course, trying to shoot is personal best score in golf. He also loves to watch golf, football, and basketball.

Nichole’s unique talents and skills will support Pickleball Kingdom franchisees by ensuring seamless operations, efficient communication, and strong administrative support. As the Office Manager, she will assist franchisees by managing key documentation, coordinating schedules, and ensuring compliance with brand standards. Her ability to streamline processes and provide timely solutions will help franchisees navigate challenges and maximize their success. Through her proactive approach and dedication, she will play a crucial role in strengthening the Pickleball Kingdom network and contributing to its ongoing growth.

Nichole brings a wealth of experience in administration and management, having worked extensively in both ministry and the bridal industry. In her ministry roles, she provided essential administrative support, overseeing scheduling, event planning and coordination, and communications while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Her ability to multitask and maintain organization allowed her to effectively support leadership and serve the community. In the bridal business, Nichole excelled in management, guiding teams, handling client relations, and overseeing operations to create seamless and memorable experiences for brides and their families. Her strong leadership, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence have equipped her with the skills needed to thrive in dynamic and customer-focused environments.

Nichole has a deep love for anything water-related, whether it’s spending time at the beach, the pool, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of a lakeside view. She also has a passion for reading and writing, finding joy in both losing herself in a good book and expressing her thoughts through storytelling. 

Ryan’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing legal guidance and counsel.

Ryan Whitfill is our outside legal counsel. He is a Partner and the Chair of the Franchise Practice Group at the law firm of Culhane Meadows, PLLC, and has been designated as a “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine each year since 2017.

Over the past 20+ years, Ryan has established himself as a widely respected franchise attorney with years of experience and extensive knowledge gained through counseling and guiding clients throughout every aspect of franchise law compliance, ranging from establishment and development of new franchise concepts to the management, growth and evolution of large national and international franchise brands.  

Throughout his career with the leading franchise law practices at some of the largest law firms in the world, Ryan has developed his skills and knowledge working on complex legal questions and high-level franchise matters for national and international franchisors, franchisees, licensors, distributors, master franchisees and area developers. His experience includes advising and assisting clients in all legal aspects of structuring, operating, and growing their franchise systems in compliance with U.S. and international franchise registration and disclosure laws, as well as state franchise relationship laws.

Steve’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing high level consulting to the leadership team.

Steve started his distinguished business career over 34 years ago in the workforce management industry consulting both Franchisors and Franchisees on how to optimize their human resource outputs and reduce their labor spend. During this period, Steve built several businesses that have surpassed the $100M annual revenue mark. 

A highlight in Steve’s career was when he took a company public that he founded on the NASDAQ. 

Fun Fact: Steve was a linebacker on the University of New Mexico’s football team at the same time that Ace Rodrigues was a quarterback at rival WAC school, the University of Hawaii.

Steve has been involved with coaching youth football since 2004 and led his team in 2011 to the National Championship game in Orlando, Florida. Steve is involved in many local and national business associations as well being involved in his local church. Steve has been married to his wife Shassidy for over 25 years and they have 5 children, and 1 grandchild.

Pat’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by spearheading site selection, negotiations, proforma building, and closing support.

Pat leads a team at Morrow Hill that works exclusively on Pickleball Kingdom deals.  Morrow Hill, one of the nation’s leading commercial brokers, signs between 1200 to 1500 leases per year.

Before joining Morrow Hill and the Pickleball Kingdom team, Pat spent time at Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE. Pat holds roughly ten years of dedicated experience in the field of commercial real estate brokerage and has a keen understanding of the nuances of each deal process.

Having spent years representing commercial real estate owners in the past, Pat can identify successful next steps early on in their process. He and his Morrow Hill team have a world-class track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with commercial real estate owners and listing brokers on a national level.

Being hooked on the growing sport of Pickleball himself, Pat continues to be an ambassador for the sport and Pickleball Kingdom whenever he can.

Karen’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by assisting them on their journey of staffing their clubs and with human resource issues.

Karen Chavez, with her team at OnePayHR LLC, is available to assist in the entire employee life cycle, from the decision to hire and the required onboarding, to payroll and workers compensation, to employee separation. 

She began her career as an entrepreneur in 1997, co-founding a Phoenix-based company and growing from having no clients into a nationally recognized company on the watch list for merger opportunities. She then worked internally with large companies holding various positions including Vice President of Operations, Director of Implementations, Vice President of Client Experience and Project Management.  

Karen earned a Business Degree with a Minor in Marketing and Hospitality from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management.   She has served on the Board of Directors with impactful non-profits, such as the Child Crisis Center (6 years) as well as the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (3 years).  She also managed the largest fundraiser for each organization each year as part of her Board service.

Karen knows, embraces, and represents the Pickleball Kingdom culture as she loves to coach, empower, and evaluate team members to provide the best possible customer service while embracing teamwork, accountability and developing a respectful workplace. Karen handles the hardest situations with a smile, but also with a knowledge and strength that produces organizational results.

Eric’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by training their staff on how to keep the club and courts looking great!

Eric comes to us from the tennis world.  Eric represented the United States in the 1984 Olympic Games in Men’s Singles Tennis at the age of 18!  He went on to play tennis for USC where he was a 3x All-American.  Eric also played at Wimbledon, the US Open, and French Open.  Then he coached at USC for 5 years.

Eric now has transitioned his game from tennis to pickleball.  He plays competitively at the 4.5 and 5.0 levels and sees many podium appearances.   

In the corporate world, Eric has had various management jobs running sporting goods stores.  At Pickleball Kingdom, he oversees the facility itself as the Facilities Director at Pickleball Kingdom.  He assists franchisees in the process of maintaining their clubs.

Rick’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by assisting them to design their clubs to look great, maximize functionality in their space, and to be on brand.

Rick Tanaka has over forty-five years of experience in the architectural profession including education, training, and professional practice. For the past twenty-five years, he has specialized in interior design and architecture. 

Among other projects, Rick participated in the design of hotels, offices, retail spaces, health clubs, recreational facilities, and restaurants projects from initial concept through design development and construction documents.

Bachelor of Science in Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA.

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards- NCARB Certificate Holder.

National Council Interior Design Qualification Certificate Holder.

Mike’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by assisting them to design their clubs to look great, maximize functionality in their space, and to be on brand.

Mike Riley has over forty years of experience in the architectural profession including education, training, and professional practice.

His expertise includes project development and management from programming through design development and construction documents.  He is also responsible for integration of all specifications, bid documents, and systems protocol relating to autocad.

Bachelor of Science in Architecture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA.

Master of Science in Architecture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA.

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards – NCARB Certificate Holder.

Lloyd Warren Traveling Fellowship/ Seventieth Annual Paris Prize in Architecture.

Alex’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by providing tech support in matters regarding our POS and club system functions.

As the Technology Director at Pickleball Kingdom, Alex Halloran merges his extensive technical knowledge with a rich background in startup development. Boasting skills in data science, software engineering, and project management, Alex has been pivotal in integrating state-of-the-art technology at Pickleball Kingdom. His initiatives enhance the player experience and streamline business processes through insightful data utilization.

Away from the pickleball courts, Alex is an avid creator of ceramic planters, nurturing an impressive collection of over 100 houseplants. He also has a keen interest in learning new languages and loves to travel with his wife and three dogs. Alex’s dedication to resolving technical challenges and his enthusiasm for pickleball are key to his invaluable contribution to Pickleball Kingdom.

Sanjay and Dhaval Patel’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by supporting them from the beginning to end and beyond of their 150 clubs in Northern Ohio, Florida Coast, North Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, Louisville, Northern VA/DC, and New York.

Sanjay Patel, with over two decades of experience in owning and managing diverse service businesses and franchises in New York City and Cincinnati, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. His passion for cultivating community-driven environments has found a perfect match in Pickleball Kingdom’s mission, as he works to provide top-tier playing experiences throughout the United States.

Dhaval Patel has a proven track record of success in leading multiple enterprises, from hotels to construction projects. He transforms ideas into reality through teamwork and dedication. His visionary leadership and commitment to fostering growth have been instrumental in driving this expansion forward.

Together, Sanjay and Dhaval’s shared venture brings the worlds of sport and community under one roof, nurturing a vibrant pickleball culture. They aim to empower people and strengthen communities through sport.

Sam’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by supporting them from beginning to end and beyond for their clubs in the central part of New Jersey and Bucks County, PA!

Sam’s career began in the Tech sector transforming into Fin-tech where he excelled in roles at several leading banks, including multinationals such as Citi, Bank of America, and Credit Suisse.  In 2017, Sam took the bold step of becoming a franchisee for AFC urgent care brand known for its commitment to excellence and patient-centric approach. Under Sam’s leadership, his urgent care franchises received accolades for exceptional patient care, short wait times, and a skilled medical team. His ability to inspire and lead teams are a testament to his exceptional vision and business acumen. 

As an avid and accomplished pickleball player, Sam’s firsthand experience on the court gives him valuable insights into the needs and preferences of the pickleball community. Furthermore, his in-depth knowledge of the local real estate markets in New Jersey (NJ) and Pennsylvania (PA) adds another layer to his capabilities. This expertise is crucial in identifying and developing suitable locations for pickleball kingdom facilities, understanding the demographic trends, and tailoring strategies to meet the specific demands of the region. His strategic thinking and understanding of the sport and the local markets make him a valuable asset in expanding and establishing the presence of Pickleball Kingdom in these regions.

Jesse and Emily’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by supporting them from beginning to end and beyond for their clubs in Tennessee!

Jesse DeMund has held C-level and senior leadership positions with tech, software, and industry leading companies over his 20-year career.  He has built and led world-class organizations throughout his career, and now gets to leverage that experience while building and supporting the great Pickleball Kingdom leadership team across the southeast.  

Beyond the corporate realm, Jesse and Emily are embarking on a shared venture that merges the worlds of sport and community, creating a space where both thrive under one roof. Their active involvement in their local church and school communities underscores their commitment to establishing an environment that encourages active, healthy, and interconnected lifestyles for the people of Tennessee.

John and Mara Hylton, who are siblings with strong ties to the Pacific Northwest, bring a wealth of experience to their roles. John, as Owner and CEO, has over two decades of experience in owning, developing, and managing real estate projects throughout the region. Mara, Head of Operations, brings decades of experience as a business owner serving the tech industry, excelling in HR, marketing, and business development.

With 30 years of franchise and multi-unit operations experience, Jerry Campbell brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for community impact to Pickleball Kingdom. His journey began at age 18, delivering pizzas for Domino’s. Through hard work and dedication, he rose to own and operate 10 Domino’s locations across Florida, establishing himself as a high-level operator and a committed community leader.

Jerry’s deep involvement in church and civic organizations has fueled his desire to create opportunities that bring people together. He discovered the perfect fit in Pickleball Kingdom—a platform that combines fitness, competition, personal growth, and a strong sense of community in a fun, family-friendly environment.

A natural team builder, Jerry excels at fostering high-performing groups and inspiring others to achieve their best. His mission is to attract motivated, community-driven individuals as franchise partners who share his vision for making a positive impact through Pickleball Kingdom.

Holly’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by assisting them to get the books squared away!

Holly is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and an avid Pickleball player.  As the accounting specialist for Pickleball Kingdom, she uses her keen eye for detail, analytical skills, and deep understanding of accounting principles to contribute to the overall financial health and strategic decision-making process. 

With the complexities of the business and industry constantly changing in its dynamic evolution, Holly diligently manages the P&L’s and monthly reports.

Karen’s unique talents and skills will support Kingdom Franchisees by assisting them with design and product needs.

Karen owns and runs My Source Media, which is a printing company known for its personal attention and out of box thinking that helps businesses succeed. They are a husband and wife owned small business, located in Chandler, AZ.

She has over 20 years of industry experience and they can work with business owners to create beautifully branded products.