Robin Negrete

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.

Robin Negrete

Ace Rodrigues

Founder and CEO

When asked how he came up with the concept of Pickleball Kingdom, Ace likes to say, “On a windy, dirty court while standing in the sun waiting to play on January 9, 2021, I said out loud, ‘There has to be a better way.’ And then God threw this lightning bolt of a mission into my heart that has lit my brain on fire, and it’s been blazing ever since.”  

And the pickleball world has been better for it. Ace’s past experiences founding companies, scaling growth, and creating support networks, primarily in the financial services and energy efficiency sectors, serves him well in setting the go-forward vision to build Pickleball Kingdom.   

Having developed and coined numerous concepts and phrases that are now industry standards, Ace’s innovative approach continues to craft the path for not only the Kingdom brand, but the greater indoor pickleball industry itself. The creation of “Pickleball Paddle Battle,” a competition reality show is one such example of Ace’s leading-edge thinking.  

Originally from Hawaii, Ace has been married to Tracy for over 30 years and they have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Ace and Tracy love sports, movies, and eating out. 

What motivates him? “I’m the most blessed man on the planet. So, my drive is to create Kings and Queens of Kingdoms, which are our franchisees, first throughout America, then throughout the world.”