After nearly a decade of being proudly bootstrapped, CourtReserve is taking the next step in its journey.
In this episode of Unscripted, CourtReserve Founders Tim Owens and Ashley Owens discuss the company’s new partnership with a growth investor and what it means for the future of club management software.
Tim shares a transparent look into how CourtReserve is fueling growth while protecting the people-first culture that defines the brand.
He also talks about the lessons learned from nearly 10 years of leading a fast-growing tech company, building community in the racquet sports industry, and maintaining trust with customers every step of the way.
In this candid and unscripted conversation, Tim opens up about:✅ What it means to take on a growth partner after 9.5 years bootstrapped✅ How CourtReserve plans to scale while protecting its people-first culture✅ Insights into the future of pickleball, tennis, and racquet club technology✅ How Tim and Ashley balance marriage, leadership, and company growth✅ Why listening to customers and creating “raving fans” remains at the heart of their successWhether you’re a club owner, racquet sports director, or tech founder, this conversation delivers authentic insights on leadership, growth, and staying true to your values as you scale.Subscribe for more Unscripted stories from the people shaping the future of racquet sports.Read about CourtReserve’s new partnership with Mainsail Partners: https://courtreserve.com/scaling-courtreserve-with-mainsail-partners/ Learn more about CourtReserve: https://courtreserve.com
In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with Adam Howe, Director of Product Enablement at GoTab to explore how flexible point-of-sale technology is helping pickleball, tennis, and padel clubs simplify food & beverage operations and deliver smoother guest experiences.Adam shares his journey from managing large brewery and entertainment venues to joining GoTab, where he now helps operators unlock new ways to serve guests — from QR/mobile ordering to RFID-enabled tabs and integrations with CourtReserve for tennis, pickleball, and padel clubs.Learn how GoTab’s customizable POS system is transforming guest experiences across hospitality, breweries, and sports venues. Plus, get a sneak peek at new features like on-premise servers for uninterrupted service and RFID technology designed to simplify group ordering and payments.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How GoTab’s flexibility empowers unique hospitality and racquet sports venues✅ Why RFID tabs and mobile ordering are the food and beverage experience✅ The story behind Adam’s transition from operator to GoTab innovator✅ Real-world examples of GoTab integrations at breweries and pickleball clubs✅ A fun “lightning round” featuring $400 cheesecakes, favorite venues, and dream doubles partnersWhether you’re in hospitality, tech, or racquet sports club management, this conversation offers inspiration and practical insights into how GoTab and CourtReserve are helping operators do more — with less stress.Learn more about the CourtReserve + GoTab integration here: https://courtreserve.com/gotab-with-courtreserve/ Read how Pickleball Zone improved experience and efficiency with the GoTab integration: https://courtreserve.com/case-studies/gotab-courtreserve-integration-case-study/
Ever wonder how new CourtReserve features get built — or how your ideas make it from the official Idea Board to your club’s dashboard?In this episode, Ashley Owens sits down with Kim Lehman, our elite Senior Product Owner, to take you behind the scenes of CourtReserve’s product development process — from brainstorming and prioritizing feature ideas to turning them into the tools that clubs use every day.
You’ll get an inside look at how our team:
✅ Sorts through 500+ feature requests on the Idea Board to find the most impactful improvements
✅ Decides when to build new tools vs. integrate with trusted partners
✅ Balances “quick wins” with large-scale launches like the Modern Dashboard and Team Registrations
✅ Uses beta releases, testing, and YOUR feedback to continually enhance the platform for clubs and members alike
Kim also opens up about:
✅ Her experience as a woman in tech and product leadership
✅ The most challenging and rewarding parts of developing for thousands of clubs
✅ Why checking CourtReserve release notes often helps you uncover hidden “Easter eggs” — small updates that make a big difference in your daily workflow.
✅ What’s next for CourtReserve innovation — and why the best is still to comeIf you’re a club admin, tech-minded operator, or racquet sports enthusiast, this conversation gives you an inside look at the strategy, creativity, and care that go into every CourtReserve update.
Stay up-to date with CourtReserve’s latest product release notes here: https://courtreserve.releasenotes.io/
Learn more about CourtReserve: https://courtreserve.com/
Ever wonder what it’s like to run tennis programs when the US Open takes over your backyard? In this episode of the CourtReserve Unscripted Podcast, host Ashley Owens sits down with Dale Evans, Director of Tennis Operations at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, to talk about what really goes on behind the scenes during one of the biggest events in the sport.In this episode, you’ll hear:What it takes to balance player development and event operations during the US OpenWhy becoming a US Open ball person is more intense than you thinkHow CourtReserve is enhancing player experiences with integrations like SaveMyPlayWhich tennis pro Dale would choose as his dream doubles partnerReal insights from leaders who live and breathe the game, on and off the courtWhether you’re a club operator, tennis director, or pickleball program leader, you’ll get practical insights into how major facilities simplify operations, boost engagement, and bring more players to the court with smarter tools.Subscribe for more insider tennis conversations, industry insights, and tech innovations shaping the future of racquet sports!
What’s driving the future of tennis, pickleball, and padel clubs?
In this exclusive interview, Jarrett Chirico, Founder of The Directors’ Club and Director of Racquets at Royal Oaks Country Club, sits down with Ashely Owens from CourtReserve.
This conversation offers candid insights on how racquet sports and club leadership are evolving — and what directors, pros, and GMs can learn from it.
From the rise of pickleball to the 84% crossover rate between tennis and pickleball at Royal Oaks, Jarrett explains why investing in people, not just facilities, is the key to long-term success.
Topics covered in this video:
✅ Why The Director’s Club is changing how clubs hire, retain, and empower staff✅ How racquet sport crossover rates fuel member engagement and club revenue✅ How CourtReserve supports directors with technology & innovation✅ The future of education vs. certification in club leadership✅ Why investing in people is the #1 strategy for sustainable success
Want more proven strategies on leadership, staff development, and racquet sport growth?
📌 Subscribe and explore our channel for more interviews and resources to help you and your team succeed.
Links:
In this episode, DUPR CEO Tito Machado explains the real challenges facing racquet sports ratings, programming, and global growth — and what every club owner, coach, director, or racquet sports enthusiast needs to know.Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ The truth behind DUPR ratings – Why inflation & deflation issues were hurting players and how they fixed it. ✅ UTR vs DUPR – Why UTR’s new scale met pushback, but DUPR built adoption by staying recognizable.✅ Programming over facilities – Why players stay loyal to communities, not just fancy courts.✅ Padel’s rapid U.S. adoption – And how it’s fueling multi-sport clubs.✅ Asia’s racquet sport boom – Rapid growth in Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, and beyond).✅ Tactical advice for clubs – how to handle certifications, saturation, and keep players coming back.
This conversation sheds light on the future of certifications, the evolution of DUPR, and what facilities can do to stand out by building community-driven experiences in today’s crowded market.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts on where you see racquet sports heading next! https://www.dupr.com
What makes a pickleball program succeed—or flop? In this interview with Suzee Anderson, we dive deep into the real strategies behind coaching, programming, and club growth. From learning why some events fail, to creating structured coaching academies, you’ll discover how to build a thriving pickleball community.What You’ll Learn in This Video:
Whether you’re a pickleball club owner, coach, or passionate player, this video shares insider tips on building successful programs, training coaches, and keeping players engaged.👉 If you want to grow as a pickleball coach or take your club to the next level, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.Links: https://www.suzeeandersonacademy.com/
From opening the first indoor pickleball facility in Maryland to launching over 35 locations nationwide, the story of Dill Dinkers is a masterclass in pickleball business growth. In this exclusive interview, Co-Founder & CEO of Dill Dinkers, Will Richards, shares the proven strategies, systems, and lessons behind their explosive growth:- Building a pickleball franchise & regional developer network- Secrets to delivering world-class customer experiences- Why pickleball is still the fastest-growing sport in America- Tips for new pickleball club owners and aspiring pickleball pros- How The importance of culture, community, and facility design impact profitabilityThis is an essential listen for pickleball club owners, franchise operators, and sports facility managers looking for proven growth strategies in the rapidly expanding racket sports industry.📍 Topics Covered:00:00 Day-to-day life running a pickleball brand01:40 The most exciting part of the business02:50 Advice for young people in tennis & pickleball03:30 Surprising growth trends in pickleball04:15 Key advice for new club owners05:15 Playing mixed doubles with your spouse06:00 Favorite Dill Dinkers locationsLinks: https://courtreserve.com/case-studies/dill-dinkers-case-study/
Join Jorge Capestany — a legend in the tennis and pickleball coaching world and a true authority in racquet sports education — for an exclusive walkthrough of his platforms (TennisDrills.tv and PickleballDrillsHQ.com) transforming how clubs teach, train, and grow.Additional Links: https://tennisdrills.tv/courses/courtreserve/
In this episode, Ashley sits down with Katie Nimitz from My Journey Pickleball to explore how the DUPRCoach app and the My DUPR Coach app are reshaping the pickleball landscape for clubs, coaches, and players everywhere. Discover how pickleball clubs are using coach-assigned ratings to increase player engagement, streamline skill assessment, and grow their community — with tools that work for recreational players, country clubs, and competitive athletes alike. Whether you're a club owner, pickleball coach, or player looking to improve, this conversation is packed with insights to help you succeed in the modern pickleball ecosystem.
In this fun and insightful episode, international tennis coach Bill Riddle sits down with Ashley to talk all things racquet sports, college athletics, and the future of the game. From building successful tennis and pickleball clubs to mentoring the next generation of racquet sports professionals, Bill shares real-world advice, humor, and heart.Topics covered in this video:- Updates from Middle Tennessee and the college tennis scene- The power of mentoring student-athletes toward careers in tennis, pickleball, and padel- Why new facilities should focus on being multi-racquet clubs- Bill’s advice for married couples playing mixed doubles - Reflections on Roland-Garros, coaching mindsets, and finding your “player box” support teamWhether you’re a club owner, aspiring coach, or just a racquet sports enthusiast, this conversation delivers practical tips, laughs, and inspiration.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tennis and pickleball industry insights!
View Bill's instagram here https://www.instagram.com/billriddleofficial/
David Johnson (IAPPF) joins Ashley, co-owner of CourtReserve, for an unedited conversation on the business realities of running and growing a pickleball club.In this special edition of CourtReserve Unscripted, they dive into: • Why many pickleball clubs struggle to scale • Common mistakes clubs make when managing operations and member growth • Practical strategies to improve your facility’s success • Trends shaping the pickleball industry todayThey also discuss upcoming pickleball business events you can attend this summer in Boston, Chicago, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as an exclusive, facilities-only conference and expo in Austin, Texas designed to help pickleball facilities thrive.David shares insights from his consulting work with club owners and introduces The Business of Pickleball, his monthly newsletter focused on business intelligence for the pickleball ecosystem.Whether you’re a club owner, tennis or pickleball pro, or an enthusiast interested in the business side of the sport, this conversation will give you practical takeaways to grow your facility and stay ahead in the rapidly expanding pickleball industry.Want to meet up with CourtReserve on our Catalyst Tour? https://courtreserve.com/catalyst-conference/Subscribe for more candid industry conversations that help you run a more successful pickleball or tennis facility.Additional Links: https://pickleballfacilities.org