Скачать или смотреть What Racquet Clubs Can Learn from Duke Faculty Club | Exec. Director Chris Jaques on Growth & Risk

In this episode, Chris Jaques, Director of the Duke Faculty Club and competitive pickleball player, joins Ashley Owens to share how he’s combining pickleball, tennis, and fitness programming to build a thriving club community at Duke University.

From earning his first pro-pickleball points to managing 3,700+ members, Chris offers a real-world perspective on what it takes to lead, grow, and sustain a successful racquet sports facility in today’s fast-moving market.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

✅ How Chris earned his first professional pickleball points and joined the top 150 players worldwide
✅ The Duke Faculty Club’s approach to pickleball, tennis, and fitness programming
✅ What it takes to manage 3,700+ members while keeping programs fresh and inclusive
✅ His views on the pickleball facility boom, and what new clubs should consider before opening
✅ The biggest risks and rewards of club management — from late-night facility checks to building a strong team culture
✅ His insights on DUPR ratings, pickleball growth, and the future of junior development
✅ How to create a pickleball club culture that lasts, not just a facility full of open play

Whether you’re a club owner, director, or passionate player, this episode is packed with practical advice, leadership insights, and real industry perspective from someone living it every day. It’s a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at how great clubs are built — from leadership mindset to daily member interactions.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro – Catching up with Chris Jakes
0:30 Pickleball pro journey + earning points
3:00 Inside the Duke Faculty Club
6:00 Managing 3,700+ members and programs
8:00 Pickleball industry risks & growth
11:00 The future of junior pickleball
13:00 Building culture and leadership in clubs

Subscribe for more insights from racquet-sport directors, pros, and innovators shaping the future of club management.

And learn more about CourtReserve, the platform trusted by tennis and pickleball clubs: www.courtreserve.com