An Interview with Owner Turab Khambati
In this exclusive interview, Jack Munro sits down with Turab Khambati, one of the owners of Eastside Paddle Club in Austin, Texas. Khambati discusses the journey of creating a high-end pickleball facility, the challenges faced, and his vision for the future of the sport. This conversation offers insights into the business of pickleball and how Eastside Paddle Club is setting new standards in the industry.
Q1. [1:06] Can you give us some background on yourself and how you got into pickleball?
Khambati shares that he started playing pickleball about a year and a half ago, right before opening Eastside Paddle Club. At 25 years old, he was drawn to the sport's inclusive nature, appealing to all age groups. He played pickleball randomly at a friend's house, burning about 2,000 calories in the process, which sparked his interest. Recognizing that a premium pickleball facility didn't exist in Austin, Khambati, with his background in private equity, decided to raise funds and create Eastside Paddle Club.
Q2. [3:32] What makes Eastside Paddle Club one of the coolest spots in Austin, not only for pickleball but as a social club?
Khambati emphasizes that it's the people who make Eastside Paddle Club special. While the initial idea was to create a Top Golf or Chicken N Pickle-esque facility, they found that people of various skill levels, from beginners to highly skilled players, enjoy the space. The club has become a place where people can socialize and play high-level pickleball. Khambati notes that they've done a good job of creating a culture that appeals to everyone, regardless of skill level or background.
Q3. [7:03] What have been some of the most difficult challenges in starting this facility?
The biggest challenge, according to Khambati, has been figuring out how to operate a pickleball facility that makes consumers feel special and heard. With diverse preferences among members, balancing everyone's needs and expectations has been crucial. Initially, they struggled with membership signups, but after refining their programming and culture, they've seen consistent growth since January. Khambati stresses the importance of making everyone feel valued and wanted at the club.
Q4. [9:54] How do you decide when to invest in premium items versus using cheaper placeholders?
Khambati admits that they should have done things the right way from the start in some cases. For example, they initially used cheaper fencing options but later realized the importance of investing in substantial, well-structured fences. He explains that understanding what's truly worth investing in for a pickleball facility was a learning process. Now, they prioritize doing things right the first time, recognizing that it adds up quickly and contributes to the overall premium experience they want to offer.
Q5. [14:52] How do you approach getting high-end sponsors for a pickleball facility?
Khambati attributes their success in attracting high-end sponsors to networking and pitching their vision effectively. They've secured partnerships with brands like Ghost, Sketchers, Patron, Grey Goose, and Corona. He explains that these brands see Eastside Paddle Club as a gateway to establishing themselves in the rapidly growing pickleball space. The club's branding and image align well with these high-end sponsors, and they're open to creative collaborations that go beyond traditional pickleball sponsorships.
Q6. [31:57] What's the end goal for Eastside Paddle Club?
Khambati reveals that they have a 7-10 year exit strategy, with plans to franchise the concept after a certain point. They aim to corporately own several locations, each mimicking the original Eastside Paddle Club experience. The franchising process will be thorough, ensuring that each new location maintains the brand's high standards. Currently, they're working on two new locations, which Khambati believes will help the brand grow quickly in the coming years.
Q7. [39:03] How are you planning for Eastside Paddle Club to stay ahead of the curve in such a rapidly growing market?
Khambati believes that pickleball's growth shows no signs of stopping soon. To stay ahead, Eastside Paddle Club plans to be strategic about expansion locations and maintain their foundation and package consistently. He emphasizes the importance of not trying to be like other facilities but staying true to their unique identity. Khambati notes that their loyal customer base, some of whom have been with them since day one, is a testament to the culture they've built.
This interview with Turab Khambati, owner of Eastside Paddle Club, provides an in-depth look at the creation and operation of a premium pickleball facility. Khambati discusses the challenges of starting the business, the importance of creating a strong community, and strategies for attracting high-end sponsors. He also shares his vision for the future of Eastside Paddle Club, including plans for franchising and expansion. Throughout the conversation, Khambati emphasizes the importance of maintaining a unique identity and consistently delivering a high-quality experience to members.
Time Code List:
- 1:06 - Khambati's background and introduction to pickleball
- 3:09 - What makes Eastside Paddle Club unique
- 5:22 - Challenges in starting a pickleball facility
- 8:08 Is it reasonable to expect profitability on day one?
- 9:13 - Decisions on premium investments vs. cheaper options
- 12:28 Car Meets
- 14:26 Background in private equity
- 14:52 - Approach to securing high-end sponsors
- 31:57 - Future plans and exit strategy for Eastside Paddle Club
- 39:03 - Staying ahead in the growing pickleball market
The Ace of Spaces: How Eastside Paddle Club is Revolutionizing Pickleball Facilities
A Deep Dive into Premium Pickleball with Owner Turab Khambati
In the heart of Austin, Texas, a pickleball revolution is taking place. Eastside Paddle Club, under the leadership of 25-year-old entrepreneur Turab Khambati, is redefining what a pickleball facility can be. This in-depth interview explores how Khambati and his team are blending luxury amenities, community-building, and strategic business practices to create a unique pickleball experience that's attracting players and high-end sponsors alike.
Turab Khambati's journey into the world of pickleball began just over a year and a half ago, but in that short time, he's managed to create one of the most talked-about pickleball facilities in the country. Eastside Paddle Club isn't just a place to play; it's a premium experience that's changing the game.
The genesis of Eastside Paddle Club came from Khambati's realization that Austin lacked a high-end pickleball facility. Drawing on his background in private equity, he saw an opportunity to create something unique. The result is a space that feels more like a country club than a typical sports venue, complete with a cocktail bar, co-working spaces, and premium amenities.
What sets Eastside Paddle Club apart is its focus on creating a community. Khambati emphasizes that while the facilities are top-notch, it's the people who make the space special. The club has attracted a diverse group of players, from beginners to highly skilled competitors, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. This inclusive atmosphere has been key to their success, with some members choosing Eastside over closer facilities due to the culture they've cultivated.
Building this premium experience hasn't been without its challenges. Khambati candidly discusses the difficulties of operating a consumer-based venture, particularly in making everyone feel heard and valued. The club faced initial struggles with membership signups, but through refined programming and a focus on culture-building, they've seen consistent growth since the beginning of the year.
One of the most interesting aspects of Eastside Paddle Club's success is its approach to sponsorships. Unlike many pickleball facilities that stick to industry-specific sponsors, Khambati has secured partnerships with high-end brands like Ghost, Sketchers, Patron, and Grey Goose. This strategy not only provides additional revenue but also elevates the club's brand, positioning it as a lifestyle destination rather than just a sports facility.
The decision-making process behind the club's premium offerings provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Khambati admits to some initial missteps, such as opting for cheaper fencing options at first. However, he quickly learned the importance of investing in quality from the start. This philosophy extends to all aspects of the club, from the courts to the cocktail bar, creating a cohesive, high-end experience.
Looking to the future, Khambati has ambitious plans for Eastside Paddle Club. With a 7-10 year exit strategy in place, the goal is to franchise the concept while maintaining corporate ownership of several locations. This expansion will be carefully managed to ensure each new location maintains the high standards and unique culture that have made the original club successful.
Khambati's approach to staying ahead in the rapidly growing pickleball market is rooted in consistency and authenticity. Rather than trying to emulate other facilities, Eastside Paddle Club is focused on refining and expanding its unique offering. This strategy has fostered a loyal customer base, with some members having been with the club since day one.
The success of Eastside Paddle Club reflects broader trends in the pickleball industry. As the sport continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, there's an increasing demand for premium facilities that offer more than just courts. Khambati's vision of pickleball as the "new golf" – a sport where business deals are made and networks are built – is already becoming a reality at Eastside.
Perhaps most impressively, Khambati and his team have managed to create a space that appeals to a wide range of demographics. From college students to wealthy entrepreneurs, Eastside Paddle Club has become a melting pot of pickleball enthusiasts. This diversity, coupled with the club's high-end amenities, creates a unique atmosphere that's hard to replicate.
As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, Eastside Paddle Club stands as a testament to the sport's potential. By blending luxury, community, and strategic business practices, Khambati has created more than just a place to play pickleball – he's created a blueprint for the future of the sport. As Eastside Paddle Club looks to expand and franchise, it's clear that this innovative approach to pickleball facilities is just getting started. The ace of spaces is setting a new standard, and the pickleball world is taking notice.
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