Today’s guest is Mark McMahon, Founder and President of McMahon Careers. With more than 40 years in racquet sports—as a world-class competitor, tennis pro, director, USTA executive, and now industry-leading search consultant—Mark breaks down what’s truly driving the explosive growth of padel and pickleball, the essentials of community-building, and the business fundamentals every modern racquet sports director must master.

Mark shares the evolution of his career from Melbourne to Boca Raton, his role in launching USTA’s national consulting initiative, and the story behind his highly respected Certified Racquet Sports Executive (CRSE) program. He also speaks directly to facility owners, directors, and first-time operators about avoiding burnout, hiring with clarity, and building sustainable club cultures.

A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of racquet sports.

Key Takeaways

• Why community matters more than the sport itself
  
• The truth about whether padel is a fad or the “next golf”
  
• What new facility owners misunderstand about business planning and budgeting
  
• Why mindset—not just skill set—defines great racquet leaders
  
• How to compete with other leisure activities by creating “the third place”
  
• The biggest misconceptions GMs have when hiring directors
  
• What CRSE grads gain: strategic planning, budgeting, HR, leadership, and more
  

Memorable Quote
“The court sizes never change. It’s what happens in and around the courts that really makes the difference.” — Mark McMahon

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Racquets Biz on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a rating, and share it with another racquet sports professional who would benefit from Mark’s insights.