Just opportunity: How this KC sports company plans to ace PickleCon’s potential
July 16, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
When “the Comic-Con for pickleball” arrives next month in Kansas City, Pro Athlete will have its feet firmly planted and be ready to swing at a wide array of opportunities served by the surging sport’s first major convention in the region.
PickleCon debuts Aug. 8-11 in Kansas City, promising top-level competition that brings together pickleball enthusiasts for matches, skill-building activities, and 100-plus vendors showcasing the latest gear, apparel, and accessories.
JustPaddles — a brand within the Kansas City-based Pro Athlete family — is planning “the biggest pickleball party ever” for the convention’s opening night; an opportunity to thank vendors and celebrate the growing pickleball community.
Taylor Hill, Pro Athlete
“With the sport’s explosive growth, both nationally and here in Kansas City, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with enthusiasts and showcase what JustPaddles has to offer,” said Taylor Hill, chief of staff at Pro Athlete in North Kansas City.
Click here for more PickleCon event details.
From the archives: ‘Picklecon’ coming to KC in 2024 with $3.9M-projected economic impact
Pro Athlete is a nearly 40-year-old sporting goods seller. Starting as a retail store in 1987, it now features complementary eCommerce brands: JustBats baseball bats and softball bats), JustGloves (baseball gloves and softball gloves, and JustPaddles (pickleball paddles).
“We had a lot of employees who loved pickleball and played all the time,” said Hill, describing the origins of JustPaddles. “It was a no-brainer to get involved, and now, with PickleCon happening right here in Kansas City, we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
ICYMI: Why KC’s top small business is launching JustPaddles amid sports slowdown
Kyle Goodburn, fulfillment center lead and head of receiving at Pro Athlete, plays pickle ball at Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City; photo courtesy of Pro Athlete
JustPaddles plans to showcase a varied selection of pickleball paddles and brands at PickleCon. Attendees will have the chance to see, test, and purchase the latest in pickleball gear.
“You’re going to talk to somebody who is obsessed about pickleball,” Hill said. “We call them our paddle experts.”
Along with responsive customer service, Hill also believes Pro Athlete has a specific Kansas City advantage: the ability to ship items quickly within the U.S., with shipping times usually taking only a couple days.
Andrew Dowis, Pro Athlete, left, receives the KC Chamber’s Legacy Award in June at the Small Business Celebration; photo by Startland News
Work hard, play hard
Honored with Greater Kansas City Chamber’s Legacy Award in June — and a past Small Business of the Year winner — Pro Athlete’s core values and culture prioritize employees’ mental health and well-being, Hill said, noting that focus has been instrumental in the company’s success.
“The owners believe in treating people with respect and giving them as many opportunities as they can, which results in perks and benefits that contribute to a positive work environment,” she said.
Consistently recognized as one of the top workplaces in Kansas City, Pro Athlete’s facility includes such amenities as a batting cage, swimming pool, chef, and basketball court.
The company’s current focus for the JustPaddles brand: continue growing the sport and getting more players involved.
“Our main goal is to keep getting people who are interested in the sport access to paddles and new equipment,” said Hill. “We want to make sure we are creating a site and platform for vendors to showcase the awesome products they’ve made and keep growing the sport as much as we can.”
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
How a humble DIY upbringing sparked this streetwear designer’s minimalist aesthetic
Flaws are part of nature, says Clark Rooseveltte: Go forth and be creative (not normal) Clark Rooseveltte — already known across Kansas City as the man behind the mic (and the mixtape) — is inviting others into his world of creative living through Clvr World Goods and Supply, a lifestyle brand focused on streetwear and…
Matt Baysinger: Choir Bar revival is just one note in Swell Spark’s chorus of experiences planned for 2025
Developments from within Kansas City-based entertainment group Swell Spark are coming in a round this winter, said Matt Baysinger, starting with the crescendoing return of its Choir Bar group singalong experience after a five-year hiatus. “We want to create places where people can come together, relax, and try something a little different,” said Baysinger, whose…
Early success gave this young entrepreneur the credibility to bridge community, business gaps
At 21, Jonathan Pitallo is already an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and investor, he shared, but community engagement might be his biggest passion, he said. The Kansas City, Kansas, resident and Belton native founded Vive Promo and Print, is an agent at EXP Realty, and owns three properties, but he’s also an ambassador for the…
KC inventor rolls elevated litter box to market (and cats already are making the leap)
Amy Leiker can take criticism and feedback, the Lenexa-based LoftyLoo creator said, noting she couldn’t have survived a career in corporate marketing and health care without it. So when it comes to her elevated litter box invention, she’s quick to jump to its defense, but open to making the product even more user (and cat)…