Just opportunity: How this KC sports company plans to ace PickleCon’s potential

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.”

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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.”