The business model took shape in 2020 after Barragan grew tired of waiting in line at public recreation centers. Recognizing a massive gap between the sport’s surging popularity and the availability of accessible facilities, he partnered with his friend Austin Wood to launch a dedicated indoor model. By prioritizing climate-controlled environments and championship-standard amenities—such as sound-baffled walls and professional lighting—the company shifted pickleball from a makeshift gym activity into a premium club experience.
How The Picklr Scaled a Pickleball Empire by Solving Court Shortages
Ten years ago, Jorge Barragan was mocked by colleagues for his pickleball obsession. Today, he leads The Picklr, a nationwide franchise that has achieved 6,124% growth over three years by transforming vacant big-box retail spaces into professional-grade indoor courts for a sport that now claims over 24 million American players.
Scaling at such a rapid pace brought the enterprise to the brink of collapse in 2022, as the company moved from opening four clubs in four months to launching approximately one location every week. To survive, Barragan pivoted from a reactive startup mindset to a disciplined, system-based franchise model. By repurposing abandoned retail sites like former Bed Bath & Beyond and Sears locations, The Picklr bypassed the costs and delays of new construction. This operational strategy, combined with a software-centric approach to member retention, helped the company secure a spot on national lists of fastest-growing businesses, proving that the once-ridiculed hobby had become a formidable force in the wellness industry.
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