Jorge Barragan’s The Picklr: When Jorge Barragan founded The Picklr, he never imagined the rapid growth it would experience. What started as an idea to provide year-round indoor pickleball courts quickly evolved into one of the fastest-growing franchise networks in North America, with over 450 locations sold. The secret? A community-driven model that eliminates weather constraints and long wait times, ensuring players always have a place to play.
Pickleball has transformed from a casual pastime into a way of life for millions. It fosters connections, encourages activity, and even helps people combat loneliness and depression. Barragan’s journey began in 2015 when pickleball was still relatively unknown outside of retirement communities.
He and his co-workers played at lunch, but the lack of available courts often left them waiting too long to enjoy a full game. That frustration planted the seed for what would later become The Picklr.
From Paddles to Pickleball Clubs
Barragan recognized pickleball’s potential early. Inspired by younger players with tennis backgrounds who played at a faster, more aggressive pace, he envisioned the sport’s evolution.
In 2019, he launched a pickleball paddle company aimed at younger demographics, offering affordable prices and unique designs. Sales took off, but when the pandemic hit, his supply chain was disrupted. Still, pickleball continued to thrive as a COVID-friendly sport.
During this time, Barragan’s career took an unexpected turn. After the software company he worked for was acquired, he found himself unemployed. Rather than return to corporate life, he leaned into his entrepreneurial instincts—instilled in him by his father, who had built businesses from the ground up. He wanted to create something meaningful, and pickleball was the perfect vehicle.
In December 2020, the concept for The Picklr was born: an indoor pickleball facility with reservation-based courts, leagues, clinics, and tournaments. He called his best friend, Austin Wood, to pitch the idea. Wood was on board immediately. By January 2021, they signed their first lease, and by April, the first seven-court facility opened near the mouth of Ogden Canyon.
The response was overwhelming. Dedicated pickleball players, tired of waiting for courts, embraced The Picklr. With demand skyrocketing, Barragan and Wood quickly expanded, opening six more facilities across Utah and one in Colorado.
Scaling Through Community and Franchising
Pickleball’s popularity soared, growing by 50% annually in 2021 and 2022. Barragan knew The Picklr had to expand beyond its original locations. His background in fast-paced software companies helped shape the business model—analyzing customer behaviors, retention, and expansion strategies. The answer was franchising.
The Picklr’s success is rooted in its strong community focus. Barragan and Wood approached pickleball not just as a sport, but as an experience. Tournaments felt like parties, complete with taco trucks and unique prizes like sombreros. This vibrant, inclusive culture made The Picklr more than just a place to play—it became a hub for enthusiasts.
When franchising launched, interest exploded. Within a month, Barragan received over 100 inquiries from potential franchisees. Over the next 18 months, more than 400 locations were sold across the U.S. Today, The Picklr is set to open 100 clubs by the end of 2025, expanding into Canada and international markets.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Growth at this scale brings both excitement and responsibility. Barragan and his team have built a robust infrastructure, hiring over 70 employees to support franchisees. The company is opening one to two new locations each week, ensuring consistent quality and experience.
Despite the rapid expansion, Barragan remains deeply connected to his entrepreneurial roots. He credits his father’s relentless work ethic and vision as a major inspiration. His father immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico at 17, determined to build a better life—a mindset Barragan carries into every aspect of The Picklr’s journey.
His guiding philosophy? A quote from Steve Jobs: “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
Barragan’s story is a testament to that belief. Against the odds—starting a business during a pandemic, with a newborn at home—he took a leap of faith. Today, The Picklr is redefining pickleball accessibility and shaping the future of the sport. And for Barragan, this is just the beginning.
News in Brief: Jorge Barragan’s The Picklr
Jorge Barragan founded The Picklr to provide indoor pickleball courts, and it quickly became one of North America’s fastest-growing franchises, selling over 450 locations. Launched in 2021, The Picklr expanded rapidly, offering leagues, clinics, and tournaments.
With a strong community-driven model, it plans to open 100 clubs by 2025, including international locations. Barragan’s vision is shaping the future of pickleball accessibility and growth worldwide.
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