Chaifetz Group Partners with Pickletile: The Chaifetz Group, known for owning and managing the St. Louis Shock in Major League Pickleball (MLP), has announced a strategic investment and partnership with Austin-based Pickletile. This innovative company specializes in pickleball court construction and aims to disrupt the industry with its unique designs. Ross Chaifetz, Managing Director of the Chaifetz Group, will join Pickletile as Vice Chairman of the Board.
A Growing Presence in Pickleball
Chaifetz is becoming a prominent figure in the pickleball industry. He has previously invested in the United Pickleball Association and holds a stake in DUPR through his team ownership.
The Chaifetz Group also invested in Picklr, a leading indoor club franchise. Chaifetz expressed enthusiasm for the sport, saying,
“We just love Pickleball. I’m not sure which line of business that we’ve invested in will be the most successful, but we’re bullish on everything.” – (Chaifetz)
Pickletile’s CEO, Scott Miller, was drawn to the partnership because of Chaifetz’s passion for pickleball.
“What really drew me to this group is their passion and their commitment to the sport. They’re real people, excited about the sport, and when we met they were excited about us.” – (Scott Miller)
Innovative Court Designs
Pickletile stands out in the court construction industry with its use of glass walls and partitioning instead of traditional chain-link fencing. This design improves aesthetics and functionality, providing better sound mitigation.
“Our only competitors are people who attach soundproof blankets to chain link fences. We’re 35% more effective in soundproofing, in addition to the aesthetics.” – (Scott Miller)
The company offers a standardized, modular construction process that stabilizes pricing across markets. Their tech-first designs integrate lighting, heating, cooling, and court management software, enhancing player experiences.
Addressing Noise Challenges
A key issue in traditional pickleball courts is noise, often exacerbated by chain-link fencing. Pickletile’s glass installations drive sound upward rather than outward, making them suitable for locations near residential areas.
“We thought initially this was just a higher-end offering, but because of our soundproofing, we’re getting pulled into more public court projects.” – (Scott Miller)
The partnership has led to a ten-fold increase in project demand for Pickletile year over year, prompting the Chaifetz Group to assist in optimizing their business and expanding their team to meet this demand.
Future Synergies with St. Louis Shock
While there are currently no direct synergies between the partnership and the St. Louis Shock, Chaifetz anticipates indirect benefits.
“The next wave growth opportunities that MLP owners are thinking about is definitely facility build, building home courts to host events. For us, Pickletile will now be a part of that.” – (Chaifetz)
This potential for facility construction follows recent announcements from MLP owners, including a $25 million investment by Utah Black Diamond’s owner in a new facility. Chaifetz suggests that the Shock may announce plans for a home facility in the greater St. Louis area soon.
Expect to see more of Pickletile’s glass courts at Picklr facilities, leveraging the existing partnership with the Chaifetz Group. As the St. Louis Shock approaches the March 2025 player draft, their willingness to invest significantly in success will be closely watched.
News in Brief: Chaifetz Group Partners with Pickletile
The Chaifetz Group has partnered with Austin-based Pickletile, specializing in innovative pickleball court construction using glass walls for improved sound mitigation and aesthetics.
Managing Director Ross Chaifetz joins as Vice Chairman. This collaboration addresses rising demand and enhances player experience, with potential future ties to the St. Louis Shock’s facility plans as the league grows.
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