The Picklr, a fast-growing indoor pickleball franchise backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, has named Abby Olson as its new chief operating officer. Olson, who played a major role in expanding Crumbl Cookies, will help lead The Picklr’s national and global growth as it continues to add new clubs.
Leadership Strengthens Expansion Plans
Abby Olson brings years of experience in franchising and operations. At Crumbl, she worked as vice president of field operations and training. She helped grow the brand from under 10 locations to more than 1,100 stores in two countries. Now, she joins The Picklr to manage operations and support its franchise teams.
“Abby’s entrepreneurial mindset and deep operational knowledge make her the perfect fit for this critical leadership role,”
said Jorge Barragan, co-founder and chief executive officer of The Picklr.
“Her experience scaling one of the fastest-growing franchise brands in the country is invaluable as we accelerate The Picklr’s national and international expansion.”
Major Growth Milestones
The Picklr closed a Series B funding round last year, reaching a $59 million valuation and raising $9 million total. The company has already sold over 500 locations and expects to open more than 80 by the end of this year. Olson’s job will focus on improving franchise support, customer experience, and global operations.
“Joining The Picklr at this stage of its journey is an incredible opportunity,”. “This brand has an undeniable magic that sets it apart. The focus now is on helping franchisees create truly memorable experiences for their club members while growing the sport by bringing even more people into the pickleball community.”(Abby Olson)
Global Expansion Underway
The Picklr recently signed a master franchise agreement with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co. in Japan. The first club will open in the Tokyo area, with plans for 20 more over five years. In Canada, The Picklr partnered with TPC Development Corporation to launch 65 locations outside Quebec.
With these steps, the company aims to build a worldwide community for pickleball, bringing the sport to more countries and new audiences.
News in Brief: Abby Olson Pickleball Global Expansion
The Picklr named Abby Olson as its chief operating officer. Olson previously led Crumbl Cookies’ rapid growth. She joins The Picklr to guide operations and support its worldwide expansion. The company plans to open more than 80 clubs this year and grow in Japan and Canada.
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