Dekel Bar’s Ventures: In the rapidly evolving world of pickleball, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit play crucial roles in shaping the sport’s future. One of the standout examples of this dynamic is Pickleball 360, a subscription-based platform co-founded by Dekel Bar, Ben Johns, and Colin Johns. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pickleball 360 has quickly established itself as a valuable resource for players eager to enhance their skills.
Through insights from Dekel Bar and observations from DJ Young, we gain a deeper understanding of how this venture reflects broader trends in pickleball and highlights the intersection of athletic skills and strategic entrepreneurship.
From Passion to Professional: The Birth of Pickleball 360
Dekel Bar’s journey in pickleball took a significant turn when he, alongside Ben Johns and Colin Johns, co-founded Pickleball 360. The inception of Pickleball 360 came during a period of introspection and opportunity. “We started during COVID,” Bar explained. “With not much going on, we asked ourselves, ‘What can we do in our spare time?’” This question led to the creation of Pickleball 360, a subscription-based instructional video platform designed to enhance pickleball skills.
The platform provides comprehensive training resources, featuring a series of instructional videos filmed during the pandemic. “We filmed a lot of videos and started putting them online,” Bar shared. The venture aimed to leverage the expertise of Bar, Ben, and Colin, offering valuable insights and techniques to the pickleball community. The trio’s combined experience and knowledge have been pivotal in shaping the content and educational value of the platform.
Collaborative Success: The Role of Partnerships
The success of Pickleball 360 also hinges on a crucial partnership. “We have another partner who is our videographer and technician,” Bar revealed. This partner plays a vital role in the production and management of the website. As a part-owner, he contributes significantly to the platform’s operations, ensuring high-quality content and smooth functionality.
The collaboration between Bar, Ben, Colin, and their technical partner has been instrumental in the platform’s growth. “Ben and Colin are some of the best teachers; they explain things so well,” Bar noted. Although Bar acknowledges his own role in the venture, he emphasizes the strengths of his partners in delivering top-notch instructional content. This synergy has helped Pickleball 360 gain recognition among its users, who have consistently provided positive feedback.
A Testament to Business Acumen and Resilience
DJ Young, a prominent voice in the pickleball community, emphasized the significance of Ben Johns’ early involvement in business ventures alongside his athletic career. Young remarked, “When Ben says something, just listen. He started so young and was incredibly business-minded.” This foresight is particularly noteworthy given the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Injuries or unforeseen circumstances could impact a player’s career, making Johns’ strategic approach to both playing and business especially commendable.
Young’s reflections underscore the value of being prepared for any eventuality. “You’re making good money or really good money playing pickleball,” Young noted, “but anything could happen—an injury or something that doesn’t heal properly.” The fact that Johns not only excelled as a player but also engaged in business activities is seen as a prudent move, demonstrating a commitment to long-term success and stability in the sport.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite its successes, Bar recognizes that Pickleball 360 has room for greater visibility. “It’s not as known as it should be because we haven’t pushed it out enough,” he admitted. Nevertheless, the platform has received strong endorsements from those who have explored its offerings. As Pickleball 360 continues to develop, Bar and his partners are committed to expanding its reach and impact within the pickleball community.
News in Brief: Dekel Bar’s Ventures
The story of Pickleball 360 reflects a broader trend of innovation and adaptation within the sport. Dekel Bar’s venture highlights the growing opportunities in pickleball, driven by the passion and expertise of its leading figures. As the platform evolves, it promises to further contribute to the sport’s development and the enhancement of player skills worldwide.
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