What happens when you bring together startup ambition, big-event expertise, and a deep commitment to human connection? You get RacquetX: an experience designed to connect every corner of the racquet sports industry.

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with Robyn Duda, the founder and creative mind behind RacquetX. With a background in designing global corporate events, Robyn saw a gap in the racquet sports space: no centralized experience for connection, collaboration, and future-focused growth. So, she built it.

This conversation unpacks the real challenges and vision behind building an industry-first event from the ground up—complete with indoor courts, live programming, and an unshakable focus on belonging. Robyn shares what it’s like to lead with vulnerability, navigate the unknown, and reshape how racquet sports professionals come together to move the industry forward.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the racquet sports industry needed something like RacquetX—and what makes it different
• The real challenges of launching a startup within a traditional industry
• What goes into creating meaningful experiences that connect diverse sectors
• How leadership, risk, and emotional honesty shape powerful innovation
• What clubs, coaches, and brands are craving when it comes to the future of community

Whether you're a club director, brand leader, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode will expand how you think about progress in racquet sports—and how bold ideas turn into movement.

Listen to hear how one person’s clarity of vision—and willingness to do the hard work—is reshaping how the racquet sports world shows up and connects.

Connect with Robyn Duda at TheRacquetX.com
Connect with Kim Bastable on LinkedIn
Connect with Simon Gale on LinkedIn

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the racquets industry? Visit our website to learn more!

What does it actually take to build a thriving racquet sports facility in today’s fast-moving market? And what’s just hype?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale are joined by Eric Loftus, an expert court builder and board member of the American Sports Builders Association. With more than 50 years in the tennis and racquet construction industry, Eric shares what he’s seeing on the ground—and where the court construction world is headed next.

They explore the real economics behind pickleball and padel, the growing pains of a booming market, and why many clubs are struggling to master the land, logistics, and legislation that come with trying to “add a few courts.” Whether you're a facility leader, investor, or simply trying to keep up with trends, this episode offers clarity in a rapidly evolving landscape.

By the end of this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why post-COVID demand transformed racquet sports, and what that means for club infrastructure
✅ The real costs, challenges, and misconceptions around building courts for padel and pickleball
✅ Why “build it and they will come” doesn’t work without community and quality instruction
✅ How clubs can avoid the biggest mistakes in court planning, compliance, and construction
✅ What the rise of padel in Europe tells us about the future of U.S. racquet sports facilities

Whether you're managing a country club, building from scratch, or looking to future-proof your programs, this episode breaks down what’s really happening in racquet sports construction, and what comes next.

Connect with Eric Loftus on LinkedIn and at Northeast Padel
Connect with Kim Bastable on LinkedIn
Connect with Simon Gale on LinkedIn

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the racquets industry? Visit our website to learn more!

If we have a shortage of pros and an abundance of positions in the racquets industry, why must you make your resume stand out? The reason is because the employer is still seeking the best person for the position. In this episode of Racquet Fuel, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale give their opinion on how you can make the best first impression - one that will almost guarantee getting you to the top of the interview pile. They share tips and insights on highlighting your achievements, how to effectively communication your qualifications to potential employers, how to discuss compensation (or not), and the dos and donts for recorded video interviews.

By the end of this episode you'll know:
- How to make a good first impression before an interview
- Ways to make cover letters stand out
- The difference in achievements and tasks in your job history
- How long a resume should be
- Professional ways to address compensation
- Dos and donts for video submissions

... and the secret to get to the TOP of Simon Gale's interview pile.

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the racquet sports industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!