How My MBA Helped Me Build Europe’s Leading Pickleball Brand

In recent years, the world of sports has witnessed an exciting new addition: pickleball. Still in its infancy, the paddle-based game is already the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with over 48.3 million players, according to the latest SFIA report.

Witnessing pickleball's rapid rise in the US, Dominik Kuhn, an MBA graduate from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, saw an opportunity to take the sport global. Noting the sport's lack of infrastructure in Europe, Dominik identified a major gap in the market—one he was determined to fill.

Here, Dominik shares how his time at business school empowered him to strive to bring a new sport to the European masses. 

Tell us about your businesses?

Pickleball Corner is the leading retailer and distributor of pickleball equipment in Switzerland and Europe. We sell premium paddles, balls, nets, shoes, apparel, and accessories through our online stores.

Beyond retail, we are building the entire ecosystem for pickleball. Through our sister company, CourtPro Pickleball, we design and supply professional-grade rollout courts that can be installed temporarily or permanently in sports centers, schools, and events. These rollout courts allow us to bring pickleball literally anywhere—from mountain resorts to city squares.

A highlight of this initiative was our recent project at the USA Pavilion of EXPO 2025 in Osaka, where we delivered and installed a rollout court and introduced thousands of visitors to pickleball together with our US partners. It was a proud moment—seeing a Swiss company help represent and grow America’s fastest-growing sport on a global stage.

Our USP is that we provide a complete pickleball solution—equipment, courts, coaching, and community. We make it easy for new players, schools, and municipalities to start playing and fall in love with the sport.

What inspired you to start your businesses?

I’ve always been passionate about entrepreneurship, and I grew up with parents who were both strong role models—not only in business but also in how to live life with integrity, resilience, and purpose. They built their own paths and taught me that hard work, persistence, and treating people well are the foundation of any success. That mindset inspired me to create something of my own that brings people together and makes a positive impact.

During my MBA at Baylor, I saw how pickleball was exploding across the US. I realized that Switzerland and Europe had almost no infrastructure for the sport, which sparked the idea of being an early mover and helping bring pickleball to this part of the world.

Tell us about your business today?

We are a small but growing team of five people across Switzerland, Germany, and Singapore, supported by contractors, coaches, and community organizers. Our turnover has grown steadily as the sport gains traction, and we are on track to double revenue year over year.

What part did your b-school experience play in developing your business idea?

My MBA at Baylor was instrumental. It gave me the confidence to launch my own venture, helped me sharpen my business acumen, and provided a strong foundation in finance, marketing, and operations. The entrepreneurial ecosystem at Baylor encouraged me to take the leap and think strategically about scaling from day one.

In what ways do you draw upon the skill set you developed at b-school?

I use what I learned at Baylor every single day—whether it’s negotiating supplier agreements, analyzing financial statements, structuring partnerships, or leading my team. Courses in entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership were particularly impactful.

Tell us about your typical working day?

No two days are the same. I split my time between strategic planning, supplier negotiations, marketing campaigns, and being on the courts, meeting with players, coaches, and partners. I also love spending time at our Pickleball Hub locations—seeing new players pick up a paddle for the first time is still one of the best parts of my day.

How has your b-school network helped with your business development?

My Baylor network has been an incredible resource—providing advice, introductions to suppliers and partners, and even cheering us on from abroad. Several of my professors and classmates have been sounding boards for growth ideas and strategic decisions.

What have been some of the largest obstacles you’ve encountered?

Launching a new sport in a market that didn’t know it existed was both exciting and challenging. We had to build awareness from scratch, find locations to set up courts, and educate players. Logistics were also a major challenge—importing equipment, dealing with customs, and setting up a reliable supply chain for Europe took persistence and creativity. Overcoming these obstacles required strong relationships, trust, and the mindset to find solutions rather than excuses. 

In five years, I want Pickleball Corner to be the leading pickleball brand in Europe and Asia, with a strong retail presence, a network of pickleball facilities, and active communities in every major city. Our goal is to make pickleball as accessible and mainstream in Europe as it is becoming in the US.

What is one surprising thing you’ve learned from starting your venture?

How quickly a passionate community can form around something new. I’ve been amazed by how many people want to contribute—from volunteers to partners to players bringing their friends. The community spirit is what keeps me motivated. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?

Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, and that’s okay. Focus on your customers, listen to them, and keep learning fast. Most importantly, surround yourself with good people—mentors, partners, and role models who lift you up when things get tough.

Interested in how MBA graduates are making the jump to entrepreneurship? Explore our full My Business Story series.