Partnering On PBX

Pickleball Xpress was the first business I helped launch outside of real estate, and it came together through a mix of timing, initiative, and a deep belief in the vision. The idea for the business started with three long-established Bay Shore entrepreneurs: Mitchell Sloane, Michael Khoury, and Charles Ferraro. I was working under Charles at Bayberry Capital when I first heard about the plan to open a high-quality indoor pickleball facility. The timing couldn’t have been better. Pickleball was quickly becoming the fastest growing sport in the country, but the lack of court availability was frustrating players everywhere. Especially on Long Island, where winters made outdoor play impossible. I saw the opportunity early and leaned in. I helped wherever I could; assisting with site selection, planning layouts, coordinating construction, and shaping the overall brand. I even attended a five-day pickleball business mastermind to better understand the space and prepare myself to contribute more meaningfully. I wasn’t a partner at first. I just stayed close to the project, added value whenever possible, and didn’t ask for anything. Over time, my work spoke for itself and I was invited to join the ownership team. The first Pickleball Xpress location opened in Islip in Spring 2024, right next to Gold’s Gym. With 18-foot ceilings, cushioned flooring, and a strong focus on community, we designed the facility to stand out in both quality and experience. Since then, we’ve announced two more locations in Brightwaters and Brooklyn (which I discovered). This project means a lot to me, not just because of what we built, but because of how I got there. I’ve always believed in showing up, being useful, and trusting that the right people will take notice. That mindset is what helped me go from contributor to partner, and it's something I carry into every project I take on.