Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I’m inspired by entrepreneurs who build with both vision and purpose. In business, I admire people who see opportunity where others don’t and create something meaningful for communities that are often overlooked. That has shaped how I’ve built Empower Pickleball. I’m driven by the idea that business can create both growth and connection, and that the strongest brands are the ones that make people feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by knowing I’m building something with real impact. Empower Pickleball is about more than media. It’s about creating visibility, connection, and opportunity around the recreational player who is often overlooked. I’m also motivated by progress, even small wins. Every partnership, every piece of content, and every new relationship is proof that we’re building something meaningful from the ground up.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We would use the $25,000 to accelerate growth in a focused way: expand audience development, create more original content, strengthen sales and partnership infrastructure, and support strategic travel and industry presence. It would help us grow Empower Pickleball’s reach, bring in more brand partners, and build stronger systems around a business that is already gaining traction.