In this episode, Mitch shares the fascinating origin story of Pickle Lodge, Cincinnati's premier pickleball facility. As a self-described "masochist" who values volunteering, Mitch founded the Cincinnati Pickleball Club in January 2020 to grow the sport locally. His online visibility led to a fateful connection with Joe Frank, owner of the Fowling Warehouse, in July 2020. Though the Fowling Warehouse wasn't suitable for pickleball, their partnership flourished through a shared "yes, and" philosophy that would eventually create Pickle Lodge.

Mitch details the challenging transformation of a neglected 1970s tennis facility (Courtyard Sportsplex) into the thriving 60,000-square-foot, 23-court Pickle Lodge. Despite construction delays and unexpected costs, the business achieved profitability in its first year. Mitch also reveals plans for their second location, Pickle Lodge at Lunkin Landing, set to open in fall 2025.

The conversation explores Mitch's personal pickleball journey, beginning in Northern Michigan in 2017 and blossoming into full addiction by 2018. Mitch compares pickleball's addictive nature to golf rather than tennis, explaining how it becomes "part of your personality." Throughout the episode, Mitch's marketing background, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for community-building shine through as the driving forces behind Pickle Lodge's success.