Ponte Vedra Recorder – “One of Us” Features Gainor Sports

Ponte Vedra Recorder – “One of Us” Features Gainor Sports

Brian Gainor has accumulated more than 20 years of experience working with 200-plus professional sports teams, leagues, brands (sponsors), and organizations worldwide.

Brian Gainor moved to the First Coast with his family in 2020, and it did not take him long to realize the unique and exciting sports scene the area has to offer. With decades of experience in the sports world he is following his dream and recently began Gainor Sports, a sports marketing and advisory practice, located in Ponte Vedra.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

My family and I made the move to the First Coast in 2020, leaving behind Chicago to be closer to our relatives who had relocated from Minnesota to work at the Mayo Clinic.

Our decision was primarily driven by the desire to embrace the pickleball lifestyle. Being a family of four, our family includes our wonderful children, Clara (12) and Garrett (10).

Laura, my wife, is the founder of the world’s first pickleball marketing agency, Vossberg Gainor, and the creative force behind a pickleball lifestyle brand, Pickleball in the Sun. The vibrant community of Nocatee has proven to be an ideal and welcoming home for all of us.

I was raised in Miami and attended the University of Florida as a business major.

My journey in the sports industry began as a student assistant in the UF Athletics Department my freshman year, where I enjoyed so many incredible experiences working basketball and football games at The Swamp.

After graduation, I moved to Germany to work for NFL Europe. Upon returning to the U.S., I earned my master’s degrees at Ohio University and met my wife in Charlotte.

We’ve cherished experiences living in Milwaukee and Chicago before finding our new favorite home in Ponte Vedra.

What led to the creation of the recently launched Gainor Sports?

With a long-standing goal and vision of establishing my own sports marketing and advisory practice, I’ve been fortunate to accumulate over 20 years of experience working with 200-plus professional sports teams, leagues, brands (sponsors), and organizations worldwide.

In early 2023, I co-founded a Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment Networking Group, aiming to unite and raise the profile of our sports and entertainment community in the region.

Through this, I realized over the past year that now is the perfect time to launch Gainor Sports.

What services will Gainor Sports offer?

Gainor Sports will specialize in helping teams, leagues, brands and organizations here in Florida and around the world develop new creative ways to generate revenue, grow their fanbases and create positive impact.

Locally, I am excited to play a key role in helping to continue to grow and elevate the Jacksonville sports and entertainment community and help leaders in the area create positive impact in our community and new, best-in-class fan experiences.

Additionally, I aim to serve as a resource for companies sponsoring local teams and events, helping them optimize their investments and create positive community impact.

What are your future goals and objectives for the business?

My vision for Gainor Sports is to be recognized as a leading sports marketing and consulting agency globally, collaborating with prominent organizations locally, nationally and internationally. I’m also eager to contribute to the continued growth of the First Coast region.

What are the most rewarding parts about your job?

The most gratifying aspect of my job has been the opportunity to travel and work with diverse organizations worldwide, including the Green Bay Packers, Chelsea FC, Cirque du Soleil, SoFi Stadium, Cricket Australia, Netball New Zealand and more.

What are some of the aspects of the industry that are more challenging that you have to account for?

The sports and entertainment industry’s constant evolution presents challenges as teams and leagues strive to grow, adapt, and generate greater impact and revenues.

However, navigating these challenges is what makes the industry exciting, given its powerful role in uniting and empowering communities.

How would you describe the sports culture of the First Coast area and how do you see it looking in the future?

The sports and entertainment industry in Florida has exploded over the past 15 years and Jacksonville has such an incredible future and growth trajectory ahead.

With potential developments like a new Jacksonville Jaguars stadium and two professional soccer teams planning stadiums, the future is exciting.

High-profile college sports, a growing music scene, and dedicated owners in minor league sports contribute to the area’s vibrant sports culture.

Furthermore, with Laura and I both being entrepreneurs, we are enthusiastic about identifying unique opportunities for our agencies to collaborate, especially given the continued amazing growth and popularity of pickleball.

By uniting efforts, we aim to introduce the local community to the exciting developments in pickleball and establish meaningful collaborations with professional sports leagues and teams.

The First Coast region features an incredible amount of premier and diverse destinations and events like The Yards, championship golf, tennis, state-of-the-art pickleball facilities and more and we are excited to support and showcase these exceptional properties in our community.

What do you enjoy most about living in the North Florida area?

We love the lifestyle here in Ponte Vedra – there’s no better place to raise a family!

We also love being in driving distance to take the kids to Gators games and have met so many incredible families and people who have also moved here in recent years who help make this such a wonderful, unique community.

What do you like to do and your family do in your free time?

In our free time, we love enjoying outdoor activities with family and friends, such as kayaking, playing pickleball, attending our kids’ youth sports activities at Grace Conservatory of Dance and Jacksonville FC, golf carting around Nocatee, and exploring St. Augustine on weekends.

The First Coast offers easy access to numerous incredible travel destinations, providing exciting opportunities for our family to explore Florida and beyond.

Centerline Athletics Announces Exciting Partnership with Top 10-Rated Pro Pickleball Athlete, Thomas Wilson

Centerline Athletics Announces Exciting Partnership with Top 10-Rated Pro Pickleball Athlete, Thomas Wilson

Menasha, WI. January 31, 2024 – Centerline Athletics, performance-focused pickleball apparel brand set to launch in March 2024, is thrilled to announce its first-ever sponsorship agreement with professional athlete Thomas Wilson, a top 10-rated pro pickleball athlete on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and two-time Major League Pickleball Champion. This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone for Centerline Athletics as it launches into pro pickleball, with plans to announce additional sponsored athletes in the near future. 

Thomas Wilson, recognized as a well-respected athlete and for exceptional achievements in pickleball, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the sport. As a brand committed to excellence and innovation, Centerline Athletics is proud to align itself with an athlete of Wilson’s caliber. 

Launching in Spring 2024, Centerline Athletics is set to introduce premium-performance pickleball apparel for men and women. Our collection features cutting-edge designs tailored specifically by and for the pickleball athlete; engineered to support their unique movements and enhance the overall pickleball experience. 

“We are delighted to welcome Thomas Wilson to the Centerline Athletics family. His top 10 ranking on the PPA Tour and impressive achievements, including two Major League Pickleball Championships, highlight his extraordinary skill and commitment to the sport,” said Scott Brown, Managing Director at Centerline Athletics. “This partnership represents a significant step forward for us as we get set to launch into professional pickleball with a new realm of performance styled products.” 

As part of the collaboration, Thomas Wilson will proudly wear Centerline Athletics apparel during his tournaments and promotional events. Additionally, he will contribute valuable insights for upcoming apparel designs, working directly with our designers, as we prepare to launch new products. This partnership underscores the brand’s dedication to offering athletes gear that not only elevates performance but also mirrors their distinctive style and unwavering commitment to the sport. 

“I am honored to be the first sponsored pro pickleball athlete by Centerline Athletics. Being the face of a new brand presents an extraordinary opportunity, and I am thrilled to contribute to its launch,” said Thomas Wilson. “The brand’s dedication to quality and performance deeply aligns with my values as an athlete. I look forward to representing a brand that shares my passion for the sport of pickleball.” 

Fans and supporters can expect exciting collaborations, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into Thomas Wilson’s journey with Centerline Athletics through various social media channels and the brand’s official website.

For more information about Centerline Athletics and its premium performance pickleball apparel, please visit CenterlineAthletics.com and follow them on Instagram – @CenterlineAthletics

About Centerline Athletics: 

Centerline Athletics is an eagerly anticipated premium performance pickleball apparel brand set to launch in March 2024. Crafted for the pickleball athlete, the brand will redefine comfort, style, and functionality on the court. Follow Centerline Athletics on Instagram and Facebook for news on the upcoming launch. 

MEDIA ASSETS LINKED HERE

Press Contact: 

Laura Gainor
Vossberg Gainor, LLC.
laura@vossberggainor.com
704-941-4191

Sign up to be the first to know about exclusive deals offered with the launch of Centerline Athletics!

 

Win the Ultimate Pickleball Getaway from Pickleball in the Sun

Win the Ultimate Pickleball Getaway from Pickleball in the Sun

Sweepstakes in partnership with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, TradeWinds Island Resorts and Pickleball Central to launch on National Plan for Vacation Day with exciting online trip giveaway

St. Pete/Clearwater, Fla., January 26, 2024 — In celebration of National Plan for Vacation Day, a day to remind us to plan our vacation at the start of the year for the rest of the year, Visit St. Pete / Clearwater has partnered with Pickleball in the Sun, Pickleball Central and TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort to give travel enthusiasts and avid pickleballers the opportunity to score the ultimate vacation and pickleball escape, all while prioritizing self-care and relaxation in St. Pete/Clearwater, home to America’s Best Beaches.

Strategically held in tandem with National Plan for Vacation Day, the Pickleball in the Sun Getaway to St. Pete Beach will highlight the Florida Gulf coast area’s exciting pickleball offerings, endless rays of sunshine, family fun and superb dining scene, positioning it as a leading pickleball destination. Travelers and pickleball fans are invited to enter for the chance to win round trip airfare for four to the destination, a three-night stay at Island Grand, a TradeWinds Beach Resort which boasts three brand-new pickleball courts, four limited-edition Pickleball in the Sun paddles, and a $500 gift certificate to PickleballCentral.com, the largest online pickleball retailer. 

According to a 2023 Trust for Public Land (TPL) study, the City of St. Pete is among the top five municipalities in the U.S. for pickleball courts per capita. The pro-parks study showed that St. Pete features 19.6 courts per 100,000 residents, the second most in the nation. 

“It’s no secret that pickleball is all the rage across the nation – but, it has a strong presence right here in St. Pete/Clearwater,” said Brian Lowack, President/CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “We are proud to continue to develop our thriving sports and cultural community and bring access to the destination’s existing and developing courts and athletic fields. By teaming up with experts like Pickleball in the Sun and Pickleball Central on this special giveaway, we want to give visitors a reminder to plan their travel to St. Pete/Clearwater in 2024 as a must-visit destination for pickleball aficionados and avid sports travel enthusiasts alike.”

In addition to 361 days of sunshine, “The Sunshine City” boasts an amazing parks system. St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation has been ranked Florida’s Best and 15th in the country by TPL, making it the ideal destination for outdoor activities. With 35 miles of sugar-sand beaches and clear blue-green waters, beachgoers of every age will find plenty to love at St. Pete/Clearwater family-friendly beaches with amenities for all.

“For the nearly 50 million pickleball enthusiasts in the United States, pickleball vacations are a highly coveted experience when selecting their destination,” stated Laura Gainor, Founder & CEO of Pickleball in the Sun. “We have designated the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort as a “Premier Pickleball in the Sun Destination” as it offers a tropical retreat with activities perfectly tailored for the multi-generational community that values creating lasting memories together. We 

are honored to collaborate with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, and Pickleball Central for this giveaway, aimed at bringing awareness to pickleball enthusiasts worldwide about this extraordinary pickleball escape.” 

“Sunshine, pickleball, family, and friends–what could be better? As the largest online pickleball retailer, Pickleball Central is proud to join the Pickleball in the Sun Getaway campaign. In collaboration with Visit St. Pete / Clearwater, Pickleball in the Sun, and TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, we align with our mission to enhance the pickleball experience,” said Taylor Loomis, CEO of Pickleball Central. “We’re excited to contribute a $500 gift certificate for the lucky winner to access premium pickleball gear, elevating their pickleball escape. Explore the best brands at Pickleball Central – Your trusted Pickleball Experts!” 

Additionally, VSPC has teamed up with TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort to feature its beachfront property as part of the sweepstakes grand prize. Located directly on the sugary white sands of the Gulf of Mexico on St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Resorts boasts of 40 acres of limitless beachfront recreation, sumptuous dining, and many exciting family activities, such as their unique three-story High Tide Slide and dual-line zipline on the beach. 

The online sweepstakes, which can be exclusively entered online, is open January 30, 2024, through February 28, 2024. The rules are simple: each participant is allowed one online entry per person to win one trip to St. Pete/Clearwater for four people. Bonus entries can be obtained by following Pickleball Central, Pickleball in the Sun, TradeWinds Resorts & VSPC on social media. Round-trip airfare for up to four (4) people is included, three-night quad-occupancy hotel accommodations at TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, four Limited-Edition Pickleball in the Sun paddles, and a $500 gift certificate to PickleballCentral.com.  

 

To enter the sweepstakes, go to pickleballinthesun.com/stpetegetaway! For more information on hotels, attractions, itineraries, and to begin planning your vacation to America’s Best Beaches visit www.visitstpeteclearwater.com.     

  

 MEDIA CONTACT:   

Jason Latimer, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Director of Public Relations 

jason.latimer@visitspc.com / 727-386-3783

  

About Visit St. Pete/Clearwater  

Situated on a sun-drenched peninsula on Florida’s west coast, separating the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay, St. Pete/Clearwater offers world-class cultural experiences along with 35 miles of spectacular white-sand beaches that are annually ranked among the world’s best. Experience our picturesque Gulf sunsets and go beyond the beaches to explore our unique cultural heritage, plentiful interactive art displays, numerous sporting and recreational activities, fresh seafood and burgeoning culinary scene, great local shopping – and, of course, pickleball. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is your only destination with award-winning beaches complimented by world-renowned museums, family fun and endless sunshine. #LetsShineSPC

About Pickleball in the Sun

Pickleball in the Sun is a premier lifestyle brand and experiential pickleball marketing agency dedicated to curating and promoting the finest pickleball experiences and destinations. Pickleball in the Sun strives to elevate the pickleball lifestyle by connecting players with exceptional venues and creating unforgettable moments on and off the court. Through strategic partnership with renowned resorts, organizations, and brands, Pickleball in the Sun has become synonymous with quality, adventure, and community within the dynamic world of pickleball. Be a part of the Pickleball in the Sun lifestyle by visiting PickleballintheSun.com and following @PickleballintheSun on social media. 

About Pickleball Central

Pickleball Central, your Trusted Pickleball experts, is the world’s largest online pickleball retailer. With a mission to grow and support the sport, Pickleball Central offers an extensive selection of gear, equipment, and accessories. Beyond retail, the brand fosters the pickleball community and strives to share the joy and camaraderie that defines the sport. Find informative pickleball drilling, tips, strategy, and gear reviews on YouTube, on the blog and other Pickleball Central social channels.

About TradeWinds Island Resorts

The TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort is located directly on the sugary white sands of the Gulf of Mexico on St. Pete Beach in Florida. TradeWinds Island Grand guests share amenities with its neighboring sister property – RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds – offering access to two properties in one, with limitless beachfront recreation, sumptuous dining and fantastic family activities and programs. Offerings include a three-story High Tide Slide on the beach, the Zing Ray Zip line on the beach, Triple Wipeout Surf Simulator, Floating Water Park, RedBeard the Pirate Show, weekly magic show, paddle boats, aquarium touch tank, mini golf, nightly S’mores on the beach, multiple swimming pools, an on-site kid’s club and a plethora of daily programming that includes pool games, dive-in movies, crafts and much more. Recent additions include three brand-new pickleball courts and the Sunsetter Game Zone area complete with ping pong, foosball, giant Jenga and mega Connect-4. JustLetGo.com  

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Dual Entrepreneurship Under One Roof

Dual Entrepreneurship Under One Roof

Pickleball Marketing News – January 5, 2024

Happy New Year! 2024 is already off to an incredible start for Brian Gainor and me. It is with great pleasure that he announces the launch of Gainor Sports, an innovative sports marketing and advisory practice that Brian has been diligently building over the years as he’s worked the last 15+ years for Legends, 4Front and GMR Marketing.

I met Brian 17 years ago, and since then, I have always admired his work ethic, creative ideas, and unwavering support for me and my agency, Vossberg Gainor, that I launched 4 years ago.

It is a tremendous honor to now embrace entrepreneurship together under one roof! We look forward to individually enjoying living and working on what we love, running our respective practices. With the opportunity for some crossover and collaboration as the world of pickleball continues to grow.

Brian will focus on assisting teams, leagues, and organizations worldwide in driving significant new sponsorship, revenue, and fan growth. Meanwhile, I will continue my dedication to helping brands, agencies, destinations, players, and communities navigate the dynamic world of pickleball through my consulting agency, Vossberg Gainor.

Additionally, I am thrilled to continue celebrating the pickleball lifestyle and curating unique, experiential events for brands, celebrities and communities through the Pickleball in the Sun brand.

Here’s to a successful and fulfilling venture ahead, while shouting unique ideas across the house, to our respective offices 🙂 As well as to be able to get out more together in the local Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra, Florida communities.

It’s truly an honor to both be fulfilling our dreams and demonstrating how hard work can lead to building a company, all with the aim of inspiring our incredible kiddos, Clara and Garrett. And bringing them on as junior associates.

We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024, with much success doing what you love!

The Gainors

Gainor Sports Unveils Innovative Sports Marketing and Advisory Practice

Leading Sports Executive Brian Gainor Launches Gainor Sports, Specializing in Helping Teams, Leagues and Organizations Worldwide Drive Significant New Sponsorship, Revenue and Fan Growth.

Jacksonville, FL l January 4, 2024: Today marks the official launch of Gainor Sports, an innovative sports marketing and advisory practice founded by industry veteran Brian Gainor.

With two decades of experience, Gainor has advised over 200 professional sports teams, leagues, brands, organizations and attractions around the world and is now bringing his wealth of expertise to strategically help sports teams, leagues and organizations facing increasing pressures to grow, evolve and generate significant incremental revenues from sponsorships, ticket sales, game operations, international expansion, premium fan experiences, social media and more.

Gainor Sports specializes in helping partners innovate and create new and never-been-done sponsorship, revenue generation and fan growth and engagement strategies.

“I am thrilled to announce the launch of Gainor Sports and have an incredible opportunity to inspire and help sports and entertainment organizations here in the United States and around the world develop new, best-in-class strategies to creatively generate revenue, maximize sponsorships and reach and engage new fan audiences,” said Brian Gainor. “We are reaching a critical inflection point in the sports and entertainment industry where organizations need to be more creative and insight-driven than ever before to grow their businesses and generate the revenues necessary to survive, thrive and evolve. I’m excited for Gainor Sports to be a partner that they can turn to for trusted counsel, creative strategies, and ongoing support.”

Gainor Sports offers a comprehensive suite of specialized offerings, including:

1. Sponsorship Consulting

  • Creating new sellable sponsorship platforms, assets and “million-dollar” ideas

  • Providing dedicated sponsorship management, evaluation and optimization

  • Developing new, best-in-class approaches to selling naming rights and major sponsorship assets

  • Helping partners effectively renew and grow sponsorships and prospect more efficiently

2. Creative Revenue Strategies

  • Creating strategies to help partners grow their brand and fanbase nationally and internationally

  • Helping partners accelerate their organizations to grow revenue, relevancy and positioning

  • Advising partners on new ways to leverage and monetize their venues 365 days per year

  • Developing creative approaches to drive significant new ticket sales and ancillary revenue

3. Fan Growth & Engagement Strategies

  • Helping partners develop strategies to reach and engage new fan audiences

  • Providing solutions to help partners enhance and extend the game day experience

  • Creating ways to drive greater reach and impact in the community and online/social

  • Connecting partners with leaders in sports, music, art, space and gaming to attract new fans

4. Revenue & Growth Workshops

  • Hosting working sessions to help align and inspire staff to dream big, think organizationally and creatively generate new revenue

  • Leading U.S. Study Tours and planning Partner Summits to help inspire new growth opportunities

For more information about Gainor Sports and its services, please visit:

Website: GainorSports.com

Instagram: @GainorSports

About Gainor Sports

Gainor Sports is a leading sports marketing and advisory practice specializing in helping teams, leagues, brands and organizations generate more revenue, more fans and more impact.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Laura Gainor
Vossberg Gainor
Founder & CEO
laura@vossberggainor.com
704.941.4191

Pickleball in the Sun Holiday Gift Guide with Pickleball Central

Pickleball in the Sun Holiday Gift Guide with Pickleball Central

Everyone’s holiday wish list includes pickleball products, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a holiday getaway playing some #pickleballinthesun? Laura Gainor, the founder of Pickleball in the Sun, chats with John Cowley, Director of Vendor Relations for Pickleball Central, on Pickleball Boulevard at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships.

They discuss the ultimate holiday gift guides for all types of pickleball players. Among the recommendations are apparel, paddles, and delightful stocking stuffers like OS1st pickleball socks, lead tape, lock laces, and more. Explore the full 2023 Pickleball in the Sun Holiday Gift Guide below.

Limited Edition Pickleball in the Sun Paddle in collaboration with Centerline Athletics + Nettie Pickleball Co.

We are thrilled to collab with Nettie Pickleball Co. and Centerline Athletics on this Limited Edition Pickleball Paddle. This is a USA Pickleball Approved carbon fiber pickleball paddle with a lightweight honeycomb core.

Pickleball in the Sun art was created by a Florida artist, Melissa Rinaldi, and the paddle itself designed by female entrepreneurs, Nadine Nevitt and Annah Horst.

Civile Apparel

It was an honor for the Pickleball in the Sun team to be out in Santa Barbara, California this past October as we support Katy Perry’s Firework Foundation at her inaugural “Light up the Court” charity pickleball tournament.

More than 200 celebrity guests, friends and supporters of the Firework Foundation gathered at the Montecito Club and all were provided with Civile Apparel swag as they enjoyed the beautiful day.

As seen in People, Katy wore the “don’t be a dink.” visor and all that and more are available online from Civile Apparel.

Heritage Pickle-Ball

Celebrating the inception of pickleball in 1965, the original “pickle-ball” shop invites you to pay homage. Explore the extensive range of products from their Heritage line at the Pickleball Central tent during the USA Pickleball National Championships.

Pickleball Bags

When it comes to pickleball bags, there’s no such thing as too many! Pickleball Central offers a diverse selection from various brands, including this one from Joola. Discover the perfect bag for you and your gear!

Pickleball Paddle

John at Pickleball Central encourages everyone to explore different paddles to discover the one that suits them best. Don’t miss the opportunity to try out Selkirk’s latest release, the Luxx paddle.

Stocking Stuffers from Pickleball Central

OS1st Pickleball Socks

As the Exclusive Sock of Pickleball in the Sun, OS1st pickleball socks make for the ideal stocking stuffer, ensuring the feet of your loved ones are well-protected. Enhance court performance, extend playtime, and minimize injuries. Grab a pair in every color!

Lead Tape

Lead Tape is a simple and unobtrusive way to increase your paddle’s weight and power, like this product from GAMMA. Easily change the balance point or head weight of your paddle with this lead tape.

Overgrip for Your Paddle

ONIX Pro Team Overgrips are ideal for increasing the tack and cushioning of your pickleball paddle’s handle. You can use them on top of an existing grip to improve its feel and security.

Paddle Eraser

The Pickleball Paddle Eraser is a unique tool designed by CRBN Pickleball to bring new life to your favorite paddles by removing ball fibers and debris buildup from the surface to increase tac and create a confidence-including clean face.

Lock Laces to Play like Anna Leigh Waters

Lock Laces Pickleball are the signature laces of Anna Leigh Waters, the #1 Women’s Professional Pickleball Player. Lock Laces have a simple design but add impressive improvements to the security of your footwear.