In a wide-ranging recent interview, Ken Herrmann, the driving force behind the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), offered a candid look into the organization's strategic direction, its commitment to player development, and his personal leadership philosophy. Herrmann's insights reveal an organization deeply invested in the future of pickleball, with a focus on creating a holistic and unified experience for players at all levels. The APP is not just about tournaments, it's about building a community and a legacy. This approach, according to Herrmann, is what will set the APP apart as pickleball continues its meteoric rise.
Player Development: The Heart of the APP's Mission
At the core of the APP's strategy is a significant investment in player development. Herrmann emphasizes that the APP aims to be a "founding place for individuals to enjoy themselves". This vision extends from grassroots initiatives to the highest echelons of the sport. The newly established headquarters, referred to as "the fort," is more than just an office space; it's a place where players can hone their skills. It is a physical manifestation of the APP's dedication to nurturing talent at every level of the game.
Herrmann himself is deeply involved in this aspect of the APP. He expresses a personal fulfillment in helping players progress on their pickleball journeys, whether they are recreational players or aspiring professionals. This hands-on approach, from coaching young players who have lost a match to assisting adult amateurs, reflects a desire to foster a culture of growth and mentorship within the APP. This personal commitment highlights Herrmann's philosophy of leading by example.
The focus on player development is not just about individual improvement, but also about building a sustainable future for the sport. By investing in the next generation, the APP hopes to create a pipeline of talent that will continue to elevate pickleball on a national and international stage.
Tiered Tournaments and the Path to the Pros
To support this player development initiative and address the increasing competition among players, the APP is launching a series of 12 "challenger" or tier-three events across the United States. These events are designed to provide a clear pathway for players to earn their spot on the main APP tour. Herrmann noted that the growth in the sport has made it challenging even for highly skilled players to get into the qualifying draws.
This strategic move is part of a broader plan to host 50 events in 2025, including tier-one and tier-two tournaments. The APP also plans to maintain a presence on the international stage, with 6-8 international events in the works for next year in partnership with the Global Pickleball Federation. This tiered approach to tournaments demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the competitive landscape and a commitment to providing opportunities for players at all levels. The APP's move shows they are not just trying to ride the wave of pickleball’s popularity but are proactively structuring opportunities for advancement within the sport.
Strategic Partnership with UTR: A Unified Rating System
A significant development for the APP is its partnership with Universal Tennis Rating (UTR). This move to adopt UTR as the official tournament software and player rating platform demonstrates the APP’s forward thinking. Herrmann specifically noted the established history and widespread use of UTR in the tennis world, particularly in countries like Australia, Germany, and England, as a key motivator for choosing UTR. He also notes that there are other rating systems available, but he felt that the APP needed a strong partner for ratings.
The partnership with UTR is not merely a tactical decision, it is part of a broader vision for the APP, a vision that includes a unified approach to the sport. Herrmann has expressed the desire to foster a collaborative environment within pickleball. This collaboration will include a "powerful unified threesome" composed of the APP, USA Pickleball, and UTR. By working together, these organizations aim to streamline the sport and create a more cohesive experience for players and fans globally. This move towards a unified rating system reflects an understanding of the need for standardization as pickleball continues its rapid growth.
Leadership and Culture: Building a Team of Passionate Individuals
Herrmann's leadership philosophy is another key takeaway from the interview. He believes in creating a team environment where passion, collaboration, and a commitment to quality customer experience are paramount. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs, Herrmann emphasizes the importance of focusing on providing the best experience for customers, rather than being fixated on money or competitors. This customer-centric approach is a cornerstone of the APP’s brand philosophy and resonates strongly throughout the organization.
Herrmann's emphasis on team building is another important aspect of his leadership style. He surrounds himself with experienced and dedicated professionals, including individuals with backgrounds in running major events like the US Open and USP Nationals. He also values humility and collaboration, saying he's happy to be the "dumbest person in the room" if it means surrounding himself with talent. By creating an environment that values every contribution, Herrmann fosters a culture of shared passion and mutual respect. He also stresses that a good leader has to be willing to do any task they might ask of their team, and gives an example of taking out the garbage.
This focus on building a positive and collaborative culture contrasts sharply with experiences he had in previous roles. He recounts a background in aerospace manufacturing where politics and ego often hindered progress. In that environment, he says, people were more concerned with "outdoing" one another than with working together. He believes that a focus on collaboration and the best outcomes, instead of competition between team members, will elevate the whole organization.
The Importance of Authenticity and Consistency
Herrmann stresses the significance of authenticity and consistency in leadership. He notes that people have developed a perception of who he is over his six years in the pickleball industry and he hopes his authentic voice has come across to everyone. He believes that being true to oneself is key to building trust with the community.
He also emphasizes the importance of consistent decision-making. He notes that while people may not always agree with his decisions, they will respect him as long as his choices are consistent. He believes that inconsistency erodes respect, which is why he takes time to process information, then stands firmly by his decisions. He also believes in trusting his instincts. He says that in the past, not trusting his instincts has led to negative outcomes. Now he will listen to his inner voice.
Navigating Challenges and Staying Focused on the Vision
Herrmann acknowledges that the road to success has not been without its challenges. He mentions past experiences where he was let down by individuals he had trusted. He also notes the drama and "commotion" within the pickleball world. However, he has made a point of not engaging in that drama, preferring to keep his focus on the APP’s vision. He has remained quiet, even when others were publicly discussing issues, and instead has stayed dedicated to improving the sport.
Herrmann also openly discusses the "self pressure" he put on himself to make the APP a success. This pressure stemmed from a concern that the sport might suffer if the APP did not succeed. He notes the important contributions of others in the development of pickleball such as Chris and Terry with the US Open and the Tournament of Champions. Despite challenges, the APP has persevered and remains committed to achieving its goals. Herrmann's resilience and determination serve as a testament to his commitment to the sport.
Looking Ahead: A Book and a Legacy
Herrmann concludes the interview with the tantalizing promise of a book to come. This book will delve into the behind-the-scenes events that have shaped the APP and the pickleball world.. He notes that most people do not understand what has happened behind the scenes and that his book will tell that story. This promise of transparency and candid storytelling reflects Herrmann's commitment to authenticity and his desire to leave a lasting legacy on the sport.
In summary, Ken Herrmann's vision for the APP is not just about hosting tournaments. It's about nurturing talent, building community, and creating a unified experience for all players. Through strategic investments in player development, a tiered tournament structure, and a key partnership with UTR, the APP is charting a course for the future of pickleball. Combined with Herrmann’s focus on leadership, authenticity, and consistency, the APP is building a legacy that promises to elevate the sport to new heights. The APP’s story is one of vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to the sport of pickleball. The interview provided great insights into how it is all being done.