It has been some time since I chatted in my column with our members about our endorsees. They play an incredibly valuable role in our association and the contribution that they make to us corporately and to the individual members is noteworthy.
There is not enough space in my article to delve into the many details of what each brings to the table, so I will only be able to hit on the highlights. If you think this is going to be a commercial message, you are correct.
Wilson - Our largest and most important contributor, the big “W” continues to be a leader globally in the racquet sports arena. With the launch of the new Clash racquet, they have developed a cutting-edge technology that was three years in development. While I have yet to hit with it, the reviews are superlative. It has been several years since a new racquet technology has come out that will truly make a difference in how people play.
The Ultra Ball has now been out for a little over two years. I personally love the product and won’t play with anything else. Unfortunately, the ball has not gotten the kind of traction that I had hoped when it was first introduced. I highly encourage that you give it a try. It now has updated packaging and you will be pleased with how it performs on any court surface. Also, don’t forget all the accessories and Under 10 equipment that Wilson has included as a part of our endorsement.
Nike/Fromuth - No company does a better job in customer service than Fromuth Tennis. In my many years in the industry, they have always outshined everyone when it comes to taking care of their customers, our members. As our longest standing partner, we may be taking for granted the great work that they do on our behalf. They deserve more of everyone’s attention. With summer around the corner, it makes sense for you to look your best with the latest Nike outfits and to stock your shops with Nike footwear and apparel.
10-S Tennis Supply and
Aer-Flo Whether you have windscreens that need to be replaced, new nets to be installed for your upcoming season or court equipment to be updated, 10-S Tennis Supply is your “go-to” supplier. Even if you are in the western half of the U.S., 10-S Tennis Supply will take care of whatever you need. The Six Star Net is the “official tennis net” of the USPTA, so why go to any other source for this product?
Har-Tru - Boy, they have just introduced a cool new technology for managing the water flow on a hydra court that will dramatically improve the consistency of the moisture on your clay courts. You ought to check it out. Meanwhile, Har-Tru manufactures quality hoppers, teaching carts and mowers that will make your job as a teaching pro so much easier. They are more than just a material company for clay courts.
Metaltek/Playmate - Is there anyone in the industry who is more enthusiastic about our game or who works harder than Stan Oley? I suspect a good deal of you have seen Stan give a presentation at various division or World Conferences. His on-court expertise with the ball machines is outstanding. We often forget how effective training sessions/lessons can be when a Playmate ball machine is used. Why stand on the other side of the net feeding your students when you can be positioned right next to them and communicating more effectively? Give Stan a call so he can help you become more effective plying your trade.
SportMaster - is the “official” court surface of the USPTA. Over a year ago, SportMaster rolled out a program called Fix-A-Court to incentivize USPTA pros to repair the hard courts at their clubs. Whether it be for a full-size tennis court or U10 tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, etc., SportMaster will pay pros for any referrals that they receive to do this work. If the referrals turn into completed projects, that stipend actually doubles in value. For example, if you have six hard courts and SportMaster does the preliminary evaluation, plus ends up doing the contract work (thanks to your involvement), the check would be for $600. Before your peak programs crank up, you would be smart to call SportMaster about fixing up your hard courts and get rewarded for doing so.
Caribbean-Sol - The toll that the sun takes on our professionals and consumers alike is alarming. We must raise the awareness to all players about the importance of using sunscreen. And because Caribbean-Sol uses only natural ingredients, it is by far the most environmentally safe sunscreen in the industry. In fact, the assembly in the state of Florida has recently introduced a bill to ban all sunscreen products that use Oxybenzone which damages coral reefs in the ocean. Caribbean-Sol does not contain this harmful chemical. And now, they are offering USPTA members a 25 percent discount on all purchases and have recently launched a USPTA member only website! Visit csoluspta.com for more information.
NetKnacks - Every pro needs promotional items and trophies for tournaments or club events. As a division of Pinnacle Promotions, one of the largest specialty product companies in the U.S., NetKnacks can procure just about anything you could possibly want- you just have to ask. I realize that many of you may well have relationships with local suppliers- I respect that. Nonetheless, I ask that you give NetKnacks a try for any event that you have upcoming; they deserve our business.
Summer is here. As the season kicks into high gear, we owe it to our endorsees to get behind each of these categories. And don’t forget: each will contribute to a Supplemental Savings Account based on your volume of purchases. Why are you leaving money on the table that can help with your retirement down the road?
If I can answer any questions that you have about the brands with whom we have partnered with, don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks for your support of the USPTA and of our friends who believe in what you do and the impact that you have in the marketplace.