In Part 2 of our Hiring series, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Michael DiRaimondo on the Racquet Fuel Podcast to tackle the complexities of hiring international tennis professionals. Michael, a Certified Tennis Pro, Club Owner, and Immigration Lawyer, brings his deep expertise to the conversation. They discuss the challenges of hiring international applicants, who are often highly desired and needed in the industry, yet face a difficult and expensive immigration process.

If you're interested in navigating alternative visa statuses and bringing talented international pros to your club, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Episode Highlights:

• Pain points managers and club owners have for hiring pros - local and International
• Different types of visas for foreigners
• A pathway to permanent residency for a sports professional
• Pain points due to congressional changes
• Powerful advice for college students looking for permanent residency
• How to find the right Immigration lawyer

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

In this episode of the Racquet Fuel Podcast, Kim Bastable and Simon Gale discuss the similarities and differences between golf and tennis, particularly in terms of the work realities of golf pros and tennis pros. They are joined by Anthony Vitale: Director and Coach of Athlete Development for the PGA of America. He shares his background and role at the PGA before they discuss the difference between touring pros and teaching pros, the changing workweek culture in golf, the certification process for becoming a PGA member, and the compensation model for golf professionals. They also explore the importance of social connections and human relationships in both golf and tennis.

Episode Highlights:

• How we can develop our athletes through supporting our coaches
• What shift has the PGA made for a better work/life balance for pros
• Comparing the career pathway for Golf Pros and Tennis Pros
• How does the golf compensation model work, and what is the structure of it
• When you emphasize HUMAN CONNECTION, what happens?

Upcoming event:

November 4th at 7pm EDT Virtual Director of Racquet Sports Club: Part of the event is free-form networking with other industry professionals, and the other part is an educational discussion with guest speaker, Lew Sherr. Sign up HERE to receive login instructions

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, host Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Dave Konecky, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at the USTA, to explore the challenges and emerging trends in hiring leadership roles within the tennis industry. Together, they explore the industry's talent shortage, the significance of cultural fit, and the power of behavioral questions during interviews. They also discuss best practices for onboarding new hires and clarify the distinction between W2 employees and independent contractors (1099). Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes trusting your instincts, the value of virtual interviews, and assessing candidates on the court.

Episode Highlights:

• Strategies for addressing the talent shortage in the tennis industry and fostering growth within your current team.
• Defining cultural fit and how to find it in potential hires.
• Behavioral interview questions that help predict future performance.
• The critical role of onboarding after a new hire.
• Navigating the difficult process of letting an employee go.
• Benefits of hiring tennis pros as W2 employees versus independent contractors.

Resources noted in conversation:
Tim Elmore: Generational Divides ONE and TWO
Book: A New Kind of Diversity by Tim Elmore

Upcoming event:

November 4th at 7pm EDT Virtual Director of Racquet Sports Club: Part of the event is free-form networking with other industry professionals, and the other part is an educational discussion with guest speaker, Lew Sherr. Sign up HERE to receive login instructions

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!