From Tech Insurance to Tennis's Trendy Cousin: My Leap into the World of Padel and Wellness
Welcome to Padel Mecca! I'm Benji Markoff, follow along on my entrepreneurial journey to launch the first location of our new Padel racquet & wellness club!
My journey from the fast-paced world of Founder Shield, where we revolutionized commercial insurance for the up-and-comers in tech, to the unexpected yet fascinating realm of Padel, is nothing short of an entrepreneurial adventure. At Founder Shield, we weren’t just filling a market need; we were shaking up the traditional insurance scene with custom-fit solutions for the bold and the innovative. It was all about being quick on our feet, setting goals that actually made sense, and never being too proud to listen to the smart folks around us. This approach wasn't just cool – it worked big time, leading to a massive nine-figure acquisition.
After waving goodbye to Founder Shield, I dove headfirst into SJA58 Investments. Think of it as a family office, but with a twist. It's rooted in my never-ending quest for personal growth, a love for new challenges, and, let's be honest, a bit of never being completely satisfied. It’s about stepping into the unknown, pushing limits, and embracing growth in all its forms.
Moving from the city's heartbeat to the more chill vibes of the suburbs, I spotted a big gap – where were all the cool social and wellness spots? Around this time, I was getting seriously into modern wellness stuff – cold plunges, cryotherapy, infrared saunas, you name it. They weren’t just good for the body; they were a mental boost too. That got me thinking about opening a wellness-focused retail space in Bergen County, bringing a slice of city wellness to the suburbs.
But then, Padel happened. What started as a fun alternative to my buddies' tennis obsession soon turned into my own. I'm not one to just follow the pack, so the idea of introducing a fresh, exciting racket sport was right up my alley. Thanks to my extreme ADD, what began as a light-hearted pastime quickly morphed into an all-in obsession.
I threw myself into the world of Padel, driven by a relentless curiosity and a desire to step off the beaten path. Watching endless videos, subscribing to Padel newsletters, and networking with those in the know, I went from being interested to downright obsessed. The sport’s potential to create a vibrant community space, mixing physical activity and social interaction, was just the kind of thing that fired up my entrepreneurial spirit and matched my newfound health and wellness interests.
So, this whole Padel thing? It's more than just a business venture for me. It's a blend of my Founder Shield journey, my relentless drive for personal growth, and my passion for health and wellness. Bringing Padel to the suburbs is about setting up a community hotspot that's both a physical challenge and a social hangout. It's about offering an alternative to tennis that's new and exciting. And let’s not forget the bonus – having a good laugh at my tennis-loving friends’ expense! Hey, and you’re more than welcome to come along for the ride. Follow our journey as we create not just a new Padel racquet and wellness club but a whole new vibe. Coming soon: Padel United Sports Club!