The Pickle: Volume 26

NYC Tech Pickleball Update

AuthorAuthor

Skyler Birk-Stachon & John DiLoreto
June 12, 2025

Sunshine. Smash sessions. And the return of the Apollo Paddle Raffle.

Last week, we wrapped up Tech Week with a bang—massive turnout, nonstop games until 11 AM, and some serious highlight-reel moments. Huge shoutout to everyone who came out and made it one of the best days yet. 🙏

Special thanks to Apollo.io for teaming up with us—if you missed last week, don’t worry, they’re doubling down again this Friday. 💥

🚨 This Week’s Game Plan:

Apollo x Tech Pickleball Round II

We're back at it this Friday with more bagels, more vibes, and another chance to win an official

Apollo Pickleball Paddle (these things rip).

📍 RSVP Here before spots fill up

⏰ Show up early. Paddle raffles, sunshine, and coffee/bagels all go fast.

⚠️ Important paddle PSA:

If you “accidentally borrowed” a paddle last week that wasn’t yours… no judgment, but please bring it back this Friday 🙃 They’re for the community—and our sponsor who paid for them—not souvenirs.

**Unless you post a picture of it on socials and tag Apollo and then it’s all yours to keep!!! 🤪

🎥 UGC Showdown: Skyler vs John

If you haven’t seen these two cold call like maniacs mid-game, you’re missing out:

🎤 Who did it best? Let us know on LinkedIn or at the courts—winner gets bragging rights (and maybe a bagel).

🥒 Pickle Fun Fact of the Week:

Pickleball used to be played with... a wiffle ball?!

In the earliest days of the sport, the founders used whatever they had lying around—including a perforated plastic ball from their kids’ toy box. It wasn’t until later that the standard pickleball was created: 26–40 hole plastic balls that could withstand outdoor winds and indoor gym floors.

So next time you miss a shot, just remember—it could be worse. You could be chasing a toy store wiffle ball down a hill in 1965.

🏓 Stuck in a Pickle: Sales Tip of the Week

"Pipeline ≠ Progress—Don’t confuse conversations with momentum."

You had a great call. The prospect was nodding the whole time. They even said, “This sounds really interesting…”

But two weeks later? Crickets.

Here’s the fix:

After a good call, don’t just set a next step. Set a shared plan. That means:

✅ Clear mutual outcomes

✅ Defined timeline

✅ Both sides agreeing on what great looks like

Here’s a line you can steal:

“Just so we’re on the same page—what would need to happen over the next 2 weeks for you to feel confident moving forward?”

It flips the frame. Makes them define success. Turns wishy-washy interest into a real buying conversation.

Good reps follow up.

Great reps co-own the path forward.

NYC Tech Pickleball update

That’s all for this week. Smash you Friday.

Bring sunscreen, energy, and maybe… a backup paddle 😏

John & Skyler

Theme of the week:

SUN IS BACK BABY

Oh and check out the epic pics from last week while you’re here!!!

You all rock!! Thanks for being a part of the community.

We appreciate you more than you know 🫶

Ps, know anyone who might be interesting in partnering with Tech Pickleball?? Hit us up! We want to find more creative ways to expand and grow this community through awesome partners 🙂