As the founder of the For Fun Pickleball group, Wayne reveals how a simple invitation to play evolved into a thriving community of over 2,000 players that transformed lives across North Carolina. We dive into Wayne's story of building connections during COVID, the use of MeetUp and GroupMe to unite players, and the meaningful friendships that extend beyond the courts. He talks about the behind-the-scenes challenges of growing a grassroots pickleball movement and Wayne's heartwarming philosophy on empathy that keeps players coming back.

Highlights

• How a single friend's invitation sparked a pickleball revolution in the Triangle

• Wayne's GroupMe decision that solved the communication puzzle for pickleball communities
• The joy of introducing beginners to pickleball and watching their progression
• The positive impact of pickleball on players' lives and the importance of empathy and kindness

• Life-changing connections made through the For Fun Pickleball Meetup

• Hosting fun DUPR events and community gatherings
• Wayne's journey from Chicago to choosing Raleigh as home

• How pickleball transformed Wayne's social connections and enriched his life

Chapters

00:00 General Intro

00:36 Starting the first pickleball meetup group in the triangle

05:56 Moving to North Carolina and meeting new people

07:04 Organizing events for the Meetup group

09:15 Building connections through GroupMe

13:37 The evolution for ForFun pickleball

19:56 The transformative impact his meetup group has had on people

22:09 Funny stories and pet peeves from playing

24:37 Future DUPR events and other events

26:57 Leaving Chicago and how they chose Raleigh

33:24 Reflections on empathy and life lessons