In this episode of We Are Lake Norman, host Ryan Webber sits down with Jack Salzman, owner of The Serve Pickleball & Kitchen, a massive 50,000 square foot indoor entertainment facility that's quickly becoming a Lake Norman staple.
Jack shares his incredible journey from running Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for 20 years—growing it into a top-10 dealership in the country—to selling the business in 2022 and attempting retirement. Spoiler alert: retirement didn't last long.
When Jack's wife mentioned there was nowhere to play pickleball indoors in the area, what seemed like a "crazy idea" turned into The Serve—a unique facility featuring 10 indoor pickleball courts, four Topgolf Swing Suites with 30+ games, a full-service restaurant with chef-crafted meals, a cafe, and a private event room that seats 64 people.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
- How Jack traveled the country studying the best pickleball facilities and got guidance from Chicken and Pickle founder Dave Johnson
- Why The Serve had over 600 visitors in a single Saturday just weeks after opening
- The one business rule Jack lives by: stay in your lane (especially when working with your spouse)
- How the facility is designed so you can enjoy an amazing meal without even knowing there's pickleball happening
- Why Jack calls himself a "two-time retirement failure" after also buying another car dealership in South Carolina
- The importance of grassroots marketing and community involvement in building a successful local business
- What makes The Serve different: from short rib grilled cheese and red velvet waffles to zombie dodgeball and corporate events
Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast, a local business owner, or someone looking for the next great spot to spend an afternoon in Lake Norman, this episode offers insights into entrepreneurship, community building, and what it takes to create a destination that brings people together.
Connect with Jack Salzman and The Serve:
Website: https://www.theservepickleball.com/
Connect with Ryan Webber:
Website: www.webbermarketing.com
Instagram: @ryanwebbermarketing
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and discover why The Serve is becoming Lake Norman's go-to spot for entertainment, great food, and community connection.
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