Litalien Joins 4 New Executives Launching the Pickleball Franchise’s Leadership Team
The Dill Dinkers pickleball franchise has named Dr. Ben Litalien chief development officer. He brings over two decades of experience creating franchise strategy for successful concepts to this new role. This announcement comes as Dill Dinkers debuts its executive leadership team, also made up of Chief Marketing Officer Erika Spalding, Chief Financial Officer Roy Tarash, Chief Technology Officer Rob Pless and Chief Pickleball Officer Brian Lloyd.
For Litalien, the selling point of Dill Dinkers is the passion that the brand’s co-founders, Will and Denise Richards feel for pickleball and their dedication to spreading it to others. “It’s refreshing to be working with such a dedicated team, and I am excited to extend the success of the brand and the great concept Will and Denise have created.”
Litalien had never played pickleball before meeting the Richardses, but immediately became addicted. He believes pickleball is an amazing sport that transcends age and ability and provides the opportunity for improvement every time you play. While pickleball franchising is a new industry, Litalien is optimistic about the market based on his belief that every community needs indoor pickleball courts and local franchisees are the best way to deliver that.
Will Richards released a statement regarding the appointment of Litalien and his colleagues to the leadership team. “Our vision has always been to spread the joy of pickleball. And now with our franchising launch, we are thrilled to see it come to life. After forming an experienced team equipped with business acumen and an undeniable love for the sport, we are thrilled to see our collective passion and expertise producing a strong alliance and effective results. We look forward to welcoming our franchise partners on board throughout the year.”
Franchising and Education
Litalien’s roots in franchising began in 1987, when he took over a failed franchise company. He became a fan of the business model because it is social in nature. Litalien teaches at the Liniger Center in Franchising at the University of Denver and also is a certified franchise executive; he says the CFE designation signifies that he has taken the time to learn about the franchise model and engage with other franchising professionals.
He has created franchise strategies for universities, solidifying his belief that aspiring entrepreneurs should go to college for franchising. If you’re going to rely on the franchise model for livelihood, Litalien says, you should take the time to learn what the word “franchise” means, where the model came from, and what its key pillars are. Before investing in a franchise, Litalien suggests that candidates search for a business they can put their hearts and souls into rather than focus on getting rich.
