Youth tennis facility developer of the Year: Zaino Tennis Courts Inc.
Zaino Tennis Courts of Orange, Calif., has seen its share of projects, from single-court residential facilities, all the way up to college-level complexes. And they all have been completed with the same sense of integrity in business dealings and the same attention to detail.
One detail that is rarely missed is the potential to integrate youth tennis lines onto an adult court. In fact, says, Richard Zaino, founder and president of the company, it’s something he notices.
“We were looking at a project in a park — a pretty good size with multiple courts, and I said, ‘Wait a minute, there are no lines for 30- and 60-foot courts. This park would be perfect for that.’” Zaino Tennis Courts has been incorporating blended lines on courts for several years now, and has also made a habit of recommending that they be added to playgrounds as well so pop-up nets can be set up. For 2015, Zaino Tennis Courts is TI’s Youth Tennis Facility Developer of the Year.
To a longtime player like Zaino, the idea of getting the next generation involved in the sport strikes a chord. He started his company in 1985, and it has flourished, thanks to a commitment to the sport, to customers and a strong base of ethics. Zaino himself has served on the ASBA Board and is a Certified Tennis Court Builder. He is also a big believer in putting the customer first.
“To me, every person I talk to for every job is important. And if I’m talking to a client, they are the most important person in my world because they’re the one I’m talking to right now.” — Mary Helen Sprecher
Tips for Success
- Communication is key. “I’m always pushing for the constant circle of communication, not just within our company but with the owners of the projects.”
- Hire the right people. “Some of our field workers have been with us 20 or more years.”
- Have a business plan. “If you want a successful business, you need to have a great business plan and you need to stick to it.”
See all articles by Mary Helen Sprecher
About the Author
Colette Lewis is freelance tennis writer who has covered topflight college and junior events for The Tennis Channel, Smash Magazine, Tennis Magazine, and The Tennis Recruiting Network. She serves as editor of the USTA Boys 18s & 16s National Championships' website in her hometown of Kalamazoo, and maintains a website devoted to college and junior tennis -- zootennis.com.
TI magazine search
TI magazine articles
- Our Serve: Rally Point for Tennis
- Our Serve: It’s Our Responsibility
- Industry News
- Facility Management: Party Lines
- Retailing Tip: Enjoy the Game!
- Tennis Industry Hall of Fame: Honor Society
- Growing Community Tennis: Hispanic Tennis Stars
- Home of American tennis: The ‘Go-To’ Place for U.S. Tennis
- Become a Racquet Guru
- Court Construction: Winter Break