Innovation and dedication are key to staying ahead in the fast-evolving padel world. Ray Brinkmanis, co-founder and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Padel Alba, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing padel court construction and promotion across the globe. In an exclusive interview with The Padel Weekly, Ray shares his journey, the groundbreaking projects Padel Alba has undertaken, and his vision for the future of padel.
From Latvia to Spain: A Passion for Padel
Ray Brinkmanis’ journey into the world of padel began 18 years ago when he moved from Latvia to Spain. “The first time I was introduced to padel was quite comical,” Ray recalls. “Someone invited me to play, and I showed up with my swimming shorts, thinking we were going paddleboarding.” This humorous misunderstanding quickly turned into a lifelong passion as he fell in love with the sport after just one game.
Initially, Ray didn’t work in the padel industry. He was a club promoter managing some of the biggest clubs in Alicante, Spain. Over time, he transitioned into marketing and sales, which eventually led him to join a padel manufacturer to handle their international sales. “I’ve always been into sports, playing basketball, soccer, ice hockey, and beach volleyball. Joining a sports manufacturing company felt like a natural fit,” he says.
A few years later, Ray saw an opportunity to start his own company with two business partners, Pablo Martinez and Gentjan Qerasaj. Thus, Padel Alba was born, with a mission to innovate and improve padel court construction and player experience.
The Birth and Rapid Growth of Padel Alba
Founded just three years ago, Padel Alba has quickly become a leader in the industry. “We combined many years of experience and brought fresh insights into court manufacturing,” Ray explains. Padel Alba’s innovative approach has led to rapid growth and expansion into multiple regions, including Europe, the UK, Germany, France, Holland, South Africa, the USA, and Australia.
Pioneering Projects and Innovations
Padel Alba is known for its innovative court designs and installations. One of their recent groundbreaking projects involves the introduction of sound barriers for padel courts. “Padel courts generate a lot of noise, especially outdoor courts. Our sound barriers help reduce noise pollution, ensuring that clubs don’t face issues from nearby residents,” Ray says.
In addition to sound barriers, Padel Alba has developed strong engineering solutions for court covers, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions like those in Miami. “We engineered covers that can withstand high winds and storms, ensuring that courts remain intact even in adverse weather,” he adds.
Expanding into the U.S. Market
Ray is enthusiastic about Padel Alba’s expansion into the U.S. market, particularly in states like Florida, New York, and California. “One of our key strategies involves partnering with PadelBox, run by Ana Claver from Spain, a pioneer in the U.S. padel scene,” he explains. Together, they have certified courts to withstand 125 mph wind resistance, and are introducing 150 mph wind resistance for areas prone to extreme weather.
Integrating Technology to Enhance Player Experience
Padel Alba is also at the forefront of integrating technology into its court facilities. “We are working on several technological integrations, including an integrated scoreboard with touch sensors attached to the glass. Players can simply touch the glass to update the score, which is connected to a camera for live streaming,” Ray shares. This innovative system not only enhances the player experience but also allows for live streaming and real-time statistics.
The Future of Padel and Padel Alba’s Vision
Looking ahead, Ray sees a bright future for padel, both globally and in the U.S. “Padel is the fastest-growing sport globally, and it’s just beginning to pick up in the U.S. The rise of pickleball has also helped by bringing more people into racket sports,” he says. Ray believes that as more people discover padel, many will transition from pickleball due to padel’s competitive and exciting nature.
Padel Alba’s long-term goal is to maintain quality while growing steadily. “We currently manufacture around 500 courts per year and aim to increase that to 600 or 700 while ensuring top-notch quality. We want to be known for premium quality and service, ensuring our courts last for many years,” Ray states.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the Sports Industry
As a successful entrepreneur, Ray has valuable advice for those looking to make a significant impact in the sports industry. “You have to love what you do and always listen to your clients. Responding promptly is crucial, especially in sales,” he advises. Ray emphasizes the importance of knowing your product inside out. “Before I started selling courts, I made sure to learn everything about the product by doing installations myself. Understanding the technical side and what customers value is essential.”
Ray Brinkmanis’ journey from Latvia to Spain and his rise in the padel industry is a testament to his dedication, passion, and innovative mindset. Under his leadership, Padel Alba has quickly become a leader in the industry, known for its premium quality and cutting-edge solutions. As Padel Alba continues to grow and innovate, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the global padel community.
Stay tuned to The Padel Weekly for more exclusive interviews and updates on the latest in the world of padel.
