Highlighting its rapid success in the Garden State, Arete Sports Group and its pickleball operations arm, CrossCourt PC, have been named Club & Franchisee of the Year by Picklr, Inc. Selected from a nationwide network of 75 clubs across more than 50 franchise groups in 31 states, the operator was honored at Picklr’s Annual Franchise Conference.
Led by CEO and owner Tom Neale, the regional group opened its flagship New Jersey club in Manahawkin-LBI in March 2025. Building on that momentum, the company is expanding its footprint across the state with a new location soon to open in East Brunswick, alongside a sister club in Centereach, New York. Together, the group’s growing tri-state portfolio will soon encompass 46 courts across 150,000 square feet.
“To be recognized as the Club & Franchisee of the Year this early in our development is incredibly gratifying and really belongs to both the people who operate our clubs every day and our passionate members who turn our clubs into their second homes,” Neale said.
Picklr leadership commended the New Jersey-tied team for its operational discipline, community building, and member-first focus.
“Tom and his team have demonstrated that successful clubs are about much more than opening the doors and putting players on courts,” Abby Olson, acting president and COO of Picklr, said. “They reflect the values of Picklr and have been innovative marketers, disciplined and efficient operators, and, most importantly, relentless about creating an outstanding experience for their members.”
