by Abigail Richards

In the world of business, there are those who lead, and then there are visionaries like Will Richards. With a career spanning four decades and a knack for turning passion into purpose, Richards is a new and upcoming entrepreneur in the world of Pickleball. From the Air Force to the boardrooms of Domino's Pizza, and now at the head chair of Dill Dinkers Pickleball, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

In the frigid winter of 2021, the new pickleball fanatic, Will Richards, found himself in a converted horse arena in Pennsylvania. It was not the typical setting for a sports sensation, hence the lack of heat and proper amenities. Yet, despite these apparent setbacks, the place was flooded with people engaged in the curious fusion of badminton, ping pong, and tennis - a current phenomenon known as Pickleball. It was in that unassuming arena that the seeds of a vision were sown. The Richards, Will and his wife Denise, stood witness to the occult that pickleball ignited. It was a scene that left an indelible mark on them, sparking contemplation about the untapped potential of this emerging sport. 

“My husband Will and I became avid pickleball players in the summer of 2021, and as we moved into the fall and winter, we struggled to find places to play,” says Denise Richards, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer.

Fast forward to the fall of 2023, and that vision stands strong in the form of the Dill Dinkers Pickleball franchise. With the first venue opening in Fall 2022, its nestled in a 15,000-square-foot light-industrial complex at 9179 Red Branch Road, Columbia. This indoor pickleball facility, originally the first of its kind in Maryland, is a testament to the Richards' commitment to not just play the game, but to revolutionize the way it's experienced. With five locations currently standing across the DMV, it has plans to soon open franchises across the country. 

“Opening this facility and franchising it was a way to share our love of pickleball with not just the community but even wider. It offers a functional place to play year-round,” said William Richards. “We aspire to create an atmosphere that inspires fun, learning, healthy competition, and lifelong friendships.” 

For Will Richards, the journey to Dill Dinkers was full of surprises and determination. After serving in the Air Force, he honed his management skills during the explosive growth of Domino's Pizza in the late 80s and early 90s. Later, he transitioned into IT and logistics before finding his true calling - helping individuals with disabilities secure meaningful employment through non-profit endeavors.

“Pickleball is such an accessible and fun sport. It can be a great way to bring people together, for teambuilding or celebration,” said Will Richards. “We can include beginner lessons and paddles with any event, so participants can learn the sport when they arrive, and no one is left out of the fun.”

The story of Dill Dinkers is not just one of bricks and plaster, but of community coming together and making aspirations come true. It is a love story for pickleball, a sport that has seen a huge rise in popularity over the past few years. The Richards, once avid players themselves, understood the struggle of finding suitable venues for the sport in the colder months. Their facilities are soon to span across the country. They all include a cafe, and cutting-edge reservation systems, but it is not just a business venture. It's an offering to a community looking for a place to come together, compete, learn, and forge long friendships.

“Dill Dinkers is not just a facility, but a hub for learning and play. We have a capacity to host up to 300 players everyday. The potential of Dill Dinkers goes beyond just the walls since it offers a great franchising potential to spread the joy of the sport.” says William Richards.

Currently with venues across Maryland and Virginia, yet further expanding, Dill Dinkers Pickleball is set to become a vibrant national trend. It's not just a facility; it's a daydream come true, a passion pursued, and a foundation for a tight knit community. At the head of this extraordinary venture stands a man named Will Richards, whose vision and determination continue to shape the landscape of pickleball all across the country, one paddle swing at a time.