Red Bank-based PickleRage, a premier indoor pickleball club franchise, has named Eric O’Connor as its new vice president of franchise development.
PickleRage officials said O’Connor has been hired to strengthen the brand’s expansion efforts and provide streamlined systems for franchisees.
O’Connor built his reputation in the industry with over 25 years of experience prior to joining PickleRage, having started a restaurant concept he grew to multiple locations throughout two states and working with a partner to establish a 14-unit gas and convenience store chain.
O’Connor eventually went on to serve as vice president of franchise development for brands like Huntington Learning, Edible Arrangements, Saladworks and World Gym International, as well as senior director of franchise development at Tommy’s Express car wash.
Company officials said his knowledge and expertise make him the perfect fit to help passionate franchisees find success through PickleRage’s franchise opportunity.
“Having built my own restaurant brand successfully and spent the majority of my career working to help concepts expand and establish themselves in their prospective industries, I was looking for the perfect fit for my next venture,” he said. “I was impressed with the dedication and professionalism each team member I met brought to the table and the boom that the sport is experiencing is an exciting prospect. I’m thrilled to start guiding franchisees throughout their journey and offering them the guidance that would’ve benefited me as I was growing my own brand.”
