From College Dream to Product: DinkCo's Journey

When I started designing pickleball paddles as a college student at Liberty University, it was just an idea sparked by my enjoyment of the game and my frustration with overpriced performance-oriented paddles and poor quality affordable paddles. I thought, what if I could create high-quality paddles that doesn’t break the bank? Little did I know, this side project would evolve into something much bigger.

The Spark: Combining Passion and Purpose

Being a college student at Liberty taught me the importance of pairing innovation with purpose. I wanted to create paddles that weren’t just functional but also brought joy through vibrant, fun designs.

Designing from My Dorm Room

My first step was research. Between classes and late-night study sessions, I scoured the internet to learn everything I could about paddle design. I watched YouTube videos on materials, read studies on player preferences, and analyzed what made the most expensive paddles so special.

Next, I got hands-on with design. Using online design tools and software, I sketched out paddle shapes, tested color palettes, and experimented with materials that balanced durability and cost. Liberty’s environment, with its emphasis on creativity and excellence, kept me inspired to create a great product.

Partnering with an Online Manufacturer

Since I didn’t have access to a factory, I turned to online manufacturing platforms to bring my designs to life. These platforms allowed me to upload my specs, choose materials, and even customize details like grips and edge guards.

The process wasn’t without its challenges. There were delays, revisions, and even a few duds that came back looking nothing like what I envisioned. But each hurdle was a learning experience, teaching me about communication, quality control, and patience.

Balancing College Life and Business

Juggling this project alongside classes wasn’t easy. I’d spend mornings in lectures and afternoons emailing manufacturers or tweaking designs. My dorm became my mini headquarters, with prototypes being all over the place, often being borrowed by friends when I wasn't out playing myself.

Liberty’s entrepreneurial culture gave me an extra boost. I met fellow students who offered feedback, connections, and encouragement. Some even became my first customers, testing early versions of the paddles and sharing what worked and what didn’t.

The Final Product: Affordable, Fun, High-Quality Paddles

After months of trial and error, I launched my first line of paddles. They were exactly what I envisioned—high-performing, visually exciting, and affordable. The pastel designs became a hit, standing out in a market full of bland, monotone options.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, the journey taught me that innovation doesn’t require a huge budget or a perfect setup. All it takes is a willingness to learn, adapt, and persevere. Liberty University was the perfect backdrop for this, giving me the space and encouragement to think creatively and take risks.

What’s Next?

Now that I’ve graduated, I’m scaling production and building my brand. My goal is to make pickleball even more accessible by continuing to innovate and keep prices low.

For any fellow students out there with an idea: start now. You don’t need a big budget or a fancy office. You just need passion, a bit of research, and the courage to take the first step. Alongside this, DinkCo strives to make a better world. With this, we pledge to donate 10% of profits to philanthropic causes.

Here’s to chasing dreams—both on and off the court!