From Player to Owner: Victor Pignones-Haltenhoff on Building a Legacy in Sports & Business | Legacy Unscripted In this episode of Legacy Unscripted, host Russ Katzman sits down with Victor Pignones-Haltenhoff, CEO of Giammalva Racquet Club & Elite Academy, to explore his inspiring journey from college tennis player to successful entrepreneur and academy owner. Victor shares how he pursued the American dream through coaching, business ownership, and personal development while building one of the most innovative tennis academies in the country. Victor opens up about the challenges of growing a sports business, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and using smart marketing strategies to stand out in a competitive industry. He discusses the importance of member retention, strategic planning, and creating a family-like culture that keeps athletes, parents, and staff deeply connected to the club. This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, coaches, sports business owners, and anyone looking to build a meaningful legacy through leadership and long-term vision. Key Takeaways:• From athlete to entrepreneur: pursuing the American dream• Why having a clear vision is essential for business growth• Strategic planning behind building a successful tennis academy• How COVID reshaped Victor’s approach to business• The importance of retention in membership-based businesses• Marketing strategies that help small clubs compete and win• Creating a family culture to build loyalty and trust• Personal fulfillment as the driving force behind coaching• Learning from failures and using them as fuel for growth• Making decisions aligned with long-term goals and legacy Chapters:00:00 – The Journey to Ownership03:05 – Strategic Growth and Vision06:02 – Adapting to Challenges: The COVID Catalyst09:06 – Building a Comprehensive Club Experience12:04 – Expanding Horizons: Management and New Ventures15:05 – Lessons from Failure: The Peanut Business21:24 – Defining Accomplishment and Legacy27:31 – The Impact of Coaching and Leadership33:10 – The American Dream: Personal and Professional Growth39:00 – Lessons from the Journey: Reflection and Growth Sound Bites:“Retention is super important.”“I love to develop players.”“I try to treat them as family.” Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, sports professional, or aspiring business owner, this episode of Legacy Unscripted delivers powerful lessons on leadership, growth, and building something that lasts. Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, and legacy-building: [Your Channel Link]Comment below: What does building a legacy mean to you? Keywords: Victor Pignones-Haltenhoff, Giammalva Racquet Club, entrepreneurship, coaching, American dream, business growth, tennis academy, marketing strategies, personal development, legacy https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-pinones-haltenhoff-687a2b76/ I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Russ and the Legacy, Unscripted! podcast team Connect with Russ on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/business-coach-florida/Visit the Progenyc website here: http://www.progenycc.com/Get in touch with Russ: russ@progenycc.com Listen to Legacy, Unscripted! on these podcast platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BtM5In2Vge81k5ZDE9jxB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legacy-unscripted/id1793597573 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7a64fd91-57d3-4218-b3a2-bc33e844df38/legacy-unscripted #LegacyUnscripted #RussProgeny #LeadershipPodcast #LegacyBuilding #PersonalLegacy #LifePurpose #AuthenticLeadership #ImpactfulLiving #ValuesDriven #LegacyMakers #EntrepreneurJourney #FamilyBusinessLegacy #PurposeDrivenLife #TrueNorthLeadership #StorytellingForImpact #RealConversations #GenerationalImpact #IntentionalLiving #LeadWithPurposeLegacy, Unscripted! hosted by Russ is a no-filter conversation about the legacies we’re building every day - whether we realize it or not. This podcast dives into how entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday difference-makers live intentionally, overcome obstacles, and shape their impact on others. With raw stories, honest reflections, and practical insights, Legacy, Unscripted! invites you to reflect on your values, your purpose, and the mark you’re leaving on the world.
