Babolat honors top retailers and reps
September 7, 2011
Boulder, Colorado — Babolat, leading manufacturer of tennis equipment, congratulates this year’s Babolat Sales Awards winners. Recognizing outstanding achievements, the Babolat Sales Awards are presented annually to retail partners and company representatives.
Retailer of the Year: TennisPlaza
When Babolat approached Leon and Felipe Echavarria in 2000 to support the brand in its entry into the U.S. Market, the owners of TennisPlaza were immediately sold. “From the beginning we liked the business philosophy, the way Babolat charts its course and doesn’t follow other brands, the way the company takes its time to do things the right way, and of course the way retailers are protected through exclusivity and pricing policies,” says Leon Echavarria, co-owner of TennisPlaza. Today, thanks to its continued and outstanding support of the brand, TennisPlaza has been named the Babolat Retailer of the Year.
“Leon and Felipe believe in our brand and it shows in the way TennisPlaza presents the products and how the staff really encourages customers to try them,” says David Dwelle, southern regional sales manager for Babolat USA. “They carry the full breadth of the Babolat offering, from racquets and strings to bags and footwear, giving us great visibility—the Echavarria brothers are true champions for the Babolat brand.”
TennisPlaza, formerly known as Racquet World, is one of the largest, most reputable tennis stores in the country. Based in Miami, Florida for more than 21 years, Racquet World is known for its wide selection, competitive prices, knowledgeable personnel, and dedicated service. With three retail stores in Florida (Miami, Doral and Orlando) and an online store (TennisPlaza.com), Leon and Felipe Echavarria, and their team are committed to serving an ever-growing tennis market.
Babolat salutes TennisPlaza, the 2011 Babolat Retailer of the Year.
Sales Representative of the Year: Rose Jones
Babolat has secured its place in the U.S. tennis market through the dedicated efforts of sales representatives like veteran tennis insider, Rose Jones. “Grassroots activities make up a key component of the company’s growth strategy and Rose has really stood out in this category,” says Mickey Maule, national sales manager for Babolat USA. “In making our decision, we considered factors such as overall growth, brand management and team work. We have a very strong sales team at Babolat, so to stand out from the rest of the group says a great deal about Rose—she’s had a truly stellar year.”
“Tennis Runs in Our Blood”: Rich Francey and David Dwelle
The “Tennis Runs in Our Blood” award is given to the individual or business that stands out in promoting, supporting and elevating the Babolat brand in an unparalleled and passionate way. Getting the nod this year are Rich Francey, western regional sales manager and David Dwelle, southern regional sales manager. “Hands down, these two guys deserve recognition for taking the brand to next level,” adds Maule.
Congratulations to all of the Babolat Sales Award recipients!