Welcome to another exciting episode of Padel Smash Academy! Today, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jake D’Amelio, the founder of Novac Equities, a true pioneer in the world of Padel. Jake is the driving force behind this weekend’s Novac WPR Road to Miami Circuit #2, and in this exclusive interview, he shares his passion for Padel, his belief that players deserve higher prize money, his future plans in the sport, and his incredible journey as both an entrepreneur and a Padel enthusiast.
From Football Fields to Padel Courts
Jake grew up in Rumson, New Jersey, where he played football in high school. After attending college in Long Island, he realized that school wasn’t for him. Instead, he moved to Utah for a few years, working seasonal jobs at ski resorts while indulging in snowboarding. However, making minimum wage and drinking beer wasn’t a sustainable future.
A friend convinced him to move to New York City, where he entered the alternative financing space as a loan broker. Quickly finding success, Jake grew his business from a small operation with 10 employees to over 65, with offices in Miami, Stamford, and New Jersey. However, the arrival of COVID-19 made him rethink his path, leading him to move to Miami permanently.
Discovering Padel: A New Passion and Business Opportunity
Like many athletes, Jake always sought competition and fitness. When he discovered Padel at Reserve Seaplane, he instantly fell in love with the sport. Unlike traditional workouts, Padel became his cardio, replacing dull treadmill sessions with an intense, social, and entertaining game.
But Jake didn’t just see Padel as a fun hobby—he saw its potential for business and community-building. He noticed that wealthy and influential individuals were drawn to Padel, and he knew he wanted to be part of its growth in the U.S.
From Player to Investor: The Birth of Novac’s Padel Vision
Jake’s journey into Padel sponsorship started when professional player Maxi Rosas approached him for sponsorship. Initially hesitant, Jake saw the potential in backing players and growing his brand within the Padel community. This led to the creation of Team Novac, a team of elite Padel players backed by his company.
Novac now sponsors multiple Padel tournaments, players, and circuits. This weekend’s Novac WPR Road to Miami Circuit #2 is just one of the many ways he’s making an impact.
Elevating Padel in the U.S.: Bigger Prizes, Bigger Growth
One of Jake’s core missions is to increase player earnings. He firmly believes that Padel players should be making more money, and he’s backing that belief with action.
-
Novac sponsors over 13 players, with an annual payroll of over $300,000
-
Top players earn up to $75,000 per year through Novac sponsorships
-
Prize money at Novac events is growing, with Jake personally doubling this weekend’s grand prize from $10,000 to $20,000
By offering better financial support to players, Jake is creating a sustainable future for professional Padel in the U.S.
The Future: A Professional Padel Circuit and Exclusive Club
Jake isn’t stopping at sponsorships. His long-term vision includes:
-
Building a private Padel facility dedicated to elite training and professional play
-
Launching his own professional Padel circuit across the United States
-
Attracting private equity and investment firms to create million-dollar prize pools
He envisions a future where the U.S. competes with Spain and Argentina as a global Padel powerhouse, with higher salaries, larger tournaments, and top players relocating to America to compete.
Final Thoughts: Growth Before Profit
Much like Padel Smash Academy, Jake’s mantra is “Growth before profit.” He’s investing heavily into Padel not just as a business but as a passion. His dedication, vision, and financial backing are making a real difference in the sport, ensuring that Padel in the U.S. reaches new heights.
With Jake leading the charge, the future of Padel in America looks bigger, better, and more competitive than ever.Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check out the Novac WPR Road to Miami Circuit #2 this weekend! 🎾🔥