This month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Marc Friedland, Founder of Marc Friedland Couture Communications and the creative genius behind the brand and communications strategy of PICKLESTARS™. Marc and PICKLESTARS™ CEO, Scott Colebourne, first connected at the Forbes Travel Guide Summit, a fitting place for two visionaries to meet and discover a shared passion for pickleball. Their collaboration has since blossomed into a vibrant brand that’s making waves across the luxury pickleball scene.
Scott: How long have you been playing pickleball?
Marc: I just celebrated my second “pickleversary” this April! It started when my brother retired to Florida, and he got into it. At first, I made fun of him. Then I attended the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in 2023. While there, I received a paddle as a gift, but I was still hesitant and didn’t quite see the appeal. I finally took a beginner class in Beverly Hills, where I live, and I got hooked fast.
Scott Colebourne: Why do you think pickleball creates such a strong community?
Marc Friedland: It’s a great equalizer. Athletes, non-athletes, young, old, everyone plays together. You show up with a paddle and are part of the group. It’s like being a kid again.It’s not just about play; Marc’s love of pickleball extends into advocacy and design, too. As fate would have it, Marc and Scott connected later in 2023 at Le Logis, the Forbes Travel Guide Center for Excellence, and thus began a connection through pickleball. Fast forward to 2024 and Marc and Scott began working on the brand launch of PICKLESTARS™.
Scott Colebourne: Tell us a little about your work on PICKLESTARS™.
Marc Friedland: When I heard you were launching PICKLESTARS™, I couldn’t let it happen with just a quick, basic design process. We wanted something that felt stylish, cool, and witty, something worthy of the luxury hospitality spaces that PICKLESTARS™ brings to pickleball.
From the logo, colors, and slogans to the court designs and even the packaging, we aimed for something polished and elevated, not cartoony like many other pickleball brands. I’m so proud of what we created. And it’s been amazing to see the branding resonate, whether it’s the business cards, website or professional uniforms.
Scott Colebourne: What’s next for you in pickleball?
Marc Friedland: Well, I’m resisting getting too obsessed with DUPR ratings, but I did finally play my first DUPR match! I’m focused on keeping it fun, not about the numbers. And of course, I’m still creating around the sport—whether it’s luxury pickleball note cards or promoting PICKLESTARS™ services to the resorts I consult with.
Pickleball has become a part of my life in ways I never imagined, and I’m loving every minute of it.
