Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Giammalva.
Samuel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My father played Davis Cup for the United States and coached Rice University. My Dad made tennis a blast for us, and we all played during the Summer and pretty much lived at the courts. My brother, sister and me became strong players. My sister played for the University of Texas and my brother and I both played the professional tennis circuit and were ranked among the Top 50 players in the world.
I started playing the professional circuit when I was 17 years old and played for ten years. After playing the circuit, I attended Rice University and received an Economics Degree. I worked two years in Investment Banking for Simmons & Company.
I enjoyed the Investment Banking work but missed tennis and thought it would be a good environment to raise my family like my Dad did. I worked five years as Director of Tennis for Pine Forest, then purchased the old Wimbledon Racquet Club 18 1/2 years ago.
Has it been a smooth road?
I do not think any business is a smooth road.
We struggled especially at the beginning. I had tennis, club and finance experience but did not have managerial, marketing or system and processes experience. We succeeded because I was lucky enough to hire some amazing staff that supported our business through many of my mistakes.
The club business has changed and we needed to think outside the box to survive.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Giammalva Racquet Club – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are currently known for our junior programs and very strong coaching staff and program structure. We have a variety of program products that help our students and families meet their goals, finances and time budgets. We have beginner level students to internationally ranked juniors and we have students that come internationally to train with us.
Our membership and club are family friendly. We provide sports and fitness coaching, high-level instruction, and organized play for all levels and ages. We offer tennis, pickleball, beach volleyball, swimming, personal and small group training, and other games and sports. We make sports and fitness fun, social and easy.
Our program and club structure is our competitive advantage. If you are a member, our Activities team organizes play and events for you. We walk with our members to help them achieve their health, sports and fitness goals.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We are a can-do city. The spirit of our city after the Hurricane was amazing and loved seeing neighbors reach out and help others.
Our city has grown so fast and am not sure the planning for this type of growth has adequately planned for traffic, flood control, and other concerns. I hope we can keep our spirit and character as we continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Address: Giammalva Racquet Club
16400 Sir William Dr.
Spring, TX 77379 - Website: www.giammalva.com
- Phone: 281-370-5801
- Email: membership@giammalva.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giammalva_rc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiammalvaRacquetClub/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Giammalva_RC?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/giammalva-raquet-club-spring
Image Credit:
Sports Illustrated
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
