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Born out of a love for the sport and a desire to empower others, Smash Tennis Academy wasn't always the thriving community it is today. Founder Tan De En started with a passion for tennis and a deep appreciation for the coach-student connection. Witnessing students improve and gain confidence solidified his desire to turn his passion into a purpose.
Smash Tennis Academy’s journey wasn't without its challenges. As a small business, Tan De En wore many hats. From HR and accounting to marketing and scheduling, everything fell on his shoulders. It was a constant learning experience, a testament to his dedication and growth mindset.
Classcard proved to be a game-changer for Smash Tennis. Before Classcard, administrative tasks were a time-consuming burden. Lesson recording, tracking attendance, managing payments. Classcard streamlined these processes, automating tasks and centralizing everything in one user-friendly platform.
"Classcard is well-designed and specialized for the nature of my business," Tan De En shared. "It automates things and everything is all in one place." This not only saved him time but also fostered better teamwork within the academy, with different coaches having profiles for student bookings.
Smash Tennis Academy's vision extends beyond individual coaching. Tan De En aspires to create a community around tennis, a space where people connect and find a sense of belonging. "Tennis can be an individualistic sport," he says, "but we want to explore ways for people to vibe with each other."
Looking back, Tan De En acknowledges the importance of delegation for future growth. "If you want to scale things up, you have to delegate tasks and get the right people on board," he advises. "I mean, if it's just you, you might go fast but not too far," he says. "You're gonna get burnt out after a while." Balancing his passion for coaching with the bigger picture of business growth is an ongoing challenge. However, building a strong team is a key ingredient for long-term success.
Tan De En’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. With a strong foundation and a commitment to building a community, Smash Tennis Academy is poised to serve aces for years to come.