Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast

Episode: Christi Turdo: A Masterclass in Grit & Perseverance
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction

In the May 19, 2025 episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker dedicates a heartfelt tribute to Christi Turdo, a tennis professional renowned for her exceptional grit and perseverance. This episode delves into Christi's journey, highlighting her leadership qualities, business acumen, and unique ability to transform aspiring tennis players into proficient athletes.

Christi Turdo: From Tennis Pro to Club Owner

Scott begins by providing an insightful backstory of Christi Turdo, emphasizing her evolution from a dedicated tennis professional to a successful tennis club owner. He remarks:

"Christie always wanted to also own a tennis club... she decided to go out and try and buy a tennis club, of course, did so right before COVID hit or around then bought the tennis club, worked her butt off to make that tennis club a success."
(01:30)

Despite the unforeseen challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Christi's determination saw her through. She not only maintained but expanded her business, integrating additional sports like pickle tennis and paddle tennis, alongside fitness programs. This diversification showcases her strategic foresight and adaptability in a volatile market.

Building and Expanding the Tennis Club

Under Christi's leadership, the tennis club became a thriving hub for both recreational and professional players. Scott highlights her ability to attract top-tier talent:

"He has brought in a ton of great pros to play with and hit with there. He's built out the programs... they've also got fitness going on at the club and so forth."
(02:15)

Her efforts in expanding to another location demonstrate her business growth and commitment to providing diverse athletic opportunities. This expansion not only increased the club's footprint but also enriched the local community with varied sporting options.

Leadership and Team Building

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Christi's leadership style and her ability to cultivate a dedicated team. Scott commends her for surrounding herself with long-term, reliable professionals:

"People like Beth and others that have been with her for years, just an amazing effort."
(03:05)

Christi's knack for hiring and retaining talented individuals underscores her understanding of the importance of a cohesive team in achieving business success. Her perseverance in continuously recruiting professionals and members has been pivotal in transforming her club from survival to thriving prosperity.

Mastering the Art of Teaching Challenging Players

One of Christi's standout qualities is her exceptional teaching ability, especially with players deemed "unteachable." Scott shares:

"Christie has an uncommon gift, even with players like Jim Field, she could tend to get the very best out of them and make them better."
(04:20)

Christi's patience and innovative coaching techniques enable her to enhance players' performances significantly, even those who initially struggle with fundamental aspects of the game. Her dedication to her students reflects her deep passion for tennis and her commitment to fostering talent against all odds.

Perseverance and Grit: The Hallmarks of Christi's Success

Throughout the episode, Scott underscores the themes of perseverance and grit that define Christi's journey. He remarks on her relentless work ethic and unyielding spirit:

"Christie's growth, her grit, her perseverance reference to turn this into both a surviving and then thriving business and also just the way she's handled it."
(05:10)

Christi's ability to navigate the complexities of business ownership during a global pandemic, coupled with her dedication to teaching and team building, serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and unwavering determination.

Conclusion

Scott Becker wraps up the episode by cementing Christi Turdo's legacy as a remarkable leader, business owner, and tennis professional. Her story offers invaluable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the power of perseverance. For listeners seeking inspiration in business and personal endeavors, Christi's journey is a masterclass in overcoming challenges and achieving sustained success.

"Today's shout out goes to Christy Turdo. A lesson in perseverance and grit. Remarkable leader, a remarkable owner and pro."
(05:50)

Thank you for tuning into the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast. Stay inspired and keep striving for excellence in your ventures.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript segment and are indicative of the content flow within the episode.