Built on Grit: The Picklr Empire

What would you do if you got laid off with five kids and a mortgage staring you down? Most people would retreat. Jorge Barragan doubled down. Out of desperation and vision, he co-founded The Picklr—now one of the fastest-growing pickleball franchises in the world, with 500+ locations sold and its 50th opening this year. In this inspiring conversation with Shawn French, Jorge shares how he went from unemployment to Inc. 5000 recognition, and why discipline, obsession, and resilience fuel his success. From maxing out credit cards to partnering with NFL legend Drew Brees, Jorge’s journey proves that betting on yourself can change everything. This episode covers: -The leap of faith that launched The Picklr during COVID -Scaling to 50+ locations in just 3 years -Why obsession (not balance) drives great founders -Drew Brees, major league pickleball, and global expansion -Hard lessons in resilience, funding, and staying present as a father of six Whether you’re a founder, athlete, or dreamer stuck on the sidelines, Jorge’s story will make you rethink risk, resilience, and what it really takes to win. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Jorge Barragan https://www.instagram.com/jorgebarragan23/ The Determined Society is hosted by Shawn French — a show for people who refuse to quit. Every episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the real stories behind resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of a life built on your own terms. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.