Episode 20 - Gina Facca | From Cinemas to Pickleball Courts | Beyond 2 Bridges

In this episode of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel sit down with Gina Facca, entrepreneur and founder of Pickleplex, for a conversation about leadership, growth, and building community through sport.Gina shares her journey from a background in accounting and project management to managing cinemas and ultimately launching Pickleplex, one of the fastest-growing indoor pickleball concepts in Windsor-Essex. Drawing on years of experience across industries, she explains how transferable skills, strong partnerships, and a willingness to adapt helped her successfully transition into entrepreneurship.At the heart of the conversation is community. Gina emphasizes how pickleball is more than just a sport. It is a social experience that brings people together across generations and skill levels. From post-game conversations to organized events and leagues, Pickleplex has been built to foster connection, inclusion, and engagement throughout the region.The episode also explores the rapid rise of pickleball in Windsor-Essex and beyond, including the role of municipalities, local organizations, and partnerships in supporting its growth. Gina shares insights into scaling a business in a fast-moving market, the importance of mentorship and internships, and how she is developing the next generation of leaders within her organization.The conversation also touches on branding, including the story behind the name Pickleplex, and what it takes to create a recognizable and scalable identity. Looking ahead, Gina outlines her vision for expansion across Canada and how Pickleplex can continue to play a role in strengthening communities through sport and shared experiences.In this episode you will hear about:• Gina Facca’s transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship• The launch and rapid growth of Pickleplex• Why community engagement is central to business success• The rise of pickleball and its impact on Windsor-Essex• Scaling a business through partnerships and strategic growth• Mentorship, internships, and developing future leaders• Expansion plans for Pickleplex across CanadaFrom business strategy to community building, this episode highlights how sport can be a powerful driver of connection and growth.Beyond 2 Bridges brings together voices from business, sport, culture, and community leadership to explore the people shaping Windsor-Essex.New episodes released weekly.Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome and episode overview01:03 Gina’s background in accounting and project management02:40 Transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship04:13 Applying business experience to new ventures06:46 Inspiration behind Pickleplex09:34 Community engagement and social connections10:47 Corporate events and social sports13:41 The inclusive nature of pickleball15:19 Growth of pickleball in Windsor-Essex17:22 Expansion beyond Windsor-Essex18:42 Origin of pickleball and brand naming22:02 Tasting regional snacks and branding25:03 Balancing roles between Pickleplex and cinema business28:42 Early challenges and growth lessons32:28 Mentorship, internships, and leadership development38:21 Windsor-Essex’s future in recreation and sport39:59 How to connect with Pickleplex