More Than Just a Sticker: Paddle Up Solutions Joins Forward Janesville
If you were here for post number one, you know our pickleball origin story; now, we’re taking all that 'court-side wisdom' and putting it to work for you. Whether it’s mastering a third-shot drop, facilitating high-impact team-building experiences, or navigating a networking event, we’re here to help you level up your game - personally, professionally, and everything in between. But today, I want to step off the court and into the boardroom (or the networking mixer, depending on the time of day) to talk about a milestone that means the world to me.
This week, Paddle Up Solutions officially became a member of Forward Janesville, our local chamber of commerce.
Now, you might think, "Lisa, you just started this business in October. Isn't your to-do list already long enough?" The answer is a resounding yes. But let me tell you why this wasn't just a "maybe" for me - it was a "must-have.”
The "Gym Membership" Moment
My history with Forward Janesville goes back over two decades. When I was hired in 2005 to be the Executive Director for a local non-profit, Independent Disability Services (IDS), I quickly realized we were the best-kept secret in town. That sounds nice on a greeting card, but for a non-profit? It’s a disaster. We needed community engagement.
I decided to have our non-profit organization join Forward Janesville, and the then-President & CEO, John Beckord, gave me some advice that I’ve carried with me ever since. He told me:
"Lisa, a chamber membership is like a gym membership; if you don’t use it, you won't see the benefit or the results you’re looking for."
Basically, you can’t just pay the fee, leave the sticker in the envelope, and wonder why your business isn't "fit" yet. I’ve always been a believer in seeking wisdom from those who have already successfully navigated the maze - the seasoned pros who know where the potholes are and how to avoid them. So, I listened.
I started showing up. I went to their Business After Five events (even when I didn’t know a soul), attended the Annual Awards Luncheons, and mastered the art of walking up to strangers and saying, "Hi, I'm Lisa. What's your story?" (And let’s be honest, if you know me, you know I’m rarely at a loss for words, but even for me, it took a little "good-old-fashioned-guts.")
18 Years (And Still Counting!)
Fast forward a bit to 2008. Shortly after we completed the Leadership Development Academy, Terri Moldenhauer, a local business leader I hold in the highest regard, invited me to lunch. Before I could even finish my beef enchilada, she’d recruited me to be a Forward Janesville Ambassador.
I didn't need much convincing. I loved the idea of connecting people. Since then, I’ve served as the Ambassador President, led the Retention Task Force, and helped found the Ambassador Grant Committee. I’ve been an Ambassador for 18 years now. In "Chamber years," I think that makes me part of the historical architecture, right?
Through those years, I saw firsthand that Forward Janesville is where the "heavy lifting" happens. It’s the engine for:
Economic Development: Bringing new opportunities to our backyard.
Innovation: Solving local business puzzles with fresh ideas.
Connection: Serving as the vital link between the business community, our schools, our recreational spaces, and our city leadership to build a more cohesive Janesville.
The New Chapter: Paddle Up Solutions
When I launched Paddle Up Solutions in October 2025, I had to make the same tough decisions every startup founder makes. Every dollar counts. But when I looked at the budget, the chamber membership wasn't a "negotiable" line item.
If you know anything about me, you know that when I’m passionate about something, I find a way to make it happen. I’ve seen firsthand how the relationships I’ve built over the last twenty years have opened doors I didn't even know existed. But let’s be real: that kind of impact doesn't happen by just 'joining.' It only happens when you show up and do the work - a lesson I learned the moment I took the leap to truly engage and activate my Forward Janesville membership all the way back in 2005. I didn't just want to be a business owner in Janesville with Paddle Up Solutions; I wanted to be part of the movement that keeps Janesville moving forward.
So, here we are! Paddle Up Solutions is officially in the fold.
My Challenge to You
Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a non-profit leader, or someone thinking about starting a side hustle, don’t just "join" things. Activate them. If you see me at the next Business After Five, come say hi! I’ll be the one with the big smile, ready to grill you (gracefully, of course) about your business journey, while we talk and brainstorm how to make our community even stronger.
Seeing Paddle Up Solutions officially listed as a member business is a huge milestone, but I know the chamber’s membership sticker is just the beginning. Twenty years ago, I was the new kid on the block looking for a seat at the table; today, I’m standing at that same table, just as excited to be part of making big things happen for my hometown.
It all comes back to that 'gym membership' - you only see results when you put in the time. I’m ready to get back to work and keep Janesville moving Forward. The ball is in our court... who’s ready to play?"