What we’re about
Tired of "Let's Grab Coffee Sometime" Never Happening? We've Found a Better Way to Connect.
We've all been there—trading digital business cards that gather virtual dust, promising to "circle back" on calls that never materialize, and well-intentioned attempts to remember names from that mixer last month. Meanwhile, the relationships that actually move our careers and businesses forward remain frustratingly elusive. What if the missing ingredient wasn't another Zoom happy hour, but a paddle, a court, and a genuine shared experience?
Welcome to The Dink & Deal Network—where the Triangle's most interesting professionals are ditching conventional networking for something far more effective: authentic connection through the joy of play. In a world of transactional relationships, we're building a community where your backhand matters more than your elevator pitch (though both will improve with practice).
Event Details:
• When: Every Thursday, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Where: Pin Point Pickleball Club, 2201 S Wilmington St Suite 145, Raleigh, NC
• Format: Catered lunch & networking (8:00-9:00 AM), followed by 2 hours of pickleball play (9:00-11:00 AM)
• Skill Levels: All welcome! Courts will be organized by skill level
• Cost: $15 (includes breakfast, court time, and networking)
Who Should Attend:
• CEOs and executives seeking real connections beyond the boardroom
• Business owners wanting to build their community, not just their contact list
• Sales professionals tired of cold outreach and craving warm relationships
• HR leaders looking for authentic ways to connect with partners and talent
• Anyone who's ever said "networking events are the worst" (we hear you!)
The Pickleball Advantage:
The data confirms what we already suspect: pickleball-related business spending grew 155% year over year, dramatically outpacing golf's growth at just 48%. Why? Because it’s easy to learn and hard to master. And in just three hours, you'll form more genuine connections than in months of traditional networking. As tech entrepreneur John Diloreto puts it, pickleball "allows people to build an authentic connection by sharing in a game together, instead of just asking questions about what each other do."
What Makes This the Triangle's Premier Networking Opportunity:
- Cross-generational appeal - finally bridge the gap between industry veterans and emerging talent
- Low barrier to entry - no expensive equipment or years of practice needed (your golf-obsessed colleagues may disagree)
- Fast-paced format - 3 hours total means you're back at your desk with new connections before others finish their "quick coffee chat"
- Weekly catered breakfast - because good conversation flows better with good food
What to Bring:
• Business cards (yes, we're old school like that)
• Comfortable athletic attire
• A sense of humor and openness to meet new people
• Paddles available for newcomers (but bring your own if you have one)
"I started playing pickleball last year as a way to stay active, but what I found was so much more valuable—a natural way to build genuine relationships. The conversations that happen between points have led to partnerships, mentorships, and friendships that no formal networking event could ever facilitate. It's simple: when you're having fun together, real connections follow." - Troy
Ready to trade awkward small talk for genuine connection? Contact Troy Vermillion directly at 720-261-7760 or troy.vermillion@hylant.com to reserve your spot.
Limited spots available weekly. First-time attendees receive 50% off their initial session. Share this with a friend or colleague who deserves better than another "coffee chat that needs to be scheduled"!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Weekly NetworkingPinpoint Pickleball Facility, Raleigh, NC$15.00
Tired of "Let's Grab Coffee Sometime" Never Happening? We've Found a Better Way to Connect.
We've all been there—trading digital business cards that gather virtual dust, promising to "circle back" on calls that never materialize, and well-intentioned attempts to remember names from that mixer last month. Meanwhile, the relationships that actually move our careers and businesses forward remain frustratingly elusive. What if the missing ingredient wasn't another Zoom happy hour, but a paddle, a court, and a genuine shared experience?
Welcome to The Dink & Deal Network—where the Triangle's most interesting professionals are ditching conventional networking for something far more effective: authentic connection through the joy of play. In a world of transactional relationships, we're building a community where your backhand matters more than your elevator pitch (though both will improve with practice).
Event Details:
• When: Every Thursday, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Where: Pin Point Pickleball Club, 2201 S Wilmington St Suite 145, Raleigh, NC
• Format: Catered lunch & networking (8:00-9:00 AM), followed by 2 hours of pickleball play (9:00-11:00 AM)
• Skill Levels: All welcome! Courts will be organized by skill level
• Cost: $15 (includes breakfast, court time, and networking)Who Should Attend:
• CEOs and executives seeking real connections beyond the boardroom
• Business owners wanting to build their community, not just their contact list
• Sales professionals tired of cold outreach and craving warm relationships
• HR leaders looking for authentic ways to connect with partners and talent
• Anyone who's ever said "networking events are the worst" (we hear you!)The Pickleball Advantage:
The data confirms what we already suspect: pickleball-related business spending grew 155% year over year, dramatically outpacing golf's growth at just 48%. Why? Because it’s easy to learn and hard to master. And in just three hours, you'll form more genuine connections than in months of traditional networking. As tech entrepreneur John Diloreto puts it, pickleball "allows people to build an authentic connection by sharing in a game together, instead of just asking questions about what each other do."
What Makes This the Triangle's Premier Networking Opportunity:
- Cross-generational appeal - finally bridge the gap between industry veterans and emerging talent
- Low barrier to entry - no expensive equipment or years of practice needed (your golf-obsessed colleagues may disagree)
- Fast-paced format - 3 hours total means you're back at your desk with new connections before others finish their "quick coffee chat"
- Weekly catered breakfast - because good conversation flows better with good food
What to Bring:
• Business cards (yes, we're old school like that)
• Comfortable athletic attire
• A sense of humor and openness to meet new people
• Paddles available for newcomers (but bring your own if you have one)"I started playing pickleball last year as a way to stay active, but what I found was so much more valuable—a natural way to build genuine relationships. The conversations that happen between points have led to partnerships, mentorships, and friendships that no formal networking event could ever facilitate. It's simple: when you're having fun together, real connections follow." - Troy
Ready to trade awkward small talk for genuine connection? Contact Troy Vermillion directly at 720-261-7760 or troy.vermillion@hylant.com to reserve your spot.
Limited spots available weekly. First-time attendees receive 50% off their initial session. Share this with a friend or colleague who deserves better than another "coffee chat that needs to be scheduled"!
