Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodrigo Choto
Rodrigo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Picklenova began with a simple love for pickleball. During the pandemic, a group of friends found joy in the sport and discovered how incredible it felt to be part of a welcoming community. We wanted to share that experience with others. Along the way, we realized there was a lack of quality pickleball clothing in our area. That’s how the idea for Picklenova came to life. We’re committed to creating clothing that is comfortable, breathable, and stylish for everyone. Since starting in 2022, we’ve been fortunate to have the amazing support of our family and friends, and we’re truly grateful for all the encouragement they’ve given us as we grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning a small company takes an incredible amount of time, effort, and heart! One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is competing with well-established giants like Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon. But despite the hurdles, we can’t help but feel immense pride every time we spot someone sporting our brand, whether on the court or in their daily lives. It’s moments like these that fuel our passion and drive us to keep pushing forward—showcasing our clothing at every tournament we can and spreading the word about our brand. Marketing has been another area we’re working to strengthen, as we know it’s a key to unlocking growth for any company. While these challenges are common for small businesses, they also present opportunities to learn, adapt, and build something truly special. We’re ready for the journey ahead!
We’ve been impressed with Picklenova Pickleball, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Picklenova Pickleball is a dedicated athletic clothing brand designed specifically for pickleball enthusiasts. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of high-quality products, including Dri-fit T-shirts, tank tops, colorful skorts, shorts, hoodies, crewnecks, and an array of accessories like visors, hats, and microfiber towels. Our goal is to ensure players have access to apparel that is stylish, functional, and perfectly suited to the demands of the sport.
In addition to our standard offerings, we specialize in creating custom team uniforms and branded business apparel. These custom orders are not only more affordable than those offered by larger companies, but they also come with exceptional quality that meets the needs of our customers. With a swift turnaround time of just two weeks for bulk orders, we make it easy for businesses and teams to distribute their products without unnecessary delays.
At Picklenova, we take immense pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every piece of clothing we produce. When you step onto the court wearing Picklenova apparel, you’ll stand out—not just for your game but for your style. Our vibrant colors and unique designs are a reflection of the energy and enthusiasm we bring to the sport and our brand. We are committed to making every player feel confident and comfortable, both on and off the court!
What were you like growing up?
I was born and raised in El Salvador and have been proud to call Utah my home for the past 23 years. The United States has given me and my family so many opportunities, and I am truly grateful for all that we’ve been able to achieve and experience here. For the past 12 years, I’ve had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force Reserves. My time in the Reserves has not only been a fulfilling journey but has also allowed me to connect with other pickleball enthusiasts and grow my business.
Sports have always been a significant part of my life. Growing up in El Salvador, my parents encouraged me to explore all kinds of sports, fostering a lifelong love for staying active. After moving to the U.S., I discovered a passion for water polo, which I played for five years. Later, I found joy in playing basketball and soccer with a great group of friends. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been involved in some type of sport, and that continues to this day with pickleball.
When I’m not on the court, you’ll usually find me spending quality time with my beautiful family. I treasure the simple moments, like sharing popcorn and watching our favorite movies together. Life can be so busy and overwhelming, and I’m working on reminding myself to pause, take a deep breath, and fully enjoy these moments of togetherness. It’s something I’m striving to improve, one step at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.picklenova.com
- Instagram: Picklenova_Pickleball
- Facebook: PickleNova Pickleball
