Owners Doug and Diana Clark at TMPR Sports in Buchanan, Photo by Rebecka Hoyt

TMPR Sports Produces Pickleball Paddles in Downtown Buchanan, MI

by Rebecka Hoyt, Editor & Photographer

Did you know in downtown Buchanan, MI next to the McCoy Creek/Duck Pond there is a pickleball paddle board producer? Head on into the 324 Building entrance (south end of the building, near Blue Paw Pet Spa) to see for yourself! Recently, Publisher Jen Garry and I had the opportunity to sit down with owners Doug & Diana Clark of TMPR Sports to get a bigger picture of their locally owned pickleball paddle business.

TMPR Sports in Buchanan’s Building 324, Photos by Rebecka Hoyt

TMPR Sports started in the Clark’s garage and home in 2018, and have been in their Buchanan location since January of 2022. There are three pickleball paddle board companies in Michigan and out of those three, two of them are in southwestern Michigan, one in Niles and one right here in Buchanan! Doug used to work for the Niles pickleball paddle company until a colleague suggested to him to open up a pickleball paddle business of his own. TMPR Sports has grown 20% in the last two years and are filling out their Buchanan location. They have a total of seven employees that can produce 5 – 7 paddles per hour, and their son Taylor is the graphic designer.

TMPR Sports Pickleball Paddles in the Making, Photo by Rebecka Hoyt

Not only do they sell nation-wide, but also internationally to countries as far as Singapore and Australia. TMPR Sports has a wide variety of paddle boards: some that are more aerodynamic, some can almost feel like a tennis racket, and all have their proprietary handle design that cancels out vibrations. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US currently, and has been around for 55 years, beginning in the Pacific Northwest and migrating around the country by way of snowbirds discovering it and bringing it back home with them to play.

TMPR Sports in Buchanan’s Building 324, Photo by Rebecka Hoyt

TMPR Sports also has a demo program where you can try out their paddles for 2 weeks. To choose from, they offer 3 different paddle materials and 5 different paddle shapes. For more information on this option, take a look at their website with this link: https://tmprsports.com/products/demo-program. Another option for locals is their seconds pile of paddles for purchase at their location. These slightly less than perfect paddles have some small cosmetic defect so they are offered at a discount, and if you stop in to their location to pick yours out then you save on shipping also!

One of the best ways to improve your game in pickleball is drilling. To challenge each other and make drills fun, TMPR Sports will hold the TMPR Games, a competitive drills clinic, on September 4 from 2-4pm & 4-6pm at Fireman’s Park 1935 S 3rd St in Niles. Use this link to register for the clinic. They hope to have another clinic in the near future, so stay tuned for more pickleball information and events.

Pickleball is a sport for all ages, so don’t be afraid to try it out!

About TMPR Sports: TMPR Sports is focused on helping you find the paddle that best fits your skill level and playing style. We offer paddles containing three different core materials and in five different shapes. Each has its own performance characteristics. All of our equipment is made and manufactured at our own factory in Buchanan, Michigan. To figure out what’s right for you, try our demo program, which allows you to play with one of our paddles for two weeks. Whether you are a beginner or have been playing for more than a decade, TMPR Sports has the right core material and shape for you.