We had the good fortune of connecting with Roberto Jimenez and Luis Zambrano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roberto and Luis, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most pivotal factor behind the success of Candela Pickleball is undoubtedly our deep-rooted connection to our Latin community and heritage. Both of us, having Hispanic origins, have a rich tapestry of vibrant cultures, colors, and rhythms to draw inspiration from. It’s this unique Latin flare that makes our brand stand out in the pickleball scene. Hailing from South Florida, we’ve been fortunate to be immersed in a dynamic environment that champions diversity and passion. From the moment we started playing pickleball, we saw more than just a game; we saw an opportunity to bridge our love for the sport with our cultural identity. This passion for both entrepreneurship and pickleball drives us every day. We believe that by staying true to who we are and where we come from, we can introduce the world to a flavor of pickleball they’ve never seen before.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Candela Pickleball was born out of a shared passion between two grad school friends who loved the sport of pickleball and were driven by the spirit of entrepreneurship. Situated in the vibrant landscape of South Florida, and deeply rooted in our Hispanic origins, we’ve blended the heart of our culture with the spirit of the game to create a brand with a distinct Latin flare. What sets us apart from others is our authentic commitment to our heritage. In a market where many brands vie for attention, Candela Pickleball resonates because it’s not just a brand, but a story—a celebration of our community, our roots, and the energy of the sport we love.
We’re incredibly proud of how we’ve been able to infuse the essence of our Latin culture into our products. Every paddle swing, every game, every match echoes the rhythms, colors, and dynamism of our background.
Getting to where we are today wasn’t a walk in the park. Just like in the game of pickleball, we faced volleys of challenges. From understanding the intricacies of the market to navigating the startup ecosystem, there were moments of doubt. But our guiding light was always our community—the unwavering support from our family, especially our wives, the camaraderie from the communities at Saga Bay and Suniland Park, and the encouragement from friends like those at Top Level Pickleball.
One lesson we’ve taken to heart is the importance of authenticity. In business and in life, staying true to who you are and where you come from is pivotal. Another lesson? Resilience. Just as in pickleball, when faced with a challenging shot, it’s about adjusting, staying focused, and pushing forward.
What we want the world to know about Candela Pickleball is that we are more than just a pickleball brand. We are a celebration of passion, culture, and community. Our story is a testament to the beauty that arises when you marry your heritage with your passion, and we invite everyone to join us in this vibrant journey on the courts and beyond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Miami, we’d kick off the week with some morning pickleball action at one of the city’s vibrant courts. The game’s energy would set the right tone for the week. After working up an appetite, we’d head straight to Beauty and the Butcher in Coral Gables for a scrumptious brunch. Their innovative menu never disappoints, and it’s the perfect blend of Miami’s eclectic taste.

One can’t visit Miami and not indulge in authentic Cuban food. We’d spend our evenings savoring the flavorful dishes at some of the city’s renowned Cuban restaurants. Think slow-cooked ropa vieja, tangy mojitos, and sweet tres leches to end our meal on a delightful note.

South Beach would be an essential part of our itinerary. We’d bask in the sun, take in the Art Deco architecture, and maybe join a beachside pickleball game if we stumbled upon one. The evening would see us exploring the pulsating nightlife, with salsa rhythms providing the backdrop.

Over the week, we’d explore Miami’s rich tapestry – from the graffiti arts of Wynwood Walls to the serene beauty of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. We’d also set aside a day to venture into Little Havana, immersing ourselves in the culture, music, and dance that the area is famous for.

Of course, no trip to Miami is complete without indulging in its gastronomic delights. Apart from Cuban food, we’d dive into stone crabs at Joe’s, sample the vibrant tropical fruit flavors in smoothies from local stands, and perhaps catch a sunset dinner cruise to enjoy the city’s skyline.

By the end of the week, my friend would have tasted, seen, and felt the magic of Miami – from its pickleball courts to its sizzling beaches and tantalizing cuisines. It’s a trip that would capture the essence of this vibrant city, promising memories for a lifetime.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, success never occurs in isolation, and our journey with Candela Pickleball is truly a testament to that. Firstly, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our families, especially our incredible wives. Their unwavering support and belief in us have been the bedrock of our endeavors. It’s their love and encouragement that propels us forward, even on the most challenging days.

The communities at Saga Bay Park and Suniland Park have been integral in shaping our vision for Candela. Their camaraderie, feedback, and enthusiasm have been invaluable as we developed and refined our products. They’re not just patrons; they’ve become an extended family to us.

A special shoutout goes to our local firefighters and officers. Their commitment to service and community is a daily inspiration for us to give back and make a positive impact through our brand.

We’d also like to acknowledge our friends at Top Level Pickleball. Collaborating and exchanging insights with them has enriched our perspective on the game and the industry.

Lastly, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our community at large. The vibrant tapestry of cultures, stories, and experiences in our wider community constantly inspires us to add a unique Latin flare to the pickleball scene. We are where we are because of all of you, and we hope to continue making you proud.

Website: www.CandelaPickleball.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/candelapickleball

Facebook: www.facebook.com/candelapickleball

Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@candelapickleball

Image Credits
All photos are owned by us, Candela Pickleball.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.