An Interview with Chad Phillips, President of Newly Launched Rally Republic

February 6, 2024

Doug Kouba, Editor

Where sports and style intersect, Rally Republic has emerged as a prominent player in the pickleball scene. The brainchild of a team passionate about design, collegiate branding, and the vibrant spirit of pickleball, Rally Republic aims to redefine the sport through a fusion of lifestyle and athletic strength.

Collegiate Licensing World had the opportunity to interview Chad Phillips, President of Rally Republic. Philips is a 25-year industry executive within the sports merchandise licensing, retail, and product development space. Prior to joining Rally Republic, Phillips served as Chief Merchandising Officer at Follett Higher Education, where he led the company to achieve record-breaking sales in licensed merchandise at its 1,000+ college and university campus stores. Phillips also formerly served as Vice President of Retail Development at Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), and Senior Vice President at Rally House. A Chicago-area native and an avid pickleball player, Phillips is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Collegiate Licensing World: How did you come up with the idea for Rally Republic?

Chad Phillips: The idea for Rally Republic was born out of a vision to create pickleball paddles that go beyond the conventional, embracing chic designs and incorporating elements of collegiate and Greek branding. Recognizing pickleball as more than just a game but a lifestyle, the founders sought to infuse the brand with the thrilling and fun-loving essence of the sport. Drawing inspiration from the lively California lifestyle, Rally Republic is a celebration of style, quality, and the dynamic spirit of pickleball.

CLW: What challenges, if any, have you faced in the initial stages of launching Rally Republic?

Phillips: Launching any venture comes with its set of challenges, and Rally Republic was no exception. The team navigated the intricate details with a seasoned approach, leveraging their expertise in product development, trademark licensing, retail, and e-commerce. The primary challenge was striking the right balance between performance and style, achieved through a focus on quality construction, carbon fiber, and adherence to USA Pickleball standards. Additionally, collaboration with collegiate trademark licensing ensured that Rally Republic met all design, color, and corporate responsibility criteria.

CLW: Can you share a notable success or milestone your company has achieved since its inception?

Phillips: Building on your previous question, we are very proud of the brand we’ve built and executed from design to distribution in a relatively short time. The most notable milestone is the successful omnichannel launch of the Rally Republic brand across key retail partners and e-commerce platforms, with effective digital marketing and social media reach to propel growth in the new year ahead.

CLW: What goals have you set for your company in the short and long term?

Phillips: We are focused on several short-term goals including product line expansion in equipment and the addition of lifestyle apparel and accessories. We will also expand licenses to include leagues and other collabs that align with our brand ethos. In parallel with product development and license expansion, we will continue rapid growth with strategic partners, channels, and key retailers.

CLW: How do you envision the growth of Rally Republic in the next few years?

Phillips: Rally Republic will evolve and grow as the market leader at the crossroads of lifestyle, licensing, and fashion in the rapidly growing world of pickleball. We understand that pickleball is a way of life for millions of people and are committed to creating products that embody the spirit of the fast-growing sport in the world. This focus, combined with a talented and growing team of experts, will drive innovation and growth and establish Rally Republic as the most successful pickleball brand in the US.

ABOUT RALLY REPUBLIC 

San Diego-based Rally Republic is the first California-inspired lifestyle brand created specifically for pickleball enthusiasts. With a mission to provide both top-quality and design-focused pickleball paddles, apparel, equipment, and accessories, Rally Republic’s product lineup embodies the vibrant culture and laid-back spirit of the West Coast. Rally Republic also has licensing partnerships with most major U.S. colleges and universities, sororities, and fraternities, enabling pickleball players to showcase their college, sports team, and/or Greek spirit while on the court. For more information, visit Rally Republic:

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