The Conquer Padel Club leadership team shares a vision for the future of Padel nationwide that brings decades of sports management experience and business development to our clubs. Our team is the foundation of our player-centered approach and the heart of our brand.
Enrique Gracia, founder of Conquer Padel Club brings a legacy of hard work, innovation, and leadership from his experience growing one of the largest sweet citrus import operations between Mexico and the US. Enrique is an avid Padel player, and he saw the sport’s potential to thrive in the U.S. and envisioned a brand that would make Padel accessible, exciting and inclusive for players of all levels.
Guided by his vision, Conquer Padel Club focuses on creating social spaces where people can connect, play & relax while enjoying thoughtfully designed, high-quality facilities. Enrique’s expertise in scaling international ventures continues to shape the brand’s growth as it expands its network, fosters a love for Padel & empowers players to connect and grow.
Barry J. Falcon is a Co-Founder of Conquer Padel Club and Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with more than 45 years of expertise spanning business management and leadership. He has held key executive roles in national systems, including growing ShelfGenie to 165 locations and leading Concrete Craft through its acquisition by Home Franchise Concepts.
Barry is an active pickleball and Padel player and is a PPR-certified pro-level instructor who has competed in numerous tournaments. Beyond his athletic pursuits, he is a marathon runner, cyclist, and supporter of community organizations, including local chambers of commerce and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Tom Konkowski, Co-Founder and COO of Conquer Padel Club, is a visionary entrepreneur with deep expertise in business development, operations, and financial strategy. As a founder of Espire Sports, he spearheaded the development of a 110,000-square-foot pickleball facility in Prescott, Arizona, cementing his leadership in the sports industry.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Tom has over 29 years of experience in investment, tax, legal, and wealth management services and guides countless clients through financial planning. He is an IPTPA-certified pickleball instructor and advocate for innovation in racquet sports and plays a critical role in establishing Conquer Padel’s U.S. presence by creating opportunities for players nationwide.
Gilberto Cañez is a Co-Founder of Conquer Padel Club and an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of DUO Padel Park, the largest Padel club company in Mexico. Gilberto’s leadership of over 36 courts across four clubs and a fifth club underway demonstrates his proven ability to expand and elevate the padel industry in new markets.
Gilberto co-founded LOB Padel, an online equipment store, and he is a partner at Rapid Sports, a leader in padel court installations. He is bringing his expertise to the U.S. and spearheading the growth of Conquer Padel Club to leverage his deep industry knowledge and passion for the sport.
Liza Riefkohl is Co-Founder of Conquer Padel Club and a Sports Ambassador. She is a former professional tennis player who ranked in the world’s top 300 before transitioning to Padel in Acapulco, the birthplace of the sport and has represented Mexico internationally in both the World Cup and Pan American Games.
Liza co-owns and manages Padel Zone in Hermosillo, Sonora and holds leadership roles within the Mexican Padel Federation (Femepa) as the president of the Northeast region. She also plays an active role in her family business, Grupo Calidra, where she serves as president of the family governance committee.
Jimmy Lewin, Conquer Padel Club’s Business Consultant, brings more than four decades of experience in international banking, commercial finance, and entrepreneurship to our business. As CEO and principal shareholder of a California manufacturing and distribution company, he gained hands-on expertise in business leadership and operations.
Currently, Jimmy advises entrepreneurs on business planning, capital markets, and funding strategies, with a focus on industries such as real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing. He also leads Cayenne Consulting’s Immigration & Investor Visa practice to extend its services to clients in Africa and the Middle East, and he has served on advisory boards for emerging companies.
Gonzalo Mata, Co-Founder of Conquer Padel Club, is a proven entrepreneur and U.S. Air Force veteran with extensive experience in adventure sports, hospitality, and operations. Gonzalo co-founded Baja Adventure Co. and developed a successful eco-tourism business offering ocean-based activities in the Sea of Cortez, showcasing his leadership and management skills.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Gonzalo is a pilot for a major U.S. airline and enjoys photography, outdoor adventures, and time with his family. His expertise in business operations, passion for sports, and dedication to teamwork are instrumental in shaping the growth of Conquer Padel Club and the future of Padel across the U.S.
Want to join the Conquer Padel Club team? Learn more about our career opportunities, and be part of the Future of Padel!
Conquer Padel Holdings LLC
1305 W Auto Drive
Tempe AZ 85284
602-834-0044
info@conquerpadel.com
