Meet Jon Gustavson of Jon’s Table Tennis Training in Lawrenceville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Gustavson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started Jon’s Table Tennis Training in 2015 as an extension of the coaching that I had been doing for the Atlanta Georgia Table Tennis Association. There seemed to be a real need for affordable coaching to help recreational ping pong players make the jump to playing at sanctioned clubs and competing in tournaments. Many of these novice players did not realize that a proper foundation of basic skills was just as important for table tennis as it would be for golf, tennis, or any other sport. While some coaches focused on working with children, my business seemed to attract more adult players. Many of them were coming back to playing or were getting interested because their workplaces had begun providing ping pong tables for their employees.

In addition to coaching, I continue to compete in local leagues and tournaments and write a table tennis blog that has been featured on the USATT website. The most popular articles have been “The Dirtiest Word in Table Tennis” and “Club Table Tennis in Japan” which was based on my time playing at clubs in Tokyo. Many of the players who train with me regularly have commented that it is the best deal in town. One of my goals for Jon’s Table Tennis has been to make it affordable enough so players can train often. Table Tennis is a great sport for all ages and is not only physically but mentally challenging as well. Plus, it’s a lot of fun.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The major challenge is that table tennis is not as popular in the United States as it is in other parts of the world. There is a growing need for table tennis coaching but there are still relatively few people taking up table tennis as compared to other sports.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Introducing new players to the world of competitive table tennis is extremely rewarding. Unlike many sports, it is possible to play well even as you grow older. What sets my business apart is the willingness to work with all players regardless of their natural abilities or current skill level. Knowing that those I work with will potentially enjoy the fun and benefit from the exercise for their entire lives continues to motivate me. I also charge far less than most table tennis coaches. Charging less means I keep a pretty steady stream of customers.

What were you like growing up?
I was always very introspective although not shy. I found a lot of my identity through sports and enjoyed competing, improving, and the company of teammates. Even now my table tennis blog is more philosophical than technical.

Pricing:

• $15.00 an hour

Contact Info:

• Address: 845 Carriage Lake Drive Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046
• Website: t3atl.com
• Phone: 770 403-8290
• Email: tabletennisatlanta@gmail.com
• Facebook: Jon’s Table Tennis Training
• Twitter: Topspin Jon
• Yelp: Jon’s Table Tennis Training
• Other: T3 Blog t3atl.com

Image Credit:
Al McLeod