Doug Sapusek (AKA "Fat Elvis") was an unstoppable force during his years in the Marine Corps, where he earned a reputation as a fearless leader and a man of unshakable determination. After serving with distinction, he was honorably discharged, but the transition to civilian life left him restless. Seeking a new challenge, Doug channeled his energy into the underground world of street fighting. Known as "The Leopard," Doug was infamous for his eccentric choice of attire—a leopard-print banana hammock that he wore with pride in every match. His ferocity in the ring was matched only by his flamboyant style, and he quickly became an uncontested champion in the gritty world of street brawling.

Doug's reign as a street-fighting legend came to an abrupt end after a freak accident. One afternoon, while zipping through the countryside on his Vespa—a vehicle as incongruous with his tough-guy persona as his fight wear—a wild boar suddenly charged across the road. In his attempt to swerve and avoid the massive animal, Doug lost control and crashed. The injuries he sustained weren't life-threatening, but they were enough to end his career in the ring. Laid up in bed, with nothing but time to think, Doug realized his fighting days were over. But rather than wallow in defeat, he decided to reinvent himself once more.

Inspired by the simplicity of pickleball, a game he had seen played during his recovery, Doug saw an opportunity to apply his creative flair and competitive spirit to something new. He founded a company called Bread and Butter Pickleball, determined to make a mark in a different kind of arena. Drawing from his experience in battle and the ring, Doug designed three unique paddles that would become the cornerstone of his success. "The Filth" was crafted for raw power, allowing players to unleash devastating shots with minimal effort. "The Fat Boy" offered unparalleled control, giving players the precision needed to dominate their opponents. Finally, "The Shogun" was hailed as the greatest all-court paddle in the world, perfectly balancing power, control, and finesse.

Doug’s company took off, thanks to his innovative designs and the reputation he brought with him from his fighting days. Bread and Butter Pickleball became a sensation in the local community and beyond, with players flocking to try out his iconic paddles. Each one bore the mark of Doug’s unconventional style and the lessons he’d learned from a life spent on the edge. What began as a necessity after a career-ending accident turned into a triumphant second act, as Doug Sapusek once again found himself at the top—this time in the world of pickleball.

Aurora Sapusek had always been a free spirit, much like her father, Doug. After college, she pursued her passion for marine life and landed a dream job as a dolphin trainer at a well-known marine park. Aurora loved the thrill of working with these intelligent creatures, spending her days teaching them tricks and forging deep bonds. But her career took an unexpected turn after a bizarre accident involving a dolphin, a mullet, and a moment of pure chaos.

One afternoon during a routine training session, Aurora was demonstrating a new trick with her favorite dolphin, Bubbles. The routine was going perfectly until a mullet—a fish known for its surprising leaps—suddenly jumped out of the water. Startled, Bubbles veered off course, and in a moment of panic, splashed Aurora with a massive wave. The mullet, still in mid-air, collided with her, knocking her off her feet and into the water. The incident left her with a mild concussion and a newfound apprehension about working so closely with unpredictable marine life.

As Aurora recovered, she started to reconsider her career path. While she loved the dolphins, the accident had shaken her confidence. Around this time, her father Doug, who was feeling the pressure of managing the growing Bread and Butter Pickleball company on his own, suggested she join him in the business. After some thought, Aurora decided to take the plunge into a completely different world.

Aurora’s transition to the pickleball business was seamless. She quickly took charge of the office, bringing the same energy and organizational skills that had made her an excellent dolphin trainer. She streamlined operations, managed the crew with a mix of firmness and empathy, and introduced new ideas that helped the company grow even further. Aurora’s natural leadership abilities shone through, and before long, she was running the entire office, allowing Doug to focus on what he loved most—designing new paddles and growing the sport he had come to love.

Devin Sapusek had always been the numbers guy. While his father, Doug, was all about action and adventure, Devin found solace in spreadsheets and calculations. After college, he landed a job as a sommelier at a high-end restaurant, where his attention to detail and refined palate earned him a solid reputation. But one fateful night, Devin’s career in the culinary world came crashing down—literally.

It was a busy evening at the restaurant, and Devin was tasked with serving a particularly expensive bottle of wine—a $3,000 vintage that had been ordered by a prominent guest. As he carefully approached the table, his mind raced with numbers: the exact temperature the wine should be served at, the cost per glass, and the generous tip he might receive. But just as he reached to pour, his foot caught on a loose edge of the carpet. The bottle slipped from his hands, its contents splashing all over the customer’s immaculate suit.

The restaurant fell silent as the horrified guest stared at the deep red stain spreading across his designer clothing. Devin’s face flushed with embarrassment. The management, while understanding, knew this kind of mistake couldn’t be overlooked. Devin found himself out of a job the next day, his hopes of a career in fine dining dashed by a single, costly mistake.

Devin’s father, Doug, heard about the incident and decided to step in. He knew Devin’s knack for numbers was something Bread and Butter Pickleball could benefit from. Doug offered Devin a position at the company, suggesting he apply his analytical skills to something more stable—and less prone to spills. Devin agreed, and soon, he found his niche within the family business.

At Bread and Butter Pickleball, Devin took charge of inventory forecasting and financial management. His love for numbers became an invaluable asset, as he meticulously tracked every paddle, ball, and piece of equipment that came through the doors. Devin implemented new systems that streamlined the company’s operations, ensuring they never ran out of stock and that financials were always in perfect order. What started as a second chance after a wine disaster turned into a fulfilling role where Devin’s skills could truly shine.

Doug Sapusek had always believed in second chances. After reinventing himself from a street fighter to a successful pickleball entrepreneur, he knew the value of giving others an opportunity to shine. When he heard about Taryna, a mountaineer from Trinidad whose ambitious Everest expedition had ended in failure, Doug saw a chance to help in a unique way.

Taryna had prepared for her Everest climb with incredible dedication, only to face an unexpected and formidable opponent—a particularly aggressive mountain goat. During a critical section of the climb, the goat charged at her, forcing Taryna into a fierce and exhausting struggle. Despite her skills and training, the confrontation was too much, and she was forced to retreat, unable to complete her ascent. The setback was devastating, but Taryna’s spirit remained unbroken.

Back in Trinidad, Taryna was left searching for a new purpose. Her resilience and determination caught Doug's attention at a charity event dedicated to helping those who had faced extreme challenges. Moved by her story and recognizing her potential, Doug offered Taryna not just a job but a place in his family. He adopted her and brought her into the Bread and Butter Pickleball team.

Taryna took charge of the customer service and shipping department with the same intensity she had once applied to mountaineering. Her leadership brought a new level of efficiency and care to the department. She implemented systems that improved customer interactions and streamlined order processing, ensuring that every aspect of shipping was handled with precision. Taryna's journey from the mountains of Trinidad to her new role at Bread and Butter Pickleball exemplified the power of resilience and the profound impact of a second chance. Doug's decision to adopt and integrate Taryna into the company not only gave her a new lease on life but also significantly contributed to the company's success and growth.

Doug Sapusek’s adventures had taken him to many remarkable places, and his visit to the cryptocurrency convention at the Miami Fairgrounds was no exception. Doug had become interested in cryptocurrencies to explore new opportunities and diversify his business ventures. At the convention, he encountered DJ, a bright and ambitious young man from Florida, whose passion for crypto was evident.

However, the event took a dramatic turn when DJ found himself in a heated debate with Sam Bankman-Fried. The argument wasn’t about cryptocurrencies but rather about the shape of the Earth—DJ staunchly defended the idea that the Earth was round, while Bankman-Fried provocatively argued for a flat Earth. Doug, who himself held flat Earth beliefs, watched the debate unfold with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Despite his own views, Doug couldn’t help but admire DJ’s fervent conviction and articulate defense of his position.

After the altercation, Doug approached DJ, recognizing that his spirited debate and innovative thinking were qualities worth supporting. They struck up a conversation, and Doug learned about DJ’s background and aspirations. Doug extended an offer for DJ to join his family and become a part of Bread and Butter Pickleball. However, DJ made it clear that he wasn’t interested in the position unless there was a signing bonus. Specifically, DJ requested a rare iguana as part of his compensation package—a unique demand that Doug, intrigued by DJ’s distinctiveness, was willing to meet.

Doug agreed to the terms, and DJ joined the company with the rare iguana in tow. He quickly took over the Bread and Butter Ambassador program, where his creativity and energy revitalized the initiative. DJ’s tech skills and innovative strategies expanded the program’s reach and impact, demonstrating his value to the company. Doug’s decision to adopt DJ and meet his unconventional request underscored the power of mutual respect and how new opportunities can arise from the most unexpected circumstances. What began as a heated debate and an unusual signing bonus led to a meaningful partnership, showcasing the importance of embracing unique talents and perspectives.

If you are looking to get adopted and get a job at Bread & Butter Pickleball please shoot your CV to info@bnbpickleball.com. Please note you better not be boring and be damned good at what you do. We don't like slackers.