Beyond Hours & Dollars

How to design a career measured in purpose, presence, and the people you impact.

Written By Greg Moran with Peter Francesconi
Cover of Beyond Hours and Dollars
Project

It is a roadmap for building a career-not just holding a job.

Overview

As professionals in the Rackets industry, we're trained to improve our student's games. We are rarely taught how to build a sustainable career. Beyond Hours & Dollars was written to do just that.

The book is about:

  • Designing your career path.
  • Becoming more than a lesson provider.
  • Building financial security decade by decade.
  • Developing leadership skills.
  • Moving from success to significance.

As we write in the book's introduction, this is for young professionals just starting out, as well as seasoned pros who may not yet have planned for the later stages of their career.

A Gift to the Industry

This project is entirely self-funded. Our goal is simple: To place this book into the hands of any racket sports professional who wants it-free of charge. No catch. No subscription. No expectation.

If this book helps even one pro avoid burnout or encourages one young teacher to think long-term or helps one director lead more effectively… … then the project has succeeded.

Beyond Hours & Dollars is our way of giving back to an industry that has given us so much.

Greg Moran, Peter Francesconi

Table of Contents
Foreward
Preface
Introduction
Part 1: Thinking Beyond Tomorrow

Chapter 1: The Next 45 Years

Chapter 2: Your Financial Timeline

Chapter 3: Keeping the Machine Functioning

Part 2: Personal Tools for Success

Chapter 4: Your Image

Chapter 5: Take an Honest Look at Yourself

Chapter 6: Set Goals

Chapter 7: Find A Mentor

Chapter 8: Build Your Network

Chapter 9: Get Certified, Be Active

Part 3: Working in the World of Recreational Racket Sports

Chapter 10: Two Things You Must Do

Chapter 11: Getting Players to Come to Your Court

Chapter 12: Will They Come Back?

Chapter 13: Deepening the Relationship

Chapter 14: Frustration

Chapter 15: Stress and Burnout

Part 4: Customer Service

Chapter 16: Always Be Available and Responsive

Chapter 17: Angry Customers

Chapter 18: Encourage (and Listen to) Feedback

Chapter 19: Parents—A Different Type of Customer Service

Chapter 20: When a Student Fires You

Part 5: When You Become the Boss

Chapter 21: To Lead Is to Inspire

Chapter 22: Relating to Your Team

Chapter 23: Your Program is Only as Good as Your Pros

Chapter 24: Making Them Feel a Part of the Team

Chapter 25: When It Doesn’t Work Out

Chapter 26: When the Time Comes to Put Down Your Racket

Chapter 27: Ownership

Chapter 28: Bonus Chapter: Moving Beyond Success to Significance

Appendices

Appendix A: Personal Inventory

Appendix B: Your Résumé and Cover Letter

Appendix C: Acing Interviews

Appendix D: You Got the Job . . . or You Didn’t

Appendix E: Suggested Reading and Listening

Appendix F: Chapter Takeaway Summary

A Few Final Words
Excerpts

Enjoy some excerpts from the book

Your Image

Steve had been giving Claire private lessons for several years and they'd developed a friendly on-court relationship. During their lessons, they would sometimes meet at the net, talk casually for two to three minutes, and then get back to playing.

Stress and Burnout

In the spring of 2017, the insomnia began. I'd lay awake at night, my mind racing, head throbbing. A few months earlier my wife, Kelley, and I had bought our club and were feeling the pressures of owning a business.

Always Be Available and Responsive

If you have an office, keep the door open. It sends a welcoming message and tells people you're available to them. Every day, players would come to my office to talk about their latest match, bring an issue to my attention, or simply say hi.

Parents-A Different Type of Customer Service

If you work with juniors, their parents will be a part of your life. Most will get it. They know little Billy is not going to be the next Roger Federer. They just want him to learn the game, make some friends and have fun.

When a Student Fires You

Christine was my student from the very beginning. I helped her pick out her first racket, taught her strokes, strategy, tennis etiquette and how to keep score.

Moving Beyond Success to Significance

As you leave your 50s and move into your 60s, there'll come a time when you realize you've given more lessons than you'll give, and that there are more years behind you than in front of you. You designed a career plan.

About the Authors

The Minds Behind the Book

Greg Moran

Portrait of author Greg Moran Greg is one of America's most experienced and respected tennis teaching professionals. With more than 45 years in the industry, Greg has taught thousands of players, led national training programs, and traveled to Africa to conduct development workshops for players and coaches.

A prolific tennis writer, he is the award-winning author of the Tennis Beyond Big Shots series and The Truth About Tennis. Greg spent over 40 years at the Four Seasons Racquet Club in Wilton, Connecticut, serving as its Director of Tennis and later as owner before selling the club to focus on writing and mentoring the next generation of teaching professionals.

He is currently working on the first in a series of fiction novels set in the world of club tennis.

Peter Francesconi

Portrait of author Peter Francesconi Peter is the editor of Racquet Sports Industry, the world's largest tennis/racquet sports trade publication. Through his company, Ace Media Group, he works closely with Tennis Industry United, U.S. Tennis Association, American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), racquet Industry Research Group (formerly the Tennis Industry Association) and other groups in communications, marketing and public relations.

Peter was managing editor of Tennis magazine from 1990 to 1999 and editorial director of Tennis's custom publishing division from 1999 to 2009 in charge of USTA Magazine. He also is a longtime and active volunteer in tennis on the national, section and state levels.

While a frequent tennis player and occasional pickleball player (and new padel player), he admits he needs to get out on the courts much more.

Testimonials

Industry Leaders Chime In

Kim Bastable

Greg Moran has written the book every rackets professional didn't know they needed until now. Beyond Hours & Dollars is more than a career guide-it's a roadmap to purpose, balance and legacy in the world of racket sports. Greg doesn't just teach forehands and backhands; he teaches professionals how to build a life that matters-one defined by integrity, continuous growth and impact.

Professor of Practice and Director of Professional Rackets Management
Co-host of Racquet Fuel Podcast (opens in new tab)

Ajay Pant

Greg Moran's new book is an indispensable guide for anyone in the coaching profession. Moran, a true industry giant, helps you understand the foundational purpose of coaching and how to navigate the different stages of your career. The book offers clear guidance on what to expect and how to avoid typical career missteps in each decade of your professional life, from your 20s through your 60s.

Through his insightful advice, Moran shows you how to build a thriving career rather than just having a job. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to teach racket sports.

RSPA Master Professional
PTR Master Professional
Founder of Karundy Consulting

Mark McMahon

Beyond Hours & Dollars is a one-of-a-kind book. It truly captures what clubs look for in modern rackets leaders: a professional who thinks beyond the time spent on the court to build a career that is not only financially rewarding and personally fulfilling but also offers long-term value for their clubs and their members. Drawing from decades in the industry, Greg Moran offers not just technical or on-court guidance, but a practical framework for becoming the kind of business-minded, people-focused director that clubs increasingly need.

Having personally spent over 45 years in racquets leadership, including hiring and mentoring hundreds of professionals, I can see Beyond Hours & Dollars providing readers with a pathway across the often-missing bridge between being "good on the court" to becoming "indispensable to the club." For General Managers and search committees, the book provides a lens through which to evaluate potential new hires; and for aspiring and current Directors, it is a roadmap to becoming the trusted leader, culture builder, and strategic partner the profession now demands

RSPA Master Professional
CRSE
Founder & President–McMahon Careers

Jorge Capestany

I recently had the privilege of previewing Beyond Hours & Dollars, the new book by racket sports leader Greg Moran. With more than four decades in the field as a coach and educator, I can affirm this book is an essential resource for every racket sports professional. It addresses the critical need for career planning and sustainability-areas too often overlooked until it's too late.

In my role as the founder of the Hope College Racket Sports Management program, I see firsthand how vital this guidance is for the next generation of professionals. This book will be a core recommendation for our students as they prepare for long, successful and rewarding careers in the industry.

RSPA Master Professional
PTR Master Professional

Dan Santorum

For decades, Greg Moran has been one of the top rackets professionals in the United States. His incredible knowledge about teaching tennis and racket sports and running a facility, combined with his passion for learning and sharing his experience, has led to this amazing book. Whether you're starting out as a racket sports professional, in the middle of your career, or looking to wind down your time on court or at a facility, Greg has the insights and knowledge that can enhance all that you do.

Master Professional
Leading Industry Consultant with 40 Years as CEO in the Rackets Industry

Simon Gale

Greg Moran's Beyond Hours & Dollars really resonated with me because it captures something I've learned in my own career: Racket sports can be incredibly gratifying when you build professional relationships, manage your time well and commit to growing every single day.

This profession offers so much more than just hours on court. It's about building a sustainable path that allows you to keep learning, leading and impacting others over the long term. Greg's perspective reminds us that if we invest in ourselves and stay intentional, we can enjoy a career that is both deeply rewarding and lasting.

Senior Director Racquet Sports Development, USTA National Campus

Michele Krause

I've had the privilege of knowing Greg Moran for more than two decades, and Beyond Hours and Dollars perfectly reflects the wisdom, integrity and forward-thinking leadership he has consistently brought to our industry. This book is a powerful and practical guide for tennis teaching professionals who want more than just court time and lesson fees-it's about building a sustainable, meaningful career with impact. Greg speaks from real experience, offering insights that elevate the profession and challenge coaches to think bigger about their value, influence and long-term success. It's a must-read for anyone serious about growing a career in tennis.

USTA Cardio Tennis Consultant

Kathy Woods

Greg Moran has a gift for you. He's packaged valuable experience as a career tennis/racket sports professional into Beyond Hours & Dollars. Think "mentoring" in book form. Priceless insights that won't cost you a penny. Grab a copy-quickly!!

RSPA Past President
RSPA Hall of Fame

Ken DeHart

Teaching pros-at whatever stage of their careers-will benefit a great deal from Beyond Hours & Dollars!

PTR Master Professional
RSPA Master Professional

Continuing Education

Free Copy of the Book

Fill out the form and we'll send you a copy of Beyond Hours & Dollars.

Note: Shipping will be paid by Greg Moran inside the United States.

If you are located outside of the United States, contact Greg using the form for the shipping rate.

Please enter your full name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter your shipping address.

Request received! We'll get your copy out to you soon.

Downloads

Download any of the following resources from Beyond Hours & Dollars - all free of charge.

Personal Inventory

Take an honest look at yourself.

Download PDF
Professional Goals

Plan your career goals.

Download PDF
Introduction to Tennis Practice Program

A practice plan to help your beginners succeed.

Download PDF
Player Goal Sheets

Get to know your players games and their goals.

Download PDF
Chapter Takeaways

Key takeaways from every chapter in one easy to read reference guide.

Download PDF
Contact

For questions, speaking invitations or podcast appearances, reach out using the form below.

Greg will follow up within twenty-four hours.

Thank you for reaching out – we'll reply as soon as we can.