THE TWO HATS OF NEW MILFORD: HOW A FACILITY OWNER BLENDS FINANCE WITH THE GAME HE LOVES

At the time, Rajagopalan was a seasoned competitor who had played the national courts of India and the satellite tours of Europe. He didn't have a financial background. He relied on mentors, and guidance from his wife, Karen Waltemath, to help him navigate the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan process.

"My wife and I were able to get an SBA loan where you don't have to put that much money down," Rajagopalan said. "We bought the club and the house and raised our family there. Our children grew up on these courts." Owning any small business is a team effort and having a support partner & family is crucial. 

Today, that experience has come full circle. Rajagopalan wears "two hats," serving as a Vice President and Mortgage Loan Officer by day, and the owner of a community staple by afternoon. For him, these two worlds aren't in competition, they are the reason he’s been able to stay in the game for over 30 years. 

This dual perspective has turned Rajagopalan into a mentor for the next generation of operators. He frequently talks to young pros about moving from the court to the front office, showing them that while ownership is a heavy responsibility, the path to getting there is more accessible than it used to be. He points to modern tools like AI, which can help draft a business plan in minutes, and digital management platforms that handle the "weeds" of court bookings. But his most practical advice remains rooted in the fundamentals: establish credit, build savings early, and look into SBA loans. 

"You have to be wired to be an owner," he said. "You have to have the desire to be your own boss... and it’s not for everyone." 

The atmosphere at New Milford Tennis & Swim Club reflects this long-term vision. In an industry where staff turnover is notoriously high, Rajagopalan’s team is a rare constant. His manager, Maria, has been the "engine" of the facility for 27 years, and his teaching pros have been there for over a decade. 

"It’s more a lifestyle, a family kind of thing," Rajagopalan said. "I play with the staff as often as we can. Because they're so close to me, I do a lot of one-on-one talking and meetings." 

That same stability keeps members coming back, some for over 40 years. Even with the "spring jitters" of jump-starting a seasonal business and the rising costs of labor, he finds the cycle keeps his passion fresh. 

"The seasonal part of it is nice because you're always fresh coming back. I always look forward to it; it always feels like the first year,” he said. 

Thirty years later, the club remains a blend of nature, sport, and community. For Rajagopalan, the investment has paid off in ways that go far beyond the balance sheet.