About Us

In the face of adversity, Howard Haugom has proven himself to be a beacon of resilience, creativity, and determination. Following a challenging battle with health issues, Howard emerged stronger and more resolute, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the world around him.

A self-confessed sports enthusiast, Howard found himself needing both a physical therapy regimen and a new community after relocating to a different city. In response, he transformed his front yard into a Pickleball court. Despite being new to the sport, Howard found an immediate affinity with it, and before long, his court had become a hub for talented players, serving to not only facilitate his own recovery but also foster a sense of community.

But with the joy of the game came an unexpected challenge: noise. The sound of the Pickleball games began to cause unrest among some neighbors. Howard made various attempts to reduce the noise, such as installing sound-absorbing materials, using quieter balls, and switching to "green rated" paddles. However, for some residents, any level of noise was a nuisance, and they sought a complete ban on Pickleball in the locality.

Armed with a problem-solving mentality and a history of patents in other fields, Howard wasn't one to back down from a challenge. He saw an opportunity to fill a void in the market: paddles that generated less noise without compromising on performance. His research revealed that the industry's focus was on professional players who enjoyed the 'pop' sound produced by current paddles, thus leaving the noise issue largely unaddressed.

Inspired to find a solution, Howard set out to develop his own paddle. His initial prototype, built in winter / spring 2022/2023,  successfully managed to reduce the noise by over half, and also reduced the risk of "pickleball elbow", a common issue for players. Seeing potential, Howard sought the help of an engineering firm to refine the design further.

The result of this innovative journey was the "Suppressor" paddle, an invention that could fundamentally change the nature of Pickleball. This groundbreaking paddle not only significantly reduces noise but also decreases the vibration and strain on the player's arm. Recognizing the unique technology within the "Suppressor", Howard has filed a detailed US patent application and made international patent filings, protecting his innovation and ensuring all future paddles will carry the 'patent pending' label.

When the "Suppressor" was unveiled in June of 2023, it immediately garnered the interest of professional players. Intrigued by its potential, these professionals conducted their own on-site testing, and the paddle exceeded expectations. The creation of the "Suppressor" and its imminent impact on the world of Pickleball stands as a tribute to Howard's spirit of resilience, ingenuity, and his unwavering commitment to positive change.