CRANBROOK TENNIS CLASSIC FOUNDER DAVID DEMUTH ON BRINGING THE PRO GAME TO MICHIGAN | FULL PODCAST

The Cranbook Tennis Classic has become one of the top events on the Challenger Tour, and founder David DeMuth joins the podcast to explain why he embarked on such a passionate journey to bring the pro game to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. DeMuth discusses how the idea came to be, why the location is a perfect fit, and how in three short years the tournament has become one of the best on the calendar. With several upstart players competing such as 2024 champion Learner Tien, DeMuth shares some professional and personal stories about the impact that The Cranbook Tennis Classic has had on his community.

David DeMuth is also the CEO at Doner Partners, and he has a highly successful career in marketing and advertising. The executive discusses how he uses his professional skills to help with his new tennis venture, and why telling the stories of players at the Challenger Level can be very valuable. The Cranbook Tennis Classic returns in the summer of 2026, and DeMuth pulls back the curtain on what really goes into putting on a pro tournament. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:15 David DeMuth has been at the helm for three successful Cranbrook Classic Tennis Tournaments
2:51 When tennis factored into DeMuth's life for the first time
4:00 Tennis remains a vital part of DeMuth's life
5:03 You can always build and work on parts of your game, at any stage
6:17 DeMuth had a natural curiosity that's served him well in his professional life
7:04 DeMuth is the CEO of Donor Partners with an extensive background in advertising
7:50 The tennis community in Detroit and all of Michigan is very passionate
9:12 The facility at Cranbrook is state-of-the-art and laid the groundwork for the tournament
11:20 Persistence paid off as DeMuth got the ATP Challenger Tour's approval to host an event
12:20 The Cranbrook Tennis Classic has been elevated from a 50 to a 100 level Challenger Tournament
14:07 Aspects that DeMuth learned about running a pro tennis tournament
15:20 The feedback from the players at The Cranbrook Tennis Classic
17:15 The staff and volunteers are equally passionate about the sport
18:10 Tennis at the Challenger level provides the opportunity to witness the pro game in person
19:00 The tournament mission statement is about bringing tennis to the community and also showcasing Cranbrook to the world
20:28 Stevie Johnson, Learner Tien and Mark Lajal have won the three previous events
21:30 Learner Tien was in the midst of his meteoric rise at Cranbrook in 2024
22:47 Having a summer Challenger event that players care about before The US Open
24:16 DeMuth on creating more exposure for The Cranbrook Tennis Classic
25:35 People are getting to watch pro tennis for the first time at Cranbrook
26:54 You never know who you might see on the way up at The Challenger Tour
27:45 The Cranbrook Tennis Classic gives money back to the community as well
29:42 Chris Eubanks giving back to the fans is just one example of tennis player humility and grace
30:57 Bigger things to come in the 4th edition of The Cranbrook Tennis Classic in 2026
32:25 DeMuth is working on a docuseries on The Challenger Tour
35:12 DeMuth on collaborating with Bruce Springsteen on a Super Bowl ad
37:00 Thanks to David DeMuth for appearing on The Inside-In Tennis Podcast!
You can listen to this episode here:
Apple: https://t.co/pdjP0TfDeA
Spotify: https://t.co/XTgFz3g23m
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/es-co/podcas...

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