Christie Howden, CEO and co-founder of Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor, received the 2025 Energy Champion award from the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) for her commitment to energy-efficient practices in building her 39,000-square-foot pickleball facility. Howden incorporated energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, advanced insulation, automated lighting and thermostat controls, and utilized rebates and incentives from DTE Energy and state resources. These efforts have significantly reduced energy consumption and operational costs, with plans to add an electric kitchen and solar panels in the future.
Beyond being a sports venue, Wolverine Pickleball serves as a vibrant community center hosting diverse activities like trivia nights and goat yoga, attracting thousands monthly. Howden emphasizes the importance of sustainability and efficiency not only for environmental impact but also for long-term financial returns, encouraging other small businesses to leverage free state resources for energy audits and improvements.
