About Us

Brian & Donna Marcus

Brian grew up in Holland, Michigan. He graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Michigan and has been married to his high-school sweetheart, Donna, for 37 years. His involvement with tennis began as a five-year-old at a city park within bike-riding distance from his home. By ten he was the city champ and at 13 he won the Michigan State junior tournament, qualifying for the nationals. At 17 he won the National 18’s Indoor Doubles title and shortly thereafter he signed a full scholarship to play tennis at the U of M.

Following graduation in 1969, Brian played briefly on the professional circuit with several good wins and a lot of good losses to guys like Stan Smith, Arthur Ashe, and many other top ranked players. When Brian received an opportunity to manage a brand new indoor/outdoor tennis club in Philadelphia, he began what would become a life- long career in the tennis club industry, as a club manager and teaching professional.

Donna and Brian are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters, all now happily married and living in the Duluth area. Their greatest source of joy is their four beautiful granddaughters.

Some of Brian's Tennis History:

Other significant achievements: Between 1968 and today, Brian has won 5 National USTA titles in various age groups (between 18 and 55), he has won 6 National USPTA National titles, and he has coached over 70 players to college scholarships. From age 6 to 13 Aaron Krickstein was coached by Brian to the #1 ranking in the nation, Luke Jensen was trained by Brian to the #1 world ranking as an 18-year old.

Leaving his job at the beautiful Atlanta Athletic Club* after 20 fabulous years was a very difficult decision for Brian, but a major back operation to correct a severe sciatica condition, and the completion of the development of his software package both served to prompt the decision. For several years Brian had planned on marketing the software and developing a consulting business - helping other clubs by sharing many of the things that he has learned over the years.

Donna Marcus:

Throughout Brian’s career, Donna was always a close business partner. She managed the pro shops in PA, Detroit, and Atlanta. Over the past 10 years the AAC pro shop has become one of the best-run shops in the country for country clubs. Donna has learned what to do – and what not to do in the pro shop business.

* The Atlanta Athletic Club is nationally recognized as one of the finest private country clubs in the USA. Host of several PGA Championships and US Opens, the two 18-hole golf courses are both world-class. In addition, for eight years the AAC was the site of the AT&T Challenge, an ATP Tennis Tour event featuring Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and other world class players.