Championing Change: How Benjamin Gardner Uses Pickleball to Create Kindness and Community

At just 11 years old, Benjamin Gardner is proving that kindness, creativity, and purpose can spark powerful change. Alongside his dad, Kyle, Benjamin shares how his love for pickleball led to the creation of Stinger Prints—a small business with a big heart. What started as a 3D-printed bag tag has grown into a ripple of generosity supporting the Kansas City Stingers Youth Foundation. Through entrepreneurship, giving, and community, Benjamin reminds us that no one is too young to make a difference and that the best businesses are built with heart. 

Key Takeaways:  

About Benjamin Gardner: 

Benjamin Gardner is a 5th grader at Brookwood Elementary School. He prefers to go by Benjamin — though some people call him Ben — as he's currently making the switch. He has three sisters and no brothers, and they're all very nice to him. 

Benjamin participates in several activities, including choir, volleyball, and band. He's also known for his strong tech skills — his classmates often call him "the techy dude," a nickname he proudly embraces. 

He is the owner of a small business called Stinger Prints, inspired by the Kansas City Stingers, the National Pickleball League team of Kansas City. Benjamin's dad plays on the team, which helped spark the connection. Through Stinger Prints, Benjamin 3D-prints pickleball-themed bag tags, such as miniature pickleballs or paddles personalized with names. He sells his creations at SW19 at the stadium during "Stinger Week" and is currently working on launching a website. 

Benjamin's business also gives back — 10% of the proceeds made during Stinger Week are donated to the Kansas City Stingers Youth Foundation. In addition, he assists his dad with youth foundation clinics. Occasionally, his sisters help out at his stand when they're looking for something to do.