Served: Inside Wilson Sporting Goods HQ

Whether it was during grade-school recess or the company golf outing, you've undoubtedly utilized a piece of equipment from Wilson Sporting Goods at least once in your life. But, what you may not have realized is that the athletic empire is a Chicago-based company celebrating its 100th anniversary this year — score!

It's here that 280 employees manage to balance work and play like true champs. In fact, fun is highly encouraged via competitive game-playing (the majority of the staff has been an athlete at some level) and perpetual product testing. Sorry, Mrs. Brady. You can play ball in this house.

So, in the spirit of the U.S. Open, we chatted with Bill Severa, R&D director for tennis and Joshua Peterson, global art director of racquet sports. What did we learn? There's a lot — and we mean a lot — that goes into developing a racquet before it falls into the hands of greats like Roger Federer. From detailed story boards to technological advancements, there's no doubt that Wilson is on the top of its game in every way possible. So, what are you waiting for? The ball is in your court.