Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

More Power To You: Power Tumbling & Trampoline

power tumbling, trampoline, usta July 18, 2016

Power tumbling and trampoline have long been part of the gymnastics world, and in recent years, gained major traction in the all-star cheerleading world as well. Many cheer gym owners are now incorporating trampoline and tumbling into their programs with amazing results. Like any new endeavor, it takes patience, time and discipline to get the program up and running, but the results are often well worth it.

In a nutshell, power tumbling is a specialized discipline that involves trampolines, rod floors and double minis. Like gymnastics and cheer, it’s divided into different skill passes or levels, from beginner to advanced.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

The Last Chapter: Angel Phyre All Stars

closing your gym June 21, 2016

After running Angel Phyre All Stars in Larkspur, Colorado, for three seasons, owner Jessica Maynard was focused on the future. She moved into a huge new facility, bought an $18,000 spring floor—and then took a good, hard look at her financials and decided it was more practical to close the gym than to start a new season. See what Maynard had to say about how everything changed so fast, and what she learned along the way.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Owner’s Manual: Carlos Onofre of West Coast Rush

carlos onofre, international, west coast rush June 14, 2016

Early on, I started coaching and judging in Mexico—that’s how it all started for me. Now the events have grown so big it’s hard for me to attend all of them, so I have gotten a lot of people to go judge over there. The places making the biggest progress with cheer are Mexico and Canada, and in many cases, they’ll pay what you are worth in the U.S. In some instances, you can actually make a fair amount of money.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Show Me the Money: Smart Collection Strategies

collections, parents, smart business, Tanya Roesel May 16, 2016

When most cheerleading coaches decide to open their own gyms, they do it for love of the sport, a desire to make a difference with young athletes, a competitive drive to be the best. They don’t do it because they love chasing down accounts every month, but that’s exactly what they’ll have to do if they want their gym to stay open.

“One gym called us for advice and was $100,000 in the hole,” says Tanya Roesel, owner of Midwest Cheer Elite. “And I was like, how did you get there? People will pay what they have to pay for. If you let them think they’re at the bottom of the ladder, they will treat you like that.”

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Coaching Under the Influence

drug testing, employees, Safety May 5, 2016

Imagine this scenario: you shell out thousands to hire a highly recommended choreographer to come into your gym and teach your squad a new routine. Your athletes show up, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to learn an array of skills to show off at their upcoming competition. But mere minutes into rehearsal, it’s clear that the more »

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Around the World: All-Stars Abroad

coaching abroad, international teams March 31, 2016

In 2007, Newsweek covered the growing popularity of cheerleading outside of the United States, citing globalization as a major factor. They attributed this spread to the fact that ESPN International has been showing U.S. competitions globally since 1997. They also credited movies like Bring It On as reasons for cheer’s popularity in places like Japan and Australia. Add to that the fact that NFL teams brought along cheerleaders when they played overseas, and “you get a wave of kids attracted to modern cheerleading’s athleticism and élan.”

Nine years later, this trend is stronger than ever before, and it’s evident at Worlds—in 2015, teams from Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, England and Thailand placed right up there with the leading U.S. competitors. The number of countries participating has quadrupled since 2007 and is expected to hit 40 countries in 2016.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Attitude Adjustment for Athletes

athletes, Cheer Extreme, team morale February 23, 2016

When Brandon Hale looks out at the practice mat at North Carolina-based Cheer Extreme Allstars, he wants to see athletes focused on tumbling, twisting and training—not distracted by drama. So when a trio of troublemakers threatened to take the focus away from what matters, Hale knew he couldn’t let it slide. “These girls just sat at the back of the mat, creating drama,” remembers Hale, who acts as head coach and head of choreography for the high-profile gym. One girl in particular “had a lot of insecurities and hung out with the wrong people on the team, who were more negative.”

Sound familiar? Whether it’s jealousy that erupts among team members, animosity causing a divide or lazy attitudes tainting the work ethic, bad attitudes can create a harmful ripple effect—and affect the team’s performance throughout the season. The good news is that it’s never too late to set the tone as a gym owner and/or coach and take action that will nip the negativity in the bud. Check out these strategies, which can turn such challenges into team-building opportunities.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Decoding the Gym Hopper

gym hopping February 17, 2016

In the cheer business, “gym hopping” is considered a four-letter word. Whether it’s an athlete that wants to trade up to a larger gym or a parent who wants her child to be a featured flyer, families make the switch for a variety of reasons—but often find that the grass isn’t any greener on the other side. And for gym owners, it can result in loss of income, bad blood with clients and issues preparing for competition.

So how can gym owners recognize the signs early on and improve retention? Get some ideas from gym owners at Rockstar Cheer, Myrtle Beach All-Stars and Power All Stars.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Owner’s Manual: Beth Mundell of Fyrestorm Cheer

Owners Manual, parents, team moms February 8, 2016

When it comes to team moms, Beth Mundell has her system down pat. Mundell’s team rep program at Fyrestorm Cheer has been in place since the gym first opened four years ago. Currently, the gym has 10 team reps spread across six all-star teams and two rec teams—depending on the age, size, and needs of more »

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Fundraising Case Study #3: Spirit Ohio All Stars

fundraising, uniforms February 3, 2016

Fundraising is a challenge all gyms face, but done right, it can be an exciting, memorable experience for everyone involved. For inspiration, we’re interviewing gym owners who’ve found ways to put the “fun” in fundraising. Case in point: Mansfield, OH-based Spirit Ohio All Stars, which runs a Sponsor My Uniform fundraiser. Gym owner Steve Fuller spoke with us about why he thinks it’s something every gym should do.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Mom’s the Word

team moms January 13, 2016

It’s every gym owner’s nightmare: put your trust in team moms, and then see that trust betrayed in a big way. Few know that better than the Ohio Pink Panthers, who made headlines in 2014 when a team mom allegedly collected $310 per cheerleader for new uniforms, then disappeared with $6,500 of gym parents’ money. More common are less extreme cases, which are often a matter of team moms being too opinionated or overstepping their boundaries—leading to drama, miscommunication and often one big headache for the gym staff.

Luckily, not all experiences with team moms turn out to be so devastating. In many cases, team moms become a coach’s right hand and trusted confidante. So what makes the difference? Choosing the right people.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

contests, marketing January 5, 2016

At Midwest Cheer Elite’s Lima, Ohio location, a cheer dad approaches a wall covered in Post-Its and takes one that says “Band-Aids.” When he goes to the store later that day, he’s not just buying the gym something they need, he’s earning an entry into Midwest Cheer Elite’s contest for a month of free tuition. Many gyms use contests like this one to engage athletes and their families and generate excitement—and, more often than not, it works.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Fundraising Case Study: Xtreme Athletics

fundraising November 24, 2015

Fundraising is a challenge all gyms face, but done right, it can be an exciting, memorable experience for everyone involved. For inspiration, we’re interviewing gym owners who’ve found ways to put the “fun” in fundraising. Meet Josh Filiault, owner of Troy, AL-based Xtreme Athletics. For the past four years, Filiault and his team have organized a highly successful zombie-themed 5K run, raising as much as $25,000.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Should Your Gym Offer a Parent Viewing Area?

parent viewing areas November 11, 2015

On the surface, it sounds like a great idea: provide a specially designated room where parents can watch cheer practice and see the hard work their kids are putting in. But some gym owners say that introducing a parent viewing area can open doors that remain better closed—and invite unwelcome feedback and drama. So what will work for your gym? We interviewed several gym owners to get their take.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Reinventing Your Gym: Victory Elite Athletics

allyson moore, reinventing your gym, victory elite athletics November 3, 2015

Considering a new name, new space or new approach? These changes can shake up your gym and open up new possibilities. We spoke with Allyson Moore, owner of Okemah, OK-based Victory Elite Athletics, about her decision to move to a new city and focus only on tiny/junior teams rather than offering senior teams.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Owner’s Manual: Nicki Baker of Nebraska Cheer Center

nebraska cheer center, pro shop October 20, 2015

One year ago, Nebraska Cheer Center relocated to a brand-new facility, and co-owners Dusty and Nicki Baker decided to incorporated a pro shop within the space. Says Nicki, “Having the space to do it really motivated us to open the shop and get things started.” Find out how they got the shop up and running in this installment of “Owner’s Manual!”

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

The Price is Right: Presenting Pricing to Parents

parents, pricing October 9, 2015

Raise your hand if this scenario sounds familiar: a parent pulls you aside after practice and says, “According to my research, your competition fees are too high.” Chances are, if you’re a gym owner, you’ve been there—more than once. With so much information readily available online, many parents are doing their own due diligence to find out what competitions really cost, but they may not always understand the bigger picture. So what’s the best way to handle concerned parents who research fees online and compare them to the fees charged by your gym?

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Reinventing Your Gym Case Study: Central Community Athletics

central community athletics, gym names, reinventing your gym September 29, 2015

Considering a new name, new space or new approach? These changes can shake up your gym and open up new possibilities. We spoke with Kristin Perrin, owner of Central, LA-based Central Community Athletics, about her experience taking on a new gym name and two new co-owners. See what she has to say about the changes and how she’s reinvented her gym.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Now Hiring: Finding Reliable Staff

coaches, Hiring, pride cheerleading, southern kentucky athletics, west virginia cheer academy September 9, 2015

When hiring new staff, Kevin Spencer of Southern Kentucky Athletics follows the same litmus test as Facebook mogul Mark Zuckerberg, asking himself, “Would I work for this person?” If the answer is no, then the coaching candidate doesn’t make the cut.

Pretty cut-and-dried, but hiring isn’t always so simple. Finding coaches that demonstrate proper technique, are responsible and share the same values as your gym can often prove to be a tall task. So how do you go about staffing your facility with top-notch talent? We picked the brains of some of the best in the industry to get their secrets on coach recruitment.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Putting the “Pro” in Pro Shop

Brandon All-Stars, midwest cheer elite, pro shop August 5, 2015

Running a gym takes stamina, patience, resilience and the ability to multi-task like a superhero. Add a pro shop into the mix and things get even more hectic—and, if it’s managed well—even more rewarding.

Many gyms start pro shops to sell team merchandise and cheer-related items in an effort to supplement the revenue that comes from running all-star teams and classes. Though it can feel like yet another thing to add to an already very full plate, pro shops can be a huge moneymaker and help increase the profile of the gym. It takes physical space (unless the shop is online-only), manpower and the ability to juggle a side business, but for many gym owners, the sacrifices are well worth it.

Down to Business/ webexclusive1

Making the Grade: The All-Star to College Transition

college cheer, king harrison, scholarships July 30, 2015

High school is a busy time for competitive athletes, particularly at the start of junior year when attention turns to college. That vital next step comes with a hearty to-do list: SATs, letters of recommendation, college visits and applications. And if you’re a cheerleader, that list includes another big question: what’s next in my cheer career? While the answer may seem simple (collegiate cheer), the process is not. That’s why CheerProfessional reached out to several coaches to gather a helpful list of do’s for gym owners and coaches alike.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Owner’s Manual: Craig El of Ultimate Athletics

craig el, Owners Manual, special needs, ultimate athletics July 17, 2015

The Ultimate Athletics Gems program first launched in October 2008 and is now in its seventh season. Both cheer and dance are offered for the gym’s 45 special needs athletes, along with the opportunity to compete at Cheersport and perform at local exhibitions. CheerProfessional spoke with gym owner Craig El about the growth of their program and his advice for others looking to follow suit.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Branding Case Study #2: California All Stars

branding, california all-stars, Tannaz Emamjomeh July 14, 2015

You know the ones: those gyms who have instantly recognizable logos, unmistakable choreography and/or a name that’s known all over the cheer world. Many of the most successful gyms in the industry get there by cultivating a strong brand that suits their product perfectly. To find out how to build a massively effective brand, we spoke with three gyms who’ve done just that: Maryland Twisters, California All Stars and Top Gun. See our second installment with Tannaz Emamjomeh of California All Stars!

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Something Special

CheerGyms.com, Maryland Twisters, special needs July 2, 2015

“Begin at the beginning”—a simple concept, but one that works well for coach Jodi Kandl in her work with the all-star cheer teams at Cheergyms.com, including its special needs team, Sparkle. “Every athlete that walks in the gym learns differently, whether they are on the special needs team or not,” says Jodi Kandl.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

5 Strategies to Help You Avoid Flaky Vendors

choreography, music, vendors June 24, 2015

Late uniform delivery, missing music, and flaky vendors, oh my! If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Choosing a qualified vendor for uniforms, music or choreography can be a lot like speed dating—there is much information to process in a short amount of time and, even if you are hopeful about the relationship more »

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Branding Case Study #1: Maryland Twisters

branding, Maryland Twisters, Tara Cain May 20, 2015

You know the ones: those gyms who have instantly recognizable logos, unmistakable choreography and/or a name that’s known all over the cheer world. Many of the most successful gyms in the industry get there by cultivating a strong brand that suits their product perfectly. To find out how to build a massively effective brand, we spoke with three gyms who’ve done just that: Maryland Twisters, California All-Stars and Top Gun. See our first installment with Tara Cain of Maryland Twisters!

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Often Imitated, Never Equaled: Dealing with Trademark Infringement

acx cheer, branding, Cheer Force, michigan storm, Randy Dickey, trademark April 28, 2015

When CheerForce owner, Becky Herrera, logged onto the ASGA Facebook page this fall, she discovered a plethora of posts about a company that was using existing cheer logos to make doll clothes without the gyms’ permissions. This was familiar territory for Herrera, who’d previously discovered the CheerForce logo being used on bows and other apparel—without more »

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Act Local, Go Global

midwest cheer elite, Tanya Roesel, twisters sports April 20, 2015

When Midwest Cheer Elite owner Tanya Roesel calls a pizza place near her Ohio gym, chances are, it’s not to order a pizza—it’s to make a deal. She regularly contacts local pizza places, including franchises like Pizza Hut and Domino’s, and asks the general manager to consider doing a cross-promotion. If they’re willing, Roesel drops more »

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Drama Detox

platinum athletics, stepz all star gym March 30, 2015

As a gym owner, dealing with drama is often part of the job description—but bad or event toxic behavior from your athletes, team parents or coaches can make life difficult not only for you, but everyone who is part of your gym. CheerProfessional spoke with cheer professionals who’ve dealt with disastrous behavior to find out their wildest stories—and how they fixed the situation. See if anyone from this cast of characters sounds familiar, and see how to deal.

Down to Business/ Two Sides/ Web Exclusives

Owner’s Manual: Bobby Gomez of Ultimate All Stars

male athletes, ultimate athletics January 15, 2015

Since this Florida-based gym first launched in 2004, Ultimate Athletics has gone from 35 athletes to almost 200 in its Port St. Lucie location, and grown from 50 to 100+ in its second Vero Beach location (which opened in 2010). Successful recruitment and retention of male athletes has played a big part in the program’s growing success, thanks to a free tuition program and strong focus on mentorship. Hear from owner Bobby Gomez on how he brings in the boys!

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Franchising Case Study #2: CNY Storm

cny storm, franchising, kathy penree January 5, 2015

In recent years, there’s been a major trend in the all-star cheer industry of large gyms either buying out or lending the use of their name to smaller gyms. In many instances, it appears to be a win-win situation: the larger gym is able to expand to more cities and grow its brand, while the smaller gym receives more credibility and business support. CheerProfessional talked to the owners of three cheer gyms who are giving franchising a try—and reaping the benefits. See what CNY Storm owner Kathy Penree has to say.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Let’s Hear It for The Boys

male athletes December 10, 2014

At ACE Cheer Company, the colors of choice are bold reds and blacks, the teams have names like “Comanches” and “Warriors,” and the music is carefully chosen to appeal to both sexes—all part of a finely honed marketing strategy to attract male athletes. “Our marketing and imagery for the coed program is masculine,” says ACE’s J.R. Zeringue. The approach continues on the mat as well: “We always offer high fives and change our verbiage to ‘dog,’ ‘dude,’ or ‘man’” to make male athletes feel more comfortable.”

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Franchising Case Study #1: Midwest Cheer Elite

franchising, midwest cheer elite, Tanya Roesel December 3, 2014

In recent years, there’s been a major trend in the all-star cheer industry of large gyms either buying out or lending the use of their name to smaller gyms. In many instances, it appears to be a win-win situation: the larger gym is able to expand to more cities and grow its brand, while the smaller gym receives more credibility and business support. CheerProfessional talked to the owners of three cheer gyms who are giving franchising a try—and reaping the benefits. See what Midwest Cheer Elite owner Tanya Roesel has to say.

Down to Business/ Two Sides/ Web Exclusives

Incentive Programs: Do They Work?

all star one, incentive programs, Ohio Extreme, staff December 1, 2014

At Avon, OH-based Tumbles & Cheers, the more coaches put into the program, the more they get out of it. Owner Heather Zidek offers her coaches a financial incentive based on their performance. “We have all sorts of different factors that go into the compensation they receive— everything from retention rates to how high enrollment is in their classes to how their teams perform,” shares Zidek. “For each of those factors, they would get a bonus.”

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive2

Star Power: Bringing Cheerlebrities To Your Gym

california all-stars, cheerlebrities, Gabi Butler, Kiara Nowlin, robert scianna November 24, 2014

When Shiela Hajjar Perry, owner of Saucier, MS-based Cheer Zone Athletics, saw an opportunity to bring cheerlebrities Gabi Butler (California All Stars) and Kiara Nowlin (Baylor University) into her gym, she jumped at it. “Gabi posted on social media that they were going through Interstate 10 and hosting some clinics,” she says. “One of our kids tagged me in the post and said we should get them to come. I thought it sounded like a great idea.

Her instincts were right—the clinic ended up being a fantastic revenue booster for the gym, and a great PR tactic.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Athlete Poaching: Should You Be Worried?

athlete poaching, ethics, recruiting November 10, 2014

“If you switch to our gym, we’ll make you a flyer.”

“If you switch to our gym, we’ll give you free tuition.”

If these promises sound familiar, you’re not alone—many gym owners have lost athletes to other gyms practicing questionable recruiting techniques. Some people will say anything to convince an athlete to switch to their program, and the offers can be hard to resist. Though healthy competition among businesses is normal, the desire to attract new athletes by any means possible can sometimes cross the line into inappropriate behavior.r

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Parent Cheer Teams

cheer time revolution, hot cheer, Maryland Twisters, parent teams October 27, 2014

The lights dim, as a local gym’s newest squad takes the floor to show off their newly acquired tumbling skills, jumps and stunts. An MC introduces the group as AC/DC’s “Back in Black” begins to rail from the auditorium speakers. A crowd of teenage athletes holds up signs and begins to cheer wildly for individual members of the squad. Someone proudly yells out, “That’s my mom!” and a team of parent cheerleaders begins to perform.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive2

Our First Year: TNT Cheer

starting a gym, tnt cheer October 20, 2014

Anyone who’s read our “Starting a Gym 101” series on theCheerProfessional website knows that launching a new all-star program can be a massive undertaking—from setting up the logistics to securing the right insurance to attracting clients. To find out what it really takes for a successful start-up, we spoke with three cheer professionals who’ve just completed their first year at the helm. See how TNT Cheer’s first season went…and what they learned.

Down to Business/ Two Sides/ Web Exclusives

Wrap the Year Up Right

end-of-year banquet October 13, 2014

At Sebring, FL-based Edge Cheer, athletes and their families end the year with a formal banquet full of awards, trophies and certificates. Owner Jenny Rowe says, “In this particular industry where it’s all about the team—and sacrificing and doing what’s best for the team—it’s a really big deal to get to individually recognize the strengths of these kids. We give them an opportunity to stand up in front of their parents and peers, [so they can have] their own particular moment of glory.”

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Owner’s Manual: Patrick Fogarty of Cheer World

charity, cheer world, patrick fogarty, Philanthropy October 9, 2014

We have been doing charitable work since the day our doors opened. At Cheer World, we are a family and we believe in being life coaches first and cheer coaches second. To that end, we band together as a family and get involved in our community in any way we can. Anyone can coach a back handspring. We pride ourselves on working on many other aspects of the kids, not just the athlete. We do it because it’s the right thing to do—both for our involved gym families and the community. Does volunteering at a festival bring attention to our program? Of course.

Down to Business/ Two Sides/ Web Exclusives

Choreography: To Hire or Not to Hire?

choreography September 29, 2014

Your teams have the same skills as the competition, but your competitors are always getting higher scores. Is it time to hire a choreographer to work full-time at your gym? Or is it a smarter move financially to bring in an outside choreographer to craft one killer routine for the season? Each option has its pros and cons.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Our First Year: Ideal Cheer Elite

September 24, 2014

Anyone who’s read our “Starting a Gym 101” series on the CheerProfessional website knows that launching a new all-star program can be a massive undertaking—from setting up the logistics to securing the right insurance to attracting clients. To find out what it really takes for a successful start-up, we spoke with three cheer professionals who’ve just completed their first year at the helm. See how Ideal Cheer Elite’s first season went…and what they learned.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Our First Year: Pittsburgh Pro All-Stars

new gyms, pittsburgh pro, starting a gym September 15, 2014

Anyone who’s read our “Starting a Gym 101” series on the CheerProfessional website knows that launching a new all-star program can be a massive undertaking—from setting up the logistics to securing the right insurance to attracting clients. To find out what it really takes for a successful start-up, we spoke with three cheer professionals who’ve just completed their first year at the helm. Check out our first case study on Pittsburgh Pro All-Stars.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

When Two Become One: Dissolving a Partnership

business, co-ownership, legal September 1, 2014

Like the splitting up of once head-over-heels newlyweds, the parting of ways in business is often tricky, sad and more than a little complicated. Add in the complexities of an all-star cheer business, and breaking up can get downright sticky. So what happens when one of the partners of an all-star gym wants to retire or pursue other passions? Legal experts advise not waiting until one person is ready to retire—or wants out—to discuss what will happen with your beloved gym.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Private Lessons: A Primer

coaching, private lessons August 21, 2014

The good news: Private lessons can certainly add an extra layer of perceived value for gym clientele. The bad news: at times, offering privates can also add more hassle for gym owners between scheduling, pay structure, and other considerations. However, in the end, most gym owners, coaches and parents agree that private lessons offer an array of benefits that make it worth the effort. Find out how gyms around the country handle this popular revenue stream.

Down to Business/ webexclusive1

Getting to the Point(s)

business August 12, 2014

When Randy Dickey, owner of South Carolina-based ACX Cheer and head of the All- Star Gym Association, unexpectedly had to fly a photographer to an event, the exorbitant price of the airline ticket stunned him. But when he pulled out his credit card, he solved the problem—without spending a dime. Ever since Dickey first signed up for the American Express Platinum Business Card in 1999, he has been covering gym expenses and reaping significant benefits. “We run everything in the business through the credit card,” says Dickey.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive2

Owner’s Manual: Darlene Fanning

dance teams, Darlene Fanning, ice July 7, 2014

ICE began in 1998 with Darlene Fanning renting space from a local gymnastics facility for a program of approximately 60 kids. According to Fanning, the program “quickly outgrew the space” and two other facilities before landing in their current Mishakawa location in 2007. In 2009, ICE expanded to Fort Wayne, and in 2011, the program opened a third location in Aurora. This year, a big part of the gym’s growth has been the reintroduction of ICE’s dance program—we asked owner Darlene Fanning to share the details.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive2

Expansion Case Study: CheerForce, Inc.

cheerforce, expansion June 23, 2014

Creating a thriving program is often the impetus for starting an all-star cheer gym—but what happens when that accomplishment generates considerable demand? How do you answer the call to open another location? CheerProfessional asked three gym owners who took the leap and expanded based on their own initial success.

Learn how CheerForce, Inc. tackles the challenge while maintaining the integrity of their brand.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives/ webexclusive1

Do Dance Teams Equal Dollar Signs?

dance programs, dance teams June 18, 2014

Could the addition of a dance program be something to cheer about at your all-star gym? The sector has certainly seen significant growth in the last five years, with the 2008 debut of the Dance Worlds and many gyms introducing dance teams. USASF dance committees were formed in 2011 to help foster that growth, and 25 event producers now give bids to Dance Worlds. Being part of this emerging trend comes with both risks and rewards for any gym. Though a dance program can diversify your offering and/or boost your bottom line, it’s important to consider elements like scheduling issues, staffing and costs.

Down to Business/ Web Exclusives

Missing in Action

attendance, gym policies June 16, 2014

Jamie Gumina distinctly remembers being on the bus with her team and about to leave for JAMFest Super Nationals in Indianapolis five years ago. Energy was high, as the team had worked hard to prepare for the event—but that’s when she realized her base was missing. “We called her, and she said she couldn’t come because she was sick,” Gumina recalls. It was a huge setback for the group from Blue Springs, MO-based Gage Center, but cheer director Gumina got to work quickly.