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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Earlier this month we had the opportunity to watch elite athletes from around the globe perform during the London Olympics. It's always impressive to see the talent and dedication of these people who have often worked their whole lives to compete. Gymnastics has always been a popular sport in the summer Olympics, and this year we saw great performances from Gabby Douglas and Ally Raisman (rays-mun) who helped carry Team USA to the first women's team gold in 16 years.
This is a victory sure to benefit Laura Weiss (weese, like reese) and Tonya Grotepas (grow-deh-pess), owners of Epic Gymnastics in Murray. These sisters and business partners, also lifelong gymnasts, decided three years ago to open a quality gymnastics training facility. They've been so successful Epic Gymnastics has doubled in business in the last year and is outgrowing their facility.
Epic Gymnastics serves gymnasts of all ages and levels from 18-month-old toddlers who can come to class with mom to competitive level gymnasts who compete in team events. The owners have hired a team of six coaches to assist them in training their gymnasts in both recreational and competitive gymnastics.
Before opening their gym, Laura says historically, Utah has not had a facility that consistently produces top elite-level gymnasts. So typically, the gymnast had to move out of state or discontinue training. Epic Gymnastics' goal is to help bridge this gap, and to take training in our state to the next level.
You may not realize it, but when you get to this level of competition, it requires a lot of sacrifice as well as commitment from a coach, the gymnast and from parents. It's like having a full-time job while you're still a teenager. Laura says within three to five years, they hope to put gymnasts from Epic Gymnastics on the national team. However, their goal is to not only raise gymnasts, but also productive members of society in a positive coaching environment.
Interested in learning more about starting your own business? Visit the Zions Bank Business Resource Center online to get you started. Visit zionsbank.com. Member FDIC
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Epic Gymnastics 4731 S. Commerce Dr. Murray, UT 84107 801-716-2978 www.epicgynmastics.com
