HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CROSSFIT TYLER! PART 4

In the final part of our anniversary special, Brad and Amy talk to us about the growth of CrossFit Tyler and the future.

You've moved locations and grown in membership & space and as coaches a great deal since you began. Tell us about that growth.

Amy: Our growth over the first 3 years was unbelievable. We invested all of marketing into the our members. We had several community events and in turn people started referring their friends and families.
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We needed more space sooner than we thought. Our programming was limited on space so we started looking for somewhere to build. We believed it was time to invest in a building instead of paying rent.

We wanted to stay close to the current location because we did not want to lose members. I found our current location and Brad was not sold on it at first. We began really researching the area and agreed that it was perfect. Only 1 mile from where we were.

Amy: We did not really have a plan for how long we would stay in business. We have always said that there is still more work to be done and we love our job. Until we feel any different we will continue on.

On average CrossFit gyms change ownership after 5 years.  We feel blessed that we have surpassed that. We don’t have plans to stop and hope for another 7 years.

I do have dreams of starting some sort of nonprofit. Whether that means helping children or veterans (or both!) I do not know.

If you were opening a box today with everything you know NOW, what would you do differently?

Amy: I think Brad would have retired from the Real Estate Appraisal business sooner. Our location was perfect, so we would not have changed that. Our hiring practices have always been to hire from within.
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Initially we advertised with major publications and spent a lot of money. I would not do that again. We learned that the best investment is in our members and community events with them.

We had a difficult time in deciding to raise our rates, but we believed in the value and the value of our coaching staff and what we had to offer supported it.

Brad: I would have programmed differently in the beginning. We didn’t have a clue how to program and would do strength before a WOD. We quickly changed gears 4 months in to the box after attending our Level 2 certifications. At the Level 2, Chris Spealler, explained why we shouldn’t do that. CrossFit only posts one WOD a day, we follow a similar protocol.

When it comes to your box, what are you most proud of today?

Amy: Our community!  We get several compliments on how friendly and welcoming our members are. I am proud that there is no drama among our members and everyone is so supportive of each other.

I am proud that we are known for our high standards and great programming. I am also proud of the fact Brad and I get to work together and we enjoy it. We are proud that we have the best supportive coaching staff as well.
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Brad: I am proud of having the reputation around town of holding athletes to a higher standard. I also love to hear one of my athletes critique a bad squat when they see one. It lets me know I have done my job correctly.

When it comes to your coaching and leadership of a community, what are you most proud of today?

Amy: We love what we do and it shows. We instil in all members to be supportive of everyone that walks through the door.
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Whenever we ask anything of our community they are eager. We have raised money for families in need during Christmas and those that lost a home to a fire or to those who lost a loved one.
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Seven years in, what do you see for the future of CFT?

Amy: Hopefully to be open 7 more years. Maybe another location. Nonprofit for kids and veterans. To raise our kids to be coaches.