Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Richards and Jordan McCray. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Mario and Jordan and have been friends for over a decade having met as students at The University of Georgia. Throughout the years, they planned on going into business with one another and stayed patient to identify the right opportunity. While living in New York, Jordan had picked up Kickboxing while trying to find an alternative form of cardio to running and biking. He became a huge fan of kickboxing due to the workouts being entertaining, versatile, and very effective. During the pandemic, after Jordan relocated to back to Atlanta, they noticed that they both had a passion for fitness; oftentimes running into one another at a global gym, where they were members. While at the gym, Jordan mentioned to Mario that he should try kickboxing classes as a way to switch up his workout routines. Mario and Jordan tried several kickboxing classes in Georgia, but while searching for a gym to take classes they discovered it was few opportunities outside of perimeter, specifically North of Atlanta.
This lead to the idea of opening Roundhouse Kickboxing in East Atlanta as a way to positively impact the community in which they grew up by offering alternatives to typical and redundant exercise regimens. They wanted to create a space where members looked forward to working out and classes routinely updated with different modalities. Now after being open just two months, they’ve already made a huge impact on their community and members through offerings, such as nutritional coaching, kids/teens kickboxing programming, personal training, group fitness classes, and networking events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening any business has its challenges. This was our first time opening a gym, so we had a lot to learn. We opted into seeking mentorship from an experience gym operator to help navigate the process and minimize mistakes. We’ve definitely had our fair share of obstacles. Initially, we had to navigate supply chain issues with acquiring exercise equipment, flooring, lights, speakers, and fixtures because of Covid19.
Our biggest obstacle was building out the commercial space during a pandemic while being in one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States. Currently in the Metro Atlanta area, almost every quality general contractor, architect, and skilled laborer is booked out for work several months in advance. Once we got a quality team in place, we had more than a few unexpected delays in the permit approval process and repeated delays with the build out of the commercial space due to repeated leaks that flooded our space.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Roundhouse, we just don’t sell access to our facility, we value our ability to provide coaching to every member to reach their fitness goals! We truly believe our creatively curated routines are the most effective way to transform your body in the least amount of time or to achieve a strength milestone. Every client is different, so whether you are looking to recover from an injury, lose weight or be able to do 20 pushups, our coaches will build you a custom plan and hold you accountable every step of the way.
Signature Group Classes: Our signature Group fitness Classes are one of a kind and are great for individuals at all skill levels. Every day you’ll do a challenging workout that combines the most effective kickboxing techniques, a curated musical playlist, and a class environment lead by our Best-In-Class Trainers that will leave you wanting more and more. We track your intensity and heart rate through our Fitmetrix wearable, which will keep you motivated to push to burn those extra calories. Our 50 min sessions lead to lasting community relationships which will keep you accountable and support you through your fitness journey.
Kids’ + Teens’ Kick Squad: It would be nice if we could protect our kids from everything that life throws at them, but we can’t. The best thing we can do is make them strong. Through our kid’s fitness program, your child will develop qualities like trust, cohesion, self-accountability, and confidence, unlike anything you’ve seen elsewhere. Have some fun while learning the fundamentals. Let’s see what they got!
Nutrition Coaching + Accountability:
There are 168 hours in a week. Most people spend less than 3% of their time in the gym. Your dream body is not made in the gym, it’s built from what and how you eat. Our nutritionist will help you “live your best life” with a specially crafted program suited for your body.
Personal Training: Personal training is the most effective way to transform your body in the least amount of time. Your personal coach will build you a custom plan and hold you accountable every step of the way.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Jordan and Mario do not believe in luck. Oftentimes, what most people perceive as luck is really where hard work, preparation, and opportunity intersect.
Pricing:
- Intro Special – 2 Classes: $10
- Unlimited Group Sessions: $149
- 8 Group Sessions Monthly: 119
- 4 Group Sessions Monthly: $65
Contact Info:
- Email: Mario@roundhousekb.com and Jordan@roundhousekb.com
- Website: www.roundhousekb.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/roundhousekickboxing?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RHKickboxing/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/roundhouse-kickboxing-no-title?osq=roundhouse+kickboxing
- Other: https://classpass.com/studios/roundhouse-kickboxing-atlanta
Image Credits
Images shot by @shotbystudionine/www.shotbystudionine.com and @simeon.kelley/www.simeonkelley.com
