Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Thompson.
Atlanta Kick began as a martial arts school in Atlanta in 1993. Back then, it was called Rick Drew American Karate Academy. There were two locations, one was on Peachtree St. in the heart of Buckhead. Rick Drew, who was the chief instructor and the head of the system at the time was a well-known name in the Atlanta martial arts community. The school offered American Freestyle Karate for kids and adults and Martial Arts Conditioning classes for adults. The membership at the school when Jeff and Heidi began as students was only about 15 people.
The name and ownership of the school changed in 1997 when Heidi Ziegele and Jeff Thompson, instructors at the school – purchased the business from Rick Drew.
In 1996, Heidi Ziegele began the schools and Atlanta’s first Fitness Kickboxing program. The program took off a few years later as the popularity of Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo workouts grew.
As the school grew, new fitness programs were added to help members get into “fighting shape”. Those programs were circuit workouts, a running program, and several hybrids. One of those programs became a big success. It was first called “Bikini Boot Camp”.
The Operation Boot Camp Story
Jeff and Heidi developed a new fitness program for their members.
Inspired by a fellow instructor who was commenting that he was not in the same shape that he was in when he was in military basic training, they decided to create a fitness boot camp for the general public. The program was simple: 30-days of accountability, intense workouts, and their usual flair for fun and camaraderie.
After helping thousands of Atlantans get in the best shape of their lives, Jeff and Heidi decided to turn their system into a franchise system.
After licensing the program in 2005, in 2007, they turned the program into a franchise system and asked Lauren Lorenzo to become part of the ownership team for the franchise, and named her Director of Training. The first Operation Boot Camp franchise was sold in Knoxville, TN, and the system grew to over 100 locations from Atlanta to Beverly Hills.
Now with franchise locations in from coast to coast, Operation Boot Camp is the largest fitness boot camp franchise in the nation. Helping create real change and measurable results for their clients through positive changes in fitness and eating habits sets Operation Boot Camp apart from any other fitness program available.
Atlanta Kick Relocates
In 2005, a broken water main damaged the building where the Karate school did business, and Atlanta Kick was forced to move – relocating to a larger studio on Miami Circle in Buckhead.
In 2007 the General Manager of the school, Ali Massa became part of the ownership team of Atlanta Kick. Atlanta Kick grew to be the biggest martial arts school in the city.
Over the years, Ali has helped implement the new rotating curriculum for all Karate students, age-specific programs for children’s karate, as well as adding a 3-year old program for karate. Ali is an incredible asset to their team.
In January 2010, Jeff, Heidi and Ali decided to open a CrossFit affiliate. They felt that adding CrossFit to their offerings would be an excellent complement to their existing clients and to serve a different need that was currently unmet in the fitness community.
By adding their personal style and expertise with fitness beginners they hope that their AK CrossFit program has delivered results to clients who wish to become stronger, leaner and who may enjoy a bit of competition in their workout programs.
Has it been a smooth road?
Our entire business literally and actually collapsed when a water main broke on Peachtree road.
This left us scrambling to find a new location and somehow pay our bills. In the end our member community came together to help and we found a new location quickly. We were re-opened in 4 days over at Miami Circle, where we now have a huge facility and plenty of parking. In the end – it was a blessing in disguise.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are known for taking excellent care of beginners and people just starting their fitness journey. We never forget what it feels like to walk into a strange place – and the discomfort of starting something new.
We are most proud of the fact that when we surveyed hundreds of our members as part of a marketing effort, the number one thing that came back was that people trust us.
After being open for almost 25 years, we know we always do the right thing by our customers.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great place to do business, both from a regulatory and tax perspective, as well as from a demographic perspective. It’s easier to launch a business in Atlanta than it is in most other cities of Atlanta’s size.
The city does have some antiquated permitting laws that need to go, however. Many of the requirements are holdovers from a different time.
Pricing:
- Come try any of our programs for free.
- Our fitness and martial arts programs include boutique style classes like Aerial Silks, Kettlebells, Rowing, Martial Arts and other specialty classes, but without the high prices. $99 unlimited, and no initiation fees.
- Operation Boot Camp is $199 for a six week program
- Atlanta Kick Crossfit is $99 for your first month
- Kids Martial Arts starts at $179 per month
Contact Info:
- Address: Atlanta Kick
764 Miami Cir NE Ste 208
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 352-1140 - Website: AtlantaKick.com AKCrossfit.com OperationBootCamp.com (all owned by Atlanta Kick)
- Phone: 404-352-1140
- Email: info@atlantakick.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantakick
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atlanta-kick-karate-and-kickboxing-atlanta-3
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
