Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Keppner.
Keppner started back in late 2011 when Keith met his future wife and Co-owner of Keppner Boxing Lissa. In meeting his future wife Keith saw the gym that she had helped and managed and fought for, for many years. A non-corporate gym that had something for everyone based around combat sports. He had never seen something like that up close that worked. He had thought that there were only fluffy Curves style fitness boxing gyms and grungy, dirty and dangerous fight gyms. Keith’s dream became to create a gym like the one Lissa managed, but in Athens and purely about boxing. In 2013, he opened up Keppner Boxing Gym in Athens GA. Lissa came on board that year and implemented the same successful foundation that had worked in her former gym. Together they grew the gym to a point that they were busting at the seams in the first 1,200 SQ foot location. In 2015, they relocated the business to Baxter street and have grown the business ever since. As well as the successes of the business, the gym itself has produced a Golden Glove Champion from scratch in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. In July 2017 the gym expanded into their current location minutes away from Downtown Athens. The 6,000 square foot facility offers classes and Boxing instruction for all ages and levels.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having your own business requires a lot of personal growth. Both Lissa and I have had to learn new skills, adjust to changing situations and grow our ability to deal with the stress of having a business and raising a family. We had to learn how to balance our personal and professional relationship with each other. We had to adjust with the changing times and with our changing clientele. We had to learn what was worth our focus and what was a waste of our time. All these are not only things we have worked on in the past, but are areas that constantly require us to grow as individuals and together.
Keppner Boxing – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We aim to make everyone feel welcomed and cared about. What makes the gym so special is it was founded with the goal to have boxing be for everyone. We serve Pro Boxers, Amateur Champions, Kids, Fitness Enthusiasts, Parkinson’s Patients and the list goes on. Our environment is about growth Physically & Mentally.
We are a place where everyone knows your name even though we have a lot of members. We are unlike many gyms in that no one has an ego and everyone is friendly and helpful. We provide high quality Boxing classes and training for all ages and fitness levels.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is progress. It’s not a destination. There is no end. If you stop once you’ve “made it” you will cease being a success. Success is what happens when commit yourself to a goal and begin working towards it. Every day that you wake up and take one more step towards your ideal self and life you are a success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1550 Lexington rd Athens GA 30605
- Website: www.keppnerboxing.com
- Phone: 706-201-4713
- Email: keppnerboxing@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keppnerboxingtrainingcenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeppnerBoxing
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/keppnerboxing
- Other: https://keppnerboxing.blogspot.com/
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