Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Kendrick.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
CAO Elite was established 16 years ago when women and young girls that look like me were not prominent figures in the all-star cheerleading industry. With a lot of faith, some amazing families from a recreational program, and a seed from our beloved Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation – CAO Elite was birthed.
Originally an Architecture Engineering Major at my beloved Tuskegee University- I was the worst model maker ever (LOL) so that did not last long before I switched my major to Marketing. I did not know what I wanted to do but in hindsight, it has definitely worked in my favor. As an Atlanta native, I would come home every other weekend to work with different Pop Warner football cheerleading teams. My father volunteered my services quite often, letting everyone know how I went from a good basketball player to an amazing cheerleader at Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, GA (much to his dismay.) I helped many of those teams win their championship competition, thereafter different program directors and cheer coaches begin to reach out to me for assistance with their competition routines. In that moment, I knew I had to create and coach my own.
Totally clueless of how to start and run a successful business at the tender age of 21 – I experienced a lot of highs but when it was low, it definitely was. No one explained customer service, quality over quantity, people taking advantage of a young black woman startup, or the simple concept friendships and business most times don’t mix. All of these experiences definitely taught me valuable lessons – and I do not regret any of them because CAO Elite would not have all of its successes and I would not be the WOMAN I am today. I am so thankful for those that supported me during a time of learning about myself, all while I was mentoring and molding their babies.
Taking it a step further with mentoring and the CAO concept that we are “more than just cheer” the CAO Cares Foundation was created. I wanted all my participants to excel in the sport but also GIVE to their community. Annually we host several events focused on family and giving and they are: (1) Brims over Brunch Mother and Daughter Event (2) Father and Daughter Kickball Tournament (3) Feed the Homeless (4) Give the Van A Hand Toy Drive Donation for the Rainbow House.
Our successes in the competition arena:
Back to Back National Champions of the D2 Summit 2017,2018
Swept the D2 Summit 2018 – making history of all Allstar programs in the country our two qualifying teams for the Summit both WON the summit
NCA Allstar National Champions and NCA Herkie High Point Winners (Grand Champions)
UCA National Champions swept event 2018
Along with various innovative choreography, best stunts, best dance awards amongst over 200 National Champion Titles.
Never forgetting where I started from, I continue to offer free tumbling clinics open to the public, assist local high schools and recreational programs, a board member of Cheerleaders Alliance providing resources and a voice to programs that look like mine all while judging national competitions throughout the country for Varsity Allstar. Most importantly is showing my daughter, Mattison Kendrick, there does not have to be a glass ceiling. As cliche as it sounds- you can be anything and do anything you want, especially when it’s your passion and not a job.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having is easy.
You hear educators and persons that work with children all the time say “the kids are the easy part”
My experience I had to learn a few lessons quite early (1) I cannot function in emotion with business which is typically hard to do working with children (2) people will leave you but you have to continue to choose you (3) winning is the easy part but staying at the top is the hardest.
My 2018-19 was one of the most spiritual eye-opening seasons. I had to remove and release a lot of things within my business that was not serving it or good for me. While we celebrate customer loyalty and customer retention- no one ever discusses the customer that gets too comfortable because of the years they have been in your program or they do not think the rules apply to them – even better make the new customers feel less important. Within all of that, I had to learn to inclusive and not exclusive, each person is equally important to the vision. Because one day 1,2, 10 may walk away and there are 20 left that still believes in the vision and purpose and will keep the wheels turning.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with CAO Elite – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Being known for strong technique and innovative building sections, the program has become an integral part of the Atlanta cheerleading scene.
We pride ourselves on being more than cheer. From community to our program, providing a family atmosphere in which families feel important and included. It’s no shocker that I show to school functions and even help out when our cheerleaders misbehave at school. They know they must excel in all aspects of life –
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love my city! Born and raised- the opportunity to be whomever you want to and do whatever lies in your lap. It’s about how much you want to take that tiny step forward to own it. It’s so amazing to see blacks excelling in all walks of life – and a city where entrepreneurship is celebrated!
I hate the traffic! Lol
Contact Info:
- Address: 7540 Southlake Parkway
Jonesboro GA 30236 - Website: www.caoelite.com
- Phone: 7709545619
- Email: toni@caoelite.com
- Instagram: Gocaoelite
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/caoelitestars/
- Twitter: Cao_elite
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