Why Gymanstics?
An Interview with
Discover Gymastics Owner,
Carly Markesich
(To see more about Carly, Click HERE)
Q: How was Discover Gymnastics founded?
A: I competed in gymnastics until I graduated high school and started coaching in college at 18. I coached for 20 years while working in corporate America but really wanted to open my own business. It took me five years to plan and raise money for the facility. I opened the doors hoping it would work- it did!
Discover started small in a 7000 sq. ft. facility in the summer of ’99. When the I-10 expansion began, we were given three months to move out and find a new facility. Seventeen tractor trailer loads later, we moved to our current facility in January of 2003 and have been growing ever since.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of owning your own business?
A: There have been several aspects of reward:
* I like working for myself and being my own boss. It takes self-discipline, and the responsibility pushes me to grow as a person and as an employer.
* We have been open long enough to see some of the kids who started with us as students now working as coaches at Discover.
* I am very proud of how we have grown as a company. Discover is now bigger than me. I strategize and work with a fabulous management team who help make the dream happen.
* I am glad that we started small- it gave me a chance to grow as the company grew.
Q: What excites you most about the future of the company?
A: I see Discover as a Children’s Activities Center, in which Gymnastics will always be a focus, but with additional possibilities and services. Program growth would include expanding our dance and fitness programs, and adding new programs such as swimming and martial arts. I’d like see Discover Gymnastics be known as THE “Children’s Activity Central” in urban Houston, and as a Health Club for Kids.