Top tips from Joe Fraser: Building a successful gymnastics club from the ground up

Joe Fraser’s journey from elite gymnast to successful business owner is filled with learnings. When he set out to launch his own gymnastics club, he faced the challenge of building something from scratch.

Through it all, Joe’s passion for the sport and his commitment to providing opportunities for young people kept him on track. Here are his top tips for anyone looking to start their own sports-based business.

Joe Fraser, Olympic gymnast

1. Choose the right systems from the start

Joe’s first tip is to choose the right systems upfront. In his case, Thrive4Gymnastics has been crucial for helping the club run in a smooth and consistent way.

By having the right enablement platform in place, Joe’s team has been able to avoid time-consuming issues, allowing them to focus on growing the club. Investing time to choose the right tools early on will save you a lot of disruption later.

2. Be open-minded and ready for surprises

“There’s a lot more to it than you think. I was a bit naive about the process. Be open-minded. Take everything in your stride.”

Joe admits that starting a business was more complicated than he expected.

There are always going to be surprises and bumps along the way, but embracing those challenges with a flexible mindset is key. Learning to adapt to new situations and obstacles is essential to keep moving forward, especially when things don’t go as planned.

3. Build a strong, trustworthy team

“I leaned on the people I trust the most. My coach, Donna, has been with me for years.”

Joe’s success isn’t just down to his hard work – it’s about the people around him. He believes no one can succeed alone. Joe made sure to bring in trusted individuals who shared his vision for the club.

“You need a team you believe in,” he says.

Whether it’s a personal coach, long-time friend, or a colleague who believes in your mission, surrounding yourself with people who are aligned with your values is critical to building a strong foundation.

4. Focus on the bigger picture: Community and opportunity

“We’re in an area that doesn’t have a gymnastics club… I just want to be able to provide different opportunities for children that they might not necessarily think that there are available.”

Joe’s passion for gymnastics and community is what drives his business. He didn’t just want to create another gymnastics facility; he wanted to make a difference in his community.

“I think about the whole time I’ve been training, and if there was no gymnastics club in my area, how different my life would have been,” he says.

Creating a space where kids have the chance to develop their talents and explore new opportunities is central to Joe’s mission. By providing a safe and supportive environment for children to grow, Joe has been able to build a lasting impact.

5. Delegate and collaborate

“When I’ve been training and competing myself, it was all about me. Whereas with this, it’s been such a collaboration, and it’s not just me.”

Joe’s biggest learning curve was understanding the importance of delegation. In his athletic career, success was about his personal effort – his training, his recovery, his performance. But in business, the outcome is the result of teamwork.

Whether it’s choosing the right timetable or handling building work, Joe has learned to trust his team. Being able to delegate effectively and collaborate with others has been one of his key takeaways.

6. Make operations smooth for everyone

“One of the main things is we’ve been able to switch who’s in the gym and who’s doing the admin work. It’s made it a lot easier to manage what we are doing day to day.”

Running a gym or sports club involves more than just the physical training – it’s about managing classes, tracking memberships, and keeping things organised. Joe was determined to make operations as smooth as possible, both for the coaches and the families.

With Thrive4Gymnastics supporting the club, Joe has been able to create a clearer way of managing how things run day to day.

“It’s made it a lot easier to manage what we are doing day to day,” Joe explains.

Simplifying processes helps everyone focus on what really matters, the children’s experience and the growth of the club.

7. Stay true to your passion

“I love gymnastics… seeing the amazing happy faces and the children when they walk out of this place just fills me with so much pride and joy.”

Amongst the challenges of building a business, Joe never loses sight of why he started. His passion for gymnastics shines through in everything he does.

“I want them to be learning in a fun way, having challenges in a fun way,” he says.

For Joe, the key is not just teaching the physical aspects of the sport but fostering a love of the process itself, helping children build confidence while enjoying what they do.

8. Learn, grow, and keep going

“I’m always learning. I think that’s the best part about life, really.”

Joe’s entrepreneurial journey is far from over, and he knows that growth comes from continuous learning.

“I’ve loved every minute of this journey,” he says. “There’s a lot of work to be done. But go for it.”

For anyone starting their own club, Joe’s advice is clear: embrace the process and never stop learning. The road may be long, but with passion, patience, and a willingness to grow, the rewards will be worth it.

In summary:

• Choose the right systems: Invest in tools that will grow with you
• Be open-minded: Expect surprises and adapt to challenges as they come
• Build a strong, trustworthy team: Surround yourself with people who share your vision
• Create opportunities for your community: Focus on providing value and making a difference
• Delegate and collaborate: Trust your team and lean on experts
• Simplify operations: Streamline processes so you can focus on your goals
• Stay passionate: Keep your love for the sport and your mission at the heart of your business
• Keep learning and growing: Embrace the journey and continuously evolve