June 6, 2007

Business in the Spotlight: Creative Gymnastics
MARIE EKBERG PADILLA
COLUMNIST

Business name: Creative Gymnastics

Owners: Randy and Cheryl Garcia

Address: 27702 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite D-4 #301, Ladera Ranch.

Phone: (949) 351-1041

E-mail: creativegymnastics@cox.net

Type of business: Gymnastics, motor skill development and physical education for kids.

When it opened: 1998

Describe your business: Creative gymnastics is a mobile program. We teach physical education for kindergarten through 12th grade. We do tumbling for cheerleading and beginning sports programs for preschoolers and birthday parties.

We bring all the gymnastics, dance, physical education and sports equipment to private schools, day cares centers, clubhouses, parks and other locations. We also sell gymnastics equipment and clothes.

Why did you start this business: We enjoy working with kids and have a passion for gymnastics and sports.

Your background/education: I did college gymnastics at Cal State University, Fullerton, where I graduated with a degree in physical education. Cheryl and I both have over 25 years of experience coaching and judging boys and girls at a competitive level.

How long did it take you to get from idea to open doors? Eight months

Did you write a business plan? Yes

What is your advice to other business owners? Get education in your area of expertise, work hard and pay your dues.

What is the biggest challenge running your business? Organizing the schedules to meet the needs of our clients.

What is the most rewarding? Seeing the smiling faces of our students and hearing how much the kids enjoy gymnastics.

Any future plans? In the future we look forward to working with special needs and hearing impaired children.