Working Out Well
Casey Wright Has Built an Empire of Fitness and Fun
Writer / Renee Larr
Photography Provided
Casey Wright never intended to create a gymnastics and athletic empire in Indianapolis when she purchased Wrights Gymnastics from her parents in 2005. However, since then shes expanded the small business with six local locations into a national brand.
We started opening more Wrights Gymnastics locations throughout Indianapolis, primarily to serve the communitys needs and provide more career opportunities to my staff, Wright says. I grew up in the gym. My parents were coaches and I was a coach, judge, manager and choreographer.
As the new owner, Wright knew she needed to keep up with the needs of her clientele. As a mother of boys, she was looking for a gymnastics program that wasnt gymnastics. She says there werent many offerings for young boys with high energy levels at the time. She created NinjaZone in 2014.
The curriculum is designed for young kids and is a fusion of gymnastics, obstacle-course training, martial arts and parkour, Wright says. Its great for a lifetime for character development, goal setting, coordination, athleticism and fitness. NinjaZone became such a local success that we began to license it. There are over 300 licensees around the world.
In June, Wrights 360 Movement Academy in Westfield opened as a corporate headquarters, gymnastics facility and preschool. Wright says including 360 in the name was significant for two reasons. She says the staff members are there primarily to create a well-rounded child.
Were not here to create an Olympic athlete, Wright says. Were here for the everyday kid, to give them the most we can from a well-rounded athletic experience. A 360 in gymnastics is a complete flip or turn.
With 37,000 square feet, the building has more than enough room to house Wrights 150 employees. Wright says her goal has always been to do whats best for the children and her employees.
The growth of the business is really about what the smart next move was for all of us, Wright says. My allegiance has always been to my staff, and helping them to succeed and achieve their goals. You have to be able to adapt quickly and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. I had to be able to give up control and hand off duties to people I trust.
She also attributes her success and growth to the skills she learned as a coach. She says she was lucky to be in leadership positions, which led to her success in business. She says coaching provides practical experience and teaches people about themselves, communication skills and group management.
For more information including details on all locations, visit wrightsgymnastics.com.
