Today we’d like to introduce you to James Cooper.
Hi James, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My wife Morgan and I started the Coop in 2023. We were previous members and coaches at Hyperformance Athletics (CrossFit Hyperformance), we grew as athletes and coaches under the tutelage of Drew McKenzie and wife Jen. They are who taught us about community, giving back and the benefit of health along with the camaraderie that’s built within the group setting.
After Hyperformance closed the year after Covid hit we decided we wanted to continue on with the community built and to keep giving back. We started out at a smaller venue off 70th street and within a year grew out of it! We moved over to Commercial Dr. in midtown Savannah to help support our growth and to give back to the athletes that are a part of our day to day and have become family. We have been thriving for 3 years and growing stronger each day!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a smooth road since we created our Start-up only because of the amazing family we had created over the years with the athletes we worked out together with, the mentorship and leadership from Drew and Jen McKenzie. IT never is an easy battle to create a business, but hard work and sticking with your plan and love of it, that is what takes you far. There will always be uncertainty but that’s half the fun, just taking the leap.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. My Wife Morgan graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University with a degree in Exercise Science. We both hold a multitude of certifications in the field, we are both CrossFit Level 1 & 2 coaches, she has her nutrition certification through Working Against Gravity and Personal training certification through NASM. We are currently working towards getting our USAW Level 1 certifications.
Professionally I work with the City of Savannah Fire and Emergency Services. I have been a Fire Fighter and First Responder for 4 years.
Morgan is the General Manager of Green Truck Pub, so needless to say we have a pretty busy schedule. We do love our professions and we do love to pour our efforts into the gym with our amazing coaches to help us along the way.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find a mentor and listen to them, watch them, learn from them. That is what can get you to start asking questions, forming your own answers, improving upon the “perfected” formula. There is always room for improvement, you sometimes need a master to teach the padawan.
Networking is something I feel every business owner, every person looking for work, looking for guidance, help, etc. It helps you grow especially when you find like-minded individuals that help build one another up. Networking has been one of our greatest resources for getting things accomplished for the business, home, sending people in the directions they need to help improve their lives and Business.
Pricing:
- $175 for unlimited classes/week
- $135 for 2 classes / week
- Personal Training Varies
- $25 drop in class
- $295 for Family Unlimited
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.thecoopgymsav.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoop_sav?igsh=MW9paHNoMzA2MGVucA==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/thecoopgym/
