From Sidelines to Legacy – James Speed and the All-Star Ripple Effect

From the MotUS Edge archives: Dennis Werley (yes, the “meals with flames” guy) joins the crew with that rare combo of Southern charm, legal precision, and big-event vision that helped turn All-Star Challenge from a dream—and a single printer cartridge—into a movement coaches still talk about. Here’s the thing about Dennis: he doesn’t sell competitions; he sells moments. The kind that make athletes feel big, coaches feel seen, and even grumpy judges feel slightly guilty about their poker face. If you’ve ever left an event thinking, “That felt like something,” you’ve probably felt the Werley effect. Brand ≠ Backdrop (and other heresies) Dennis is allergic to vanity production. A backdrop is décor; a brand is a promise. That’s why All-Star Challenge leaned into full worlds—Clash of the Titans, Return to Atlantis, Battle Under the Big Top—where everything from the brochure to the trophy told the same story. He built trust the un-flashy way too: by flying in the very coaches who “create champions” to judge them. Country club rules applied—once you’re on the stand, you don’t trash the club. You protect the standard. It’s not nostalgia; it’s craft. The reason those events linger in your head isn’t the confetti—it’s the coherence.

There’s a moment every gym owner knows well. You’re standing in the middle of your facility—music blaring, athletes tumbling and stunting, staff asking questions, parents hovering, emails unanswered—and you think, This is my dream... so why am I so tired I could cry? That feeling? It’s not weakness. It’s not failure. It’s burnout —and it’s more common than anyone likes to admit The Hidden Cost of Caring So Much Gym ownership isn’t just about running a business. It’s about building dreams. And that level of emotional investment—while beautiful—can drain even the strongest leader if boundaries aren’t in place. You give everything: your time, your energy, your ideas, your weekends, your sleep. You show up for everyone—your athletes, your staff, your families. But who shows up for you ? Burnout doesn’t always look like shutting down. Sometimes it looks like: Snapping at people you love. Dreading the place you once adored. Feeling like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. Lying awake wondering if you should walk away altogether. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You’re just running on empty in a job that never truly ends. The Shift: From Hero to Human You’re not supposed to be the hero of everyone’s story. You’re supposed to be the leader of your own. And great leaders don’t just give—they build systems that allow their people, and themselves, to thrive. It starts with questions that are uncomfortable but necessary: Where am I doing everything myself because it feels safer than trusting someone else? What parts of my day are truly mine—and what have I let be claimed by everyone else? What do I need to feel human again—not just "on" all the time? Practical Ways to Lead Without Losing Yourself Here’s the truth: You can’t serve from an empty tank. But you can make changes—small at first—that refill it. Create “non-negotiables.” A daily walk. An hour without your phone. A standing appointment that isn’t cancelable—especially not by work. Delegate like your sanity depends on it. Because it does. Hire people not just to help—but to own parts of the business. Say no more often. Every yes to something small is a no to something sacred. Protect your peace. Schedule CEO time. Not coaching time. Not cleaning time. Not emergency-fixing time. Actual strategy, vision, and reflection time. Get around people who get it. Community is everything. Surround yourself with other gym owners, leaders, mentors—people who remind you you're not crazy for feeling what you feel. You Deserve to Love This Again Burnout is not a personal flaw. It’s a system problem. And systems can be rebuilt. You started this journey with a spark. That spark is still there—it’s just buried under responsibilities you were never meant to carry alone. You can run a gym and have a life. You can be a powerful leader without being constantly depleted. You can care deeply and still protect your energy. This is your reminder: You’re not just running a gym. You’re writing a legacy. Make sure it includes you in it—healthy, whole, and still in love with what you do.

Running a cheer gym is no small task. Between scheduling practices, managing staff, handling parent questions, and making sure athletes are thriving, the daily grind can feel overwhelming. In the middle of all that, it’s easy to forget one of the most powerful tools in your business owner toolkit: your network . Networking isn’t just about swapping business cards at a conference or adding another friend on Facebook. For cheer gym owners, networking is about building genuine relationships with people who can support, inspire, and challenge you — and who you can pour into as well. The old saying is true: your network is your net worth . In this blog, we’ll explore why networking matters so much in the cheer world, how to do it in a way that feels authentic (and not salesy), and the game-changing results it can bring to your business and community. 1. Why Networking Matters for Gym Owners When you own a cheer gym, you’re not just competing with the gym down the street. You’re competing with other sports, after-school programs, and even entertainment options like dance studios or club sports. In that competitive environment, relationships can make all the difference . Here’s what networking brings to the table: Shared Knowledge – Other gym owners have faced the same struggles you have: staffing issues, parent conflicts, growing pains, or financial hurdles. A strong network gives you instant access to collective wisdom. Collaboration Opportunities – Partnerships with nearby gyms, local businesses, or community organizations can open doors for events, sponsorships, or even shared resources. Emotional Support – Let’s be real: owning a cheer gym can feel isolating. Having a group of people who understand the unique challenges of your world gives you a lifeline when things get tough. Fresh Ideas & Innovation – Networking exposes you to new perspectives and strategies you might never come across if you stayed in your own bubble. Business Growth – A well-nurtured network naturally leads to referrals, new opportunities, and even doors opening for expansion. 2. Shifting the Way You See Networking For many gym owners, the word networking feels intimidating or even a little gross. You might picture a crowded conference where everyone is pushing business cards and elevator pitches. But networking — at least the MotUS way — isn’t about shallow connections. It’s about: Building relationships, not transactions. Leading with generosity. (Ask: What can I give? instead of What can I get? ) Investing long-term. Strong connections take time to grow but pay off in ways you can’t predict at the start. Think of networking as community-building. Just like you want your athletes to feel part of something bigger than themselves, networking allows you to feel part of something bigger than your gym. 3. The Formula for Staff Meetings That Rock So where do you actually go to connect with other like-minded gym owners, coaches, and business professionals? A few ideas: Cheer Conferences & Industry Events – These are goldmines for meeting peers who “get it.” Don’t just attend sessions; introduce yourself, ask questions, and follow up afterward. Local Business Associations – Chambers of commerce, small business meetups, and even entrepreneurial workshops are great for expanding your circle beyond cheer. Online Communities – Facebook groups, Slack channels, and MotUS-style collectives allow you to connect with people across the country who can share ideas and solutions. Vendor Relationships – Don’t overlook your uniform reps, event producers, and equipment suppliers. They work with gyms across the industry and often have valuable insights. Other Sports & Youth Programs – Networking with local dance studios, martial arts schools, or rec centers can lead to cross-promotions that benefit both sides. 4. How to Network Authentically The secret to effective networking is authenticity. Here are some MotUS-approved strategies: Listen more than you talk. People remember when they feel heard. Ask real questions. Instead of “So, what do you do?” try “What’s the biggest challenge your gym is facing right now?” Follow up quickly. A simple “It was great meeting you — here’s that resource I mentioned” email goes a long way. Add value before asking for value. Share an idea, make an introduction, or send an encouraging note before you ask for advice or a favor. Play the long game. Networking isn’t about instant ROI. It’s about planting seeds that grow into opportunities over time. 5. The Ripple Effect of Networking When you network with purpose, the benefits ripple out far beyond your own business. Your staff gains from the knowledge and strategies you bring back. Your athletes benefit from new opportunities, events, or collaborations you discover. Your parents feel more confident in your leadership when they see you plugged into the larger industry. The cheer community as a whole becomes stronger when gym owners share and collaborate instead of competing in silos. In short: when you win through networking, everyone around you wins too. 6. A MotUS Perspective At MotUS, we believe collaboration is the future of the cheer industry. Networking is the bridge that makes collaboration possible. By reaching out, sharing openly, and building relationships, you’re not just growing your gym — you’re helping to elevate the entire industry. Networking is not optional for cheer gym owners who want to thrive. It’s a core part of building a resilient, innovative, and supportive business. Key Takeaways Networking isn’t about sales; it’s about building authentic, lasting relationships. Strong networks provide shared knowledge, collaboration, support, and growth opportunities. Seek networking opportunities in the cheer world and beyond (conferences, local business groups, online communities). Lead with generosity and authenticity — give before you expect to receive. When you build your network, the ripple effects strengthen your athletes, staff, parents, and the industry as a whole. Final Word Your gym’s future is bigger than what happens inside your four walls. The people you connect with, learn from, and collaborate with will shape the way you grow — both as a business owner and as a leader. Don’t underestimate the power of your network. In the cheer gym world, your network really is your net worth.

Ask any coach or staff member how they feel about meetings and you’ll probably get an eye roll. Too often, staff meetings feel like long lectures, information dumps, or — worse — a waste of time that could’ve been spent coaching. But here’s the truth: staff meetings don’t have to be boring or unproductive. In fact, when done well, they can be one of the most powerful tools you have to build culture, strengthen communication, and get everyone aligned around your vision.  In this blog, we’ll break down how to turn your staff meetings into motivating, purposeful sessions that your team actually looks forward to. 1. Why Staff Meetings Matter Even if your gym feels small, staff meetings are essential because they: Keep everyone on the same page – No more confusion about schedules, expectations, or policies. Strengthen culture – Meetings reinforce your core values and the way you want staff to interact with athletes and parents. Build leadership skills – They give coaches and staff opportunities to share ideas and take ownership. Create alignment – When everyone understands the bigger picture, they work better together. Prevent fires – Addressing small issues in meetings keeps them from turning into big problems. 2. The Biggest Mistakes in Staff Meetings Let’s be honest — the reason staff meetings have such a bad reputation is because of how they’re usually run. Common mistakes include: Too much talking, not enough listening – Owners and directors dominate instead of creating dialogue. No agenda – Meetings feel random, scattered, and never-ending. Information overload – Reading every detail that could’ve been sent in an email. Lack of follow-up – Decisions get made but never implemented. Negativity focus – Only discussing what went wrong instead of celebrating what’s going right. 3. The Formula for Staff Meetings That Rock Here’s a MotUS-approved structure that keeps meetings effective, efficient, and energizing: 1. Open with Wins (5–10 minutes) Start on a positive note. Ask coaches to share highlights from the week — athlete breakthroughs, parent shoutouts, or fun moments. This builds morale and sets the tone. 2. Review Core Values (5 minutes) Pick one value to spotlight. Share a story of how it showed up in the gym that week. This keeps culture front and center. 3. Key Updates (10–15 minutes) Share important info like schedule changes, upcoming events, or policy reminders. Keep it concise — what staff must know. 4. Staff Voice (15–20 minutes) Open the floor. Let staff bring up challenges, brainstorm solutions, or share ideas. This turns your meeting into collaboration, not just a lecture. 5. Training or Development (15 minutes) Invest in your staff with a mini workshop. Topics could include: Conflict resolution with parents Spotting safety refreshers Social media tips for coaches Leadership development 6. Action Steps + Wrap-Up (5 minutes) End with clarity. Summarize key takeaways, assign action items, and confirm next meeting. 4. Tips for Making Meetings Engaging Keep them short – Aim for 45–60 minutes max. Rotate facilitators – Let different staff members lead sections to build ownership. Add interactive elements – Use roleplays, games, or quick brainstorms to keep energy high. Provide snacks/coffee – It may seem small, but it shows you value their time. Use technology – If staff can’t attend in person, use Zoom or record the session. 5. The Ripple Effect of Great Meetings When staff meetings are run well, they: Empower your staff to feel valued and included. Improve communication with athletes and parents because your staff is aligned. Reduce turnover because staff enjoy being part of a supportive, professional environment. Strengthen your gym’s culture by reinforcing your values and mission. 6. A MotUS Perspective At MotUS, we believe leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating space for collaboration, growth, and shared vision. Staff meetings are one of the most practical, overlooked ways to do this. Done right, they don’t drain energy; they create it. Key Takeaways Staff meetings aren’t optional — they’re vital for alignment and culture. Avoid common mistakes like no agenda, too much talking, or negativity. Use a clear structure: Wins, Values, Updates, Staff Voice, Development, Action Steps. Keep meetings short, interactive, and collaborative. Great meetings empower staff, reduce turnover, and build culture. Final Word Your staff is the heart of your gym. When they feel informed, valued, and invested in, they pour that same energy into your athletes and families. Don’t waste your staff meetings. Use them as a leadership tool to grow your people — and your gym.

"We said, okay, we're gonna call them All-Star." That single sentence sparked a transformation in cheer history. In this MotUS Edge podcast episode, we sit down with the legendary Lance Wagers to uncover the moments, memories, and mindsets that built the cheer industry as we know it. This isn’t just a look back—it’s a masterclass in leading with vision, love, and purpose. From Cheer Camp to Cheer Culture: The Origin of All-Star In 1984, Lance and his late wife Carol noticed a challenge in the cheer world: teams competing at high school nationals weren’t truly "school teams." Their solution? Create a new category—"All-Star." One conference room conversation later, and the All-Star division was born. In 1985, they hosted the first official All-Star Nationals. What started as a solution became a revolution. “The first event wasn’t huge, but it became everything.” From Gym Floors to Global Impact: Cheerobics & ACA Lance didn’t just innovate on the competition floor. He helped create Cheerobics as a warm-up and skills system for camps and gym programs. Later, he opened two Cheerobics gyms to give athletes—especially those who didn’t make school teams—a place to train and grow. After adopting two daughters from Brazil, Lance stepped into a new leadership role as president of ACA, a Varsity-owned brand that combined faith-based leadership with cheer education. It blended faith, fun, and fundamentals to shape better athletes and better people Five Leadership Lessons from Lance Wagers Here are five core takeaways gym owners and small business leaders can apply today: 1. Lead with Love, Not Ego “Herky gave us full trust to run NCA. He never had his thumb on us.” Trust empowers leaders to grow. Create space for your team to lead. 2. Big Movements Start Small One ballroom A $10 Cheerobics license A few hundred athletes Start where you are, use what you have. 3. Relationships Build Legacy From decades judging at FCC to mentoring rising stars, Lance shows that real success is built on lasting relationships. 4. Your Influence Goes Further Than You Think “Coaches influence how athletes behave in tough moments. I love watching that example unfold.” Model leadership. Your athletes (and team) are always watching. 5. Retirement Might Just Be a New Chapter Lance thought he was done. Then he became a dad again, led ACA, and found new ways to serve the industry. “I knew we were meant to do this. Carol said she was afraid I’d say yes.” That single act of courage and compassion echoes the kind of leadership we all need more of. A Moment That Hits Home: Fatherhood, Faith & Cheer One of the most powerful stories in the episode? Lance and Carol’s decision to adopt two girls from Brazil. What started as a mission trip turned into a life-changing decision. Overnight, they became parents again—navigating language barriers, high school transitions, and everything in between. For Gym Owners: Apply the Wisdom Take these actions inspired by Lance: Reconnect to your “why.” Empower your team to lead. Say yes to unexpected opportunities. Invest in the people around you—relationships are your most valuable asset. Why This Episode Matters Lance Wagers’ story is more than history—it’s a leadership guide. He reminds us: Our beginnings shape our legacy. Leading with heart creates lasting impact. The future of cheer is built on purpose and people. Whether you're coaching your first team or running a growing gym, this conversation is a reminder to lead boldly—and to leave things better than you found them. Listen, Learn & Lead Forward Ready to hear the full story? Catch the episode on your favorite platform: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Then join us at the MotUS Business Expo, Sept 28-30 in Nashville. Leadership, community, and growth—built for gym owners like you.

How to Avoid Business Burnout as an Entrepreneur

If you’re a gInside the MotUS Business Expo: Why Gym Owners Are Marking Their Calendars for Nashville If you’re a gym owner who’s serious about growth, culture, and community, then you might want to clear your schedule for September 29–30. The MotUS Business Expo in Nashville isn’t your typical business event. It’s more like a two-day power-up for your mind, your mission, and your momentum—with a little red carpet magic thrown in. So what makes this event more than just another “conference”? Let’s break it down. Connection It all kicks off Sunday night with a relaxed rooftop gathering at the AC Hotel. No name tags. No pressure. Just real conversations, new friendships, and maybe even a few future collaborations. By Monday morning, you're caffeinated and connected—ready to dive into Brew & Build and a lineup of classes designed for gym owners, by gym owners and experts who get it. Sessions That Actually Matter We’re talking… Unlocking your “Why” with Aaron Flaker—get ready to rethink your purpose and find fresh clarity. Crafting your gym’s brand or implementing EOS planning—choose your growth strategy with Austin Bayles or Kari Pickering. Making your gym more fun (and profitable!) with Gean Carilmons Exploring everyday ownership realities—from team selection drama to the best air fresheners (yes, really). These aren’t vague motivational talks. These are strategic, specific, and tailored to the unique world of all-star and youth sports business. Round Tables that Get Real Let’s be honest—some of the best insights come from other owners who’ve been in the trenches. That’s why the round tables are a highlight. You’ll rotate through three raw, honest sessions covering: How others reveal team placements (and what actually works) Creative ways to streamline day-to-day operations What MotUS can do to support your gym’s future Bring your questions. Bring your quirks. Bring your favorite vacuum recs. Legendary Leadership & Financial Gameplans Tuesday’s lineup includes a deep dive into building a legendary gym culture with Justin Carrier, mastering finances with Marc Pancratz, and designing smart gym layouts with Justin Stricklin. You’ll walk away with notes, ideas, and probably a to-do list you’re actually excited about. And if you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership—Sierra Garvin’s “How Full Is Your Bucket?” will remind you why it’s worth it. Monday Night = Red Carpet Vibes What happens when you blend industry celebration with Nashville charm? You get the launch party for The Pioneers of All Star Cheer, hosted at the Musicians Hall of Fame. With red carpet photos, cocktails, live music, and book signings, this event is more than a party—it’s a tribute to where we’ve been and where we’re going. Come dressed to celebrate the sport that built your business. Bonus Reason: The Prizes. Let’s just say… you’ll want to stay until the end. The MotUS team is known for going big with giveaways. Rumor has it something unforgettable may be up for grabs. Don’t Miss It. The MotUS Business Expo is where ideas spark, businesses evolve, and lifelong connections are made. If you’re looking for a weekend that’s equal parts strategy, support, and celebration—Nashville is calling. You can check out the full schedule and sign up here: https://www.joinmotus.com/business-expo Your future self (and your gym) will thank you.

"You're either on top of the world... or questioning everything." That quote from Casey Jones captures what competition weekends really feel like for gym owners and coaches. In this MotUS Edge podcast episode, the team dives into the emotional roller coaster that comes with competition season: the thrill of a perfect routine, the sting of a narrow loss, and the leadership it takes to navigate everything in between. As the season builds to its peak, this conversation is a timely reminder that strong leadership doesn’t just show up on the mat—it shows up in how you lead your people through every high and low. 1. The Reality of Competition From the outside, competition weekends look like celebration and sparkle. But inside the arena, gym leaders know the truth: it's long days, emotional swings, and enormous pressure. Athletes and coaches invest months for moments that unfold in minutes. And the aftermath can feel brutal. As Casey shares, a coach whose teams earned second place—after battling last-minute injuries—walked away feeling like a failure. That Monday slump is real. This isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about being honest: competition weekends take a toll. 2. Leadership Isn’t Just Strategy—It’s Emotional Management At the heart of this episode is a call to lead with presence and perspective. When one coach is riding the high of a win and another is quietly questioning their place in the program, leadership is knowing how to show up for both. “Your staff is like your kids,” says Stacy. “You’ve got to celebrate one and lift up another—all in the same dinner.” Leading through events means managing energy, emotion, and expectation—not just strategy and score sheets. 3. How to Ground Your Program During Big Events 1. Normalize the Ups and Downs Wins and losses aren’t always a reflection of effort. Remind your staff: they’re great coaches even on hard days. Create space for them to decompress and reset. 2. Frame the Weekend Before It Starts As Cole shared, unrealistic expectations lead to unnecessary disappointment. Whether you're a seasoned program or first-time finalist, set clear definitions of success before you walk in. 3. Coach Your Coaches Don’t assume your staff knows how to handle feedback, parent questions, or emotional fallout. Equip them with scripts, support, and perspective. “Feedback is a gift,” says Stacy. “And if we treat it that way, we all get better.” 4. What About the Parents? Competition weekends amplify parent stress too. Hair, travel, money, food, emotions—it all collides in high-pressure environments. And when expectations aren’t managed, small things become big conflicts. Kevin reminds us: “Your parents reflect your attitude. If you're calm and focused, they’ll follow your lead.” 5. Redefine Success Too often, we tie the quality of a season to one event. But as Casey shared, some of his teams won all season, placed second at NCA, and still saw it as a failure. Meanwhile, others won their final event and called the season a win—despite early losses. It's time to redefine what success looks like: Did your athletes grow? Did your staff stay healthy and connected? Did your program culture stay strong? Did you model resilience and professionalism? If yes—you’re winning in all the ways that matter. For the Gym Owner: Practical Actions to Take Now Hold a staff huddle post-event – Let emotions settle, then debrief together. Reset goals for the final leg of season – Refocus your coaches and teams. Coach your parents – Communicate clear expectations and support protocols. Reinforce shared success – Celebrate the behind-the-scenes effort, not just the outcome. Build rituals for bounce-back – Give your coaches and kids emotional tools to recover and refocus. Why This Matters Now In an industry obsessed with the win, this episode is a rally cry for perspective. Great programs aren’t just built on banners—they’re built on emotional intelligence, cultural clarity, and consistent leadership. "Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first." – Simon Sinek Make your coaches feel seen, supported, and valued—and they’ll show up better for your kids. Listen, Learn & Lead Forward Catch the full conversation here: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Then join us at the MotUS Business Expo, Sept 28–30 in Nashville. The leadership, community, and coaching support you’ve been craving—all in one place.

No one opens a gym because they love confrontation. But if you lead people, conflict is part of the job . From frustrated parents to underperforming staff, hard conversations are inevitable. What separates great leaders is how they handle them. 1. Get Clear on the Goal Before you say a word, ask yourself: What outcome am I hoping for? If the goal is to "prove a point," you're setting the conversation up for failure. If the goal is "alignment, understanding, and improvement," you're already ahead. Pro Tip: Write down your objective before the talk. Keep it simple and specific. 2. Embrace Radical Candor Kim Scott’s "Radical Candor" model offers a powerful mindset: Care personally, challenge directly. You don’t have to choose between being kind and being honest. You can (and should) be both. Say it like: "I care about your growth, and I need to give you some feedback that might be hard to hear." 3. Use the Facts, Not Feelings Avoid vague accusations or emotionally charged statements. Stick to observable behavior: ❌ "You’re always late and unmotivated." ✅ "You’ve been late three times this week, and I noticed low energy during practice." This removes defensiveness and makes the conversation feel fair. 4. Listen Like a Leader This is not a monologue. Make space for the other person to speak. Reflect back what you hear. Ask clarifying questions. Listening builds trust. Example: "Help me understand what happened from your perspective." 5. Follow Up With a Plan A conversation is just the beginning. What happens next is what counts. Set clear expectations and timelines. Schedule a follow-up. Structure it: What needs to change? By when? How will we measure it?  Real Scenarios, Real Tactics Underperforming Coach: Schedule a 1-on-1. Give specific feedback. Offer support or mentorship options. Outline next steps. Disruptive Parent: Stay calm. Restate gym policies. Bring in a third party if needed. Document everything. Tense Staff Dynamics: Facilitate a group conversation. Define roles. Realign on shared goals. Final Word: Courage is a Leadership Skill If you're having the same complaints over and over, it's a sign: a conversation is overdue . Conflict doesn't go away by avoiding it—it multiplies. Lead with compassion, but lead with strength. Because the best leaders don’t shy away from hard talks. They lean in and make them count.