Duke Van Vleet, founder of Rising Wave Athletics, shares his journey of gym ownership and the rewards of creating a supportive fitness community.
Owning a gym takes more than a passion for fitness; it requires hard work, adaptability, and a solid support system. Duke Van Vleet, founder of Rising Wave Athletics, knows this firsthand through his journey of running a gym.
A former captain of the Penn State Gymnastics team, 2000 and 2004 national champion, and Cirque du Soleil artist, Duke has always had a passion for fitness and dreamed of opening a gym.
In 2016, he turned that dream into a reality by purchasing CrossFit Intrepid in El Segundo, California. The gym was later renamed Rising Wave Athletics/Rising Wave CrossFit. Over the years, the gym has seen several changes and shifted away from its CrossFit affiliation during the COVID pandemic.
Through it all, one thing has remained constant: his community's support and his partnership with NEXO Insurance.
While running a gym has been incredibly rewarding for Duke, it's not been without challenges.
Ongoing operational costs, member turnover, and the risk of injuries are all part of the game. If you're considering opening a gym, Duke stresses the importance of going into it for the right reasons.
"The first thing you need to consider is your real motivation. If your motivation is to make money, I think you really need to question whether you should go into this or not," he says.
For Duke, opening a gym should be about positively impacting people's lives. Building a community that supports and uplifts one another is what truly matters.
However, creating a thriving community can be challenging. Duke recommends investing in your people, as their loyalty helps fuel your gym's success.
“The best thing you can do is be loyal and take care of the people that got you to where you are,” Duke says. “They’re going to sing your praises to their friends, to their own communities, and they’re going to bring like-minded people.”
Finally, aspiring gym owners should consult a lawyer when opening a gym. Duke explains how this will help you understand important jargon and ensure your business is set up correctly. Investing in solid insurance coverage is also non negotiable for protecting your gym and its members.
Running a gym is not easy, and there's been times when Duke has questioned this path. However, the support from his members and family keeps him going.
Every day, his members continue to walk through the door and show their support. Whether it's a simple thank you note or seeing a member reach a new milestone, moments like these remind him of the community he's built.
"They come back," Duke shares, "It's good to have people who are willing to walk through the fire with you."
Duke is also grateful for the opportunity to take his sport and turn it into a fulfilling career. Every day he gets to share his passion and help others reach their fitness goals.
"I get to provide for my family with my gym," Duke says. "My kids get to see what hard work means and the value of something that's yours.
Whether you run a jiu-jitsu program, yoga studio, or fitness center, owning a gym comes with a variety of risks. Slips and falls, equipment malfunctions, and injuries are just some of the challenges owners may face. If your gym is not properly insured, you could be left responsible for medical costs, legal fees, and other unexpected expenses.
While insurance is absolutely essential for protecting your business, not all providers are created equally. That's why Duke chose NEXO Insurance for Rising Wave Athletics. Unlike traditional insurance providers, NEXO offers coverage designed specifically for fitness businesses like Duke's. Their insurance agents are fitness experts and understand the unique challenges that gym owners face.
"You want someone who is going to go into the fire with you. I feel like, for me, NEXO has always been that way ever since the beginning," Duke explains.
NEXO has been a trusted partner for Rising Wave Athletics over the years. From delivering reliable support to providing complete coverage with no gaps, NEXO has given Duke the peace of mind to focus on what really matters—his gym and its community.
"Insurance is something that you hope to never use, but if you're going to have it, have the best. And NEXO, I'm telling you right now, is the best in our industry."