Today we’d like to introduce you to Reed Shelger.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was a graduate student at Rice University when I was approached by my friend George Parker with the idea of starting wrestling club. Initially, we began by offering free wrestling lessons out of the abandoned YWCA on Memorial and Waugh. Shortly after, we lost that space and signed our first lease on our S Rice location.
As former collegiate wrestlers, we understand the positive impact that martial arts can make in one’s life. We must be challenged if we are to grow as individuals, which means having dreams, developing goals and learning to work to attain those objectives. Towards that end, in 2009 we opened Paradigm to fulfill our mission “To enrich lives, build community, and equip our athletes to become champions in life”.
Today we have three Houston-area locations and employ 15 fitness and martial arts professionals. While we began as a wrestling club, we have expanded our programs to other martial arts disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Judo.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our people are our most important asset. When someone joins a martial arts gym, access to the instructors is what they are really paying for! We do our best to ensure that we have the best, most qualified instructors available.
However, over the years we have made some hiring mistakes. And in the circumstances where an instructor has to leave our team, it can have a severe effect on our business.
It has not been an easy road, but over time we have been successful in building a culture that helps us attract and retain good people.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Paradigm Training Center story. Tell us more about the business.
Paradigm Training Center is Houston’s premiere training facility for Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Our dedicated coaching staff brings world-class expertise in a friendly and supportive environment.
Our gym is home to many of the top professional martial arts competitors in Houston. However, the majority of our customers are hobbyists that enjoy training martial arts as a fun way to stay fit. In either case, everyone benefits from world-class coaching. Our head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach, Marcus Bello is a world-champion himself.
We are also known for our superb youth wrestling program. Many of the wrestlers that have come through our program have gone on to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Sometimes it feels like luck is not on your side, but hard work and perseverance pay off in the long run!
Contact Info:
- Address: 5756 S. Rice Ave. Houston, TX 77081
10500 W Bellfort Ave #200, Houston, TX 77031
5401 Bellaire blvd, Bellaire TX 77401 - Website: www.txgym.com
- Phone: 713-660-9442
- Email: info@paradigmtrainingcenter.com
Image Credit:
Case Hartsfield
