GET LEAN AND MEAN!

Take the time to review your monthly expenses. Research to find ways that you can save your gym/program money! Also, take a closer look at things that you WANT versus things that you really NEED or MUST HAVE.

	Craig El - Ultimate Athletics (IL)
	Eliminate competition fees for families by fundraising.  Parents spend more on classes, clinics, siblings, etc. Cut down on cleaning from 2 per week to once a week and use staff more for cleaning responsibilities 10% decrease in staff pay and benefits Require that nothing gets purchased without 3 quotes from 3 companies to make sure you were getting the best price Encourage families to write more checks to help eliminate fees
	Aaron and Joelle Scott - Universal Kentucky Cheer (KY)
	Run each program within the gym as a separate business Ex: Dance, Gymnastics, Cheer, Kindergym, Tanning, Fitness, Camps, Snack Shop, Party Place, Pro Shop and Fun Factory (Inflatables) Allows the gym to: Brand each separately (with logos) Keep the “Universal” theme throughout See what $$ each brand is bringing in and spending
	Kevin Hooker - Elite Cheer Nebraska (NE)
	Use automatic withdrawal for tuition.  Since 7 years ago (pre-automatic withdrawal), outstanding balances have dropped by 90%!
	Bill Yeates & Nicky Terrase - Spirit Professionals (LA)
	Try your best to use in-house choreography Look at owners taking less pay Buy used gym equipment. Shop around for equipment on internet and check out gyms that are going out of business
	Jason Mitchell – Arizona Heat (AZ)
	Based on a parent survey, the following changes are being made: Keeping the same uniforms from last year Allowing warm-ups to be an optional purchase Have asked the parents if they would rather do a camp at our own gym to save on travel costs Remember, some things are non-negotiable so don’t include those things on the survey!
	Sean Sutton - Cheer Force One (AL)
	Look at new suppliers and new contracts in order to cut overhead costs.  Really look at the long-term costs of the new contract and whether it is worth the initial cancellation fee.  Work to lower their operating costs.  Know where your revenue comes from.  By knowing whether it is recreation classes, school teams, all-star, etc. you can optimize how you allocate your time, floor space, and business as a whole.
	Karrie Tumelson - Spirit Elite (MO)
	Go paperless by using all email...nothing on paper! Don’t power the whole gym when only one class is going on
	Stacy Stith - Funtastic Flyers (FL)
	Use the mindset of “If it doesn’t generate income, don’t spend money on it.”  Work to make sure no payroll time is wasted.  Make sure every hour worked is for something that is absolutely needed.
	Shannon Gregg - Fire and Ice Allstars (PA)
	Combine classes that make sense.  This saves on gym space and instructor costs. Pay instructors the absolute minimum, but allow them freedom to charge what they want for private lessons and keep 100%.  This also encourages them to meet kids in their classes, take an interest in them and schedule a private. Sub-lease free space to Dance Studio – charge an equal proportion of the utilities to the company subleasing. Cut out Sundays - saves on electricity/heat, etc.
	Alisa Kiefer - Twister All-Stars (GA)
	Check your bank statements against the previous year’s statements to compare your spending to ensure you are not overspending. Take a hard look at your schedule because you may be overstaffed.  Keep part-time employees only if necessary – try to cover all classes with your full-time staff.
	Lea Hebert - Elite Cheer Michigan (MI)
	If possible, cut operating hours and consolidate all classes/team practices to Mon-Thur.  This has cut down on over-head and energy costs. Gave coaches “bonuses” instead of raises this year.  Offer more “perks” that can be given cheaply (ex: vacation paid for with miles/time shares)
	Jamie Bennett-Bailey/Cathy Bennett - Ohio Valley All Stars (WV)
	No longer require teams to purchase camp wear – not a necessity
	Jeff Miller – Pro Spirit (TX)
	Turn out the lights! Raise temp of the AC a few degrees Renegotiate phone plans or use a cell phone as your gym phone