Elizabeth Lilla, owner of Metro Stars Gymnastics and creator of the Special Stars Program, shares her profound experiences leading her business through the challenges of COVID-19. She discusses the tough decision to retain staff despite financial strain. Liz highlights how her team innovated rapidly to launch Metro Stars Online, ensuring kids stayed engaged and connected. Their mission focused on supporting physical, emotional, and mental well-being, showcasing the importance of resilience and adaptability in times of crisis.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Humble Beginnings
Liz Lilla's gymnastics journey started with a passion for the sport, leading to coaching and eventually a dream of owning a gym with her husband, Eric.
Starting with a small space and minimal equipment, they grew their business organically through hard work and dedication.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Expansion and Growth
After 18 months, they expanded to a larger space, eventually growing to two 18,000-square-foot facilities serving 3,000 families.
Their initial landlord's opt-out clause, intended for business failure, became their opportunity for expansion.
insights INSIGHT
Navigating the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Metro Stars Gymnastics to confront the possibility of closure, leading to initial internal conflict and difficult decisions.
Balancing customer concerns and making the right choices in the face of uncertainty presented an enormous challenge.
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Elizabeth Lilla: Metro Stars Gymnastics
Elizabeth Lilla is the owner of Metro Stars Gymnastics. With her husband Erik, she has owned and operated gymnastics facilities for 13 years. She was named the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association's Practitioner of the Year for developing the Special Stars Program at her facilities.
Liz has previously served as the USA Gymnastics Nebraska State Chair, and loves sharing the sport of gymnastics with boys and girls of all ages. She is also a member of the Coaching for Leaders Academy.
In this conversation, Liz shares the struggle of owning a small business that had to close its physical doors due to COVID-19. She tells the story of her business, the struggle in leading change in recent weeks, and their early success in pivoting to Metro Stars Online.
Key Points
Metro Stars Gymnastics has a long success story of serving kids and families for 13 years, until COVID-19 shut their doors.
Liz and Erik made the difficult decision to retain their full-time staff and pay salaries, despite having almost no revenue incoming.
Working to innovate quickly, Liz and their leadership team tested a new, online instruction format to help kids and families stay engaged during this difficult time.
Metro Stars Online has already connected with hundreds of customers and, more importantly, allowed kids to stay connected to the important work of physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Resources Mentioned
Metro Stars Online
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