AT WORK with Flipover Gymnastics and Cheerleading
Libby BarskySPECIAL TO THE JEWISH STATE
January 16, 2009
Name: Flipover Gymnastics and Cheerleading
Type of business: Private gymnastics school for children
Address: 201 Hartle St., Sayreville
Telephone: (732) 238-0880
Web site: www.flipovergymnastics.com
Number of employees: 18
Founded: 1978
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-noon and 3-9 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Top officer: Joe Passalaqua, owner and founder
How would you describe your business?
"We teach recreational and competitive gymnastics and cheerleading, holding classes for children from 3 through teenage in our 9,000-square-foot modern facility," said Joe Passalaqua, owner and founder of Flipover Gymnastics and Cheerleading.
"Gymnastics enhances the child's ability to become a better athlete in every other sport by making the child more agile, more flexible, and helping children develop their cognitive senses more rapidly.
"I personally coach an Olympic developmental gymnastic team -- The Gym Bees -- for boys and girls between ages 4 and 10 who show extreme interest or talent in gymnastics.
"We also have a large special needs program. It is probably the largest program in the state. We have children in special needs classes, in intermediate special needs and some special needs kids who have been mainstreamed into the able bodied classes. We don't say no to anyone.
"Although classes start for children who are 3 we do take younger children based on their needs, offering parents a tot class where mom or dad takes a class with their child who is just learning to walk. It helps the parent explore their child's motor coordination and skill development strength."
What makes your business special?
"The staff is trained to never give any negative feedback. We give them what I call the 'compliment sandwich'. We say to the child: 'That was good, but to make it better, do this'.
"We offer a free trial class for parents considering having their child start gymnastics. The parents get to experience the environment to make sure that it's positive and safe for their child. We want everyone to make sure our teaching methods, our facility, and our location is the most convenient and enjoyable for them."
What goals do you have for the business?
"The goal is the children. I don't look at my business in terms of dollars and cents. I look at it as in terms of what I'm doing for the community and the individual child. Each child is individually important, whether an advanced athlete or not. My goal is to teach them to be an individual within a team setting."
How has your business changed?
"My business started with gymnastics classes, and we also held summer camp and birthday parties. Now we also offer cheerleading.
"Fifteen years ago we started providing cheerleading and it has become a huge sport.
"Cheerleading accommodates all different types of bodies and creates a good team atmosphere for boys and girls who don't have the body structure to be competitive gymnasts."
What was your most important deal?
"I really can't think of one important thing. Every day is important and everyone who I have come into contact with is important.
"I've been here so long there are many students I have now whose parents were members of my facility. It makes me feel good, because it makes you feel you're doing something right because the parents trust you with their children."
What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?
"To want to be a mentor for children. You want them to have positive learning experiences so they become better children and productive adults."
What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?
"The sport changes at the upper levels. We keep on top of the newest training methods and integrate them into our lesson plans.
"After doing this for 31 years, I'm planning to franchise my operation in the future."
What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?
"To really have a passion for doing this. I was an all-American at Temple University two times and a high school state champion. During college I coached an elite gymnast team. I was ready to start law school and was registered at St. John's Law School in Nassau County, Long Island.
"A week before going to law school, I decided I could make a bigger difference by opening my own school. I personally loved the sport and I wanted other children to experience all the things I had experienced from this sport -- making friends across the world, traveling for competition, and the health benefits."
Is there anything else you would rather be doing?
"No. I'm very happy. Every day I look forward to coming to work. Not everyone can say they look forward to coming to work, but I do."