Meet Ralph Thompkins of S.W.A.G Kids Gym

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralph Thompkins. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Ralph Thompkins is the Owner and Founder of S.W.A.G Kids Gym in West Bloomfield, Michigan. S.W.A.G Kids Gym was founded in August of 2019 and focuses on Physical, Social, and Emotional development through exercise for ages 6 months- 12 years old. 

Ralph graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2008 with a Marketing and Physical Education Degree. While at Grand Valley as a Student-Athlete Ralph always participated with anything and everything having to do with children. From serving as a Youth Sports Coordinator at the YMCA in Grand Rapids to volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club; Ralph has always had a big heart to serve children. 

From 2013 to 2018, he was the Gym Director and Lead Instructor of an International Kids Gym Franchise The Little Gym of West Bloomfield. After 5 years of dedicated commitment, he decided to open up his own kid’s gym where he currently offers classes, summer camps, personal training, birthday parties, special events, and more for Kids and Adults. 

Ralph is the youngest owner of a Kids Franchise in the Midwest and in February of 2020 he was selected by Oakland County in their Elite 40 under 40. The Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 under 40 program recognizes and spotlights dynamic leaders under the age of 40 who are making a difference in Oakland County and beyond. In addition, his gym was the first-ever kids’ facility to be recognized for this group and his gym has only been in operation for under a year. 

Ralph’s business also has gone international through the use of the Zoom. After his gym was forced to close due to COVID-19 Ralph started teaching 35 Virtual Zoom exercise classes for kids per week. Over 200 Kids from all over the United States, Canada, Istanbul, Germany, and Japan participated in the Virtual SWAG Kids Gym class for 3 months. He also brings the SWAG Kids Gym experience to families’ homes all over Oakland County so they can exercise safely while participating in a class atmosphere. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In 2019, I started meeting with banks and real estate agents to find a space, and eventually opened that August at 14 Mile Road and Haggerty Road. I didn’t really even know what I was getting myself into and I totally underestimated the entire process of making something your own. Adding to that pressure: We already collected more than $25,000 in pre-registration for classes. 

I was literally sleeping at the gym in the weeks before we opened. There was so much work to be done to ensure an on-time debut. We had signed a lease for the building in July 2019 and opened for classes only 7 weeks later. The revenue and clients were steadily growing into 2020 until March when Covid-19 forced all statewide gyms to close. I got creative with my “contingency plan,” and started offering Zoom gym classes. Thanks to families posting about SWAG’s online classes on social media, we ended up expanding our client base to Canada, Germany, Istanbul, France, and Japan. (With the pandemic subsiding, some of these international kids remain SWAG members). 

In June 2020, I bought a truck big enough to hold all our gym equipment and began offering outdoor classes at clients’ houses. We were able to take our show on the road, which was a great blessing because in a normal year I don’t think we would have done that!! By last July, he was visiting 35 houses across Metro Detroit every week. Like other gyms across Michigan, Thompkins reopened in September 2020 and we have been pleased with how many kids have returned to in-person classes. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about S.W.A.G Kids Gym?
S.W.A.G. Kids Gym is more than just a movement, it is a lifestyle of building good health, self-confidence, and discovering a passion for physical activity. S.W.A.G. is founded on three main principles: 

Principle #1: Education of Physical Literacy 

At S.W.A.G. Kids Gym it is extremely important that we educate and grow the concept of Physical Literacy to each child and family. Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. S.W.A.G. Kids Gym teaches Physical Literacy through understanding Physical and Developmental milestones for each child at his/her level. Utilizing lesson plans specific to each age group while teaching and understanding each child’s physical skill level accordingly. 

Principle #2: Entertainment For Enjoyment 

S.W.A.G. Kids Gym understands that kids need to feel like they are having fun while they are learning. We have fun while teaching and that makes learning and engaging fun for each child. Children are more willing to participate and take risks. Having fun while learning also helps students retain information better because the process is enjoyable and memorable. We strive to make each experience at S.W.A.G. Kids Gym fun and entertaining for all involved! 

Principle #3: Inspire Future Generations 

At S.W.A.G. Kids Gym we constantly encourage and uplift children, parents, and everyone involved to be the very best version of themselves. We do this through love, positive reinforcement, and leading by example in action and in word. Teaching classes with passion and purpose because we truly care about EVERY child that comes to S.W.A.G. Kids Gym! When a child feels loved and motivated, they can do anything! You will always be respected and loved at S.W.A.G. Kids Gym. 

How do you think about happiness?
My happiness comes from seeing kids of all ages and families build more confidence about themselves through exercise at the gym!!! Nothing better than seeing growth and development from kids!!! 

Pricing:

• $50/month Unlimited Classes

Contact Info:

• Email: info@swagkidsgym
• Website: www.swagkidsgym.com
• Instagram: swagkidsgym.com
• Facebook: SWAG Kids Gym