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The Unexpected Pivot
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a dream, finally opening the doors to your passion, only to face an unforeseen storm on day one. That’s the reality Carrie of Flying Dutchman Gymnastics experienced. Just as the vibrant energy of their new Northgate Mall location began to buzz, a devastating diagnosis turned everything upside down. How does a fledgling business not just weather such a blow, but actually flourish? How does a leader find the strength to carry on, honoring a shared vision in the face of profound loss? This is the story of Flying Dutchman Gymnastics, a testament to resilience, community, and the unwavering power of a dream.
Genesis of a Dream: More Than Just Flips
Flying Dutchman Gymnastics wasn’t born from a desire to churn out elite athletes. It sparked from a deeper understanding of what gymnastics could offer every child. As Carrie explains, "So Flying Dutchman Gymnastics actually started back in 2013…we co-founded a community program that was really designed to offer quality artistic gymnastics to recreational students." They saw a gap in the Bay Area’s otherwise wonderful gymnastics scene. "What we found in the Bay Area, we have a lot of wonderful gymnastics programs. We really do. However, the majority of really great quality coaching is often left to the upper levels and very advanced students."
Their insight was simple yet profound: quality coaching benefits everyone, regardless of competitive aspirations. This understanding fueled their mission to develop recreational programs that welcomed all kids, even those who didn’t fit the traditional mold. Carrie thoughtfully adds, "Maybe they didn't start when they were five and…they're not given every opportunity that…some of the little ones have." They also recognized the crucial role of positive body image and exercise, especially for young girls: "It's very difficult, I think, as a preteen… to really love your body and to have a positive example with exercise, a positive experience with exercise. And that's really what our program is designed to do." This foundational belief – that "every child can learn something valuable from gymnastics" – became the bedrock of Flying Dutchman Gymnastics.
The Guiding Hand and Shared Vision
Central to Carrie’s journey is her partnership with Dirk Ooijkaas, a name that resonates with gymnastics excellence. "I started this program with my coach and my very best friend, Dirk Ooijkaas. He was a national Dutch team member, also national champion, [and a world champion]" Dirk’s impressive background and his arrival in the US for the 1978 world championships set the stage for their collaboration. Their connection deepened when he saw Carrie coaching years later, leading to them training together. It was Dirk’s vision that truly ignited Flying Dutchman Gymnastics: "And it was really his dream to provide…quality gymnastics to all kids." When he embarked on this mission, Carrie naturally became his trusted partner, "So when he started his program he really…he needed a right hand." Their decade of coaching side-by-side forged a shared philosophy and a powerful foundation for their venture.
Navigating the Unexpected Terrain
The path to establishing Flying Dutchman Gymnastics wasn’t without its detours. Their initial flagship location faced an unexpected closure, forcing them to seek a new home. Serendipitously, an opportunity arose in an unlikely spot: Northgate Mall during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Carrie recalls, "Northgate Mall… there really wasn't anything at Northgate. This was during COVID. You know, we were all still in masks at that time…." The mall, eager for new life, welcomed them. However, the elation of opening day was tragically short-lived. "Unfortunately, the day that we opened, my business partner was diagnosed with terminal stage IV adenocarcinoma." This pivotal moment tested Carrie's resolve in ways no business plan could have predicted.
Resilience Forged in Loss: Carrying the Torch
In the face of immense personal loss, Carrie found herself at a crossroads. Dirk’s unwavering spirit became her guiding light. "He went through, I think it was 25 rounds of chemo before he passed. He was always so very positive and the nicest guy on chemo you could meet. I wish I could have just one iota of that strength, but it was very important to him that his mission and his work carry on." Dirk’s dedication to coaching remained steadfast, even amidst his battle: "It was important for him to go as a coach. That was something that was so very valuable to him." Taking the reins was undoubtedly challenging, but the outpouring of support from the community and fellow business owners at Northgate Mall provided a lifeline. "It was not the easiest thing to take the reins, but I'm very lucky that the people in Northgate Mall, all of the fellow business owners…My clients from my program…The community has been nothing but supportive. So it's, it's not been the easiest thing to go to work in those early days, but people certainly made it a lot more tenable." Carrie’s story is a powerful example of how resilience, fueled by a sense of purpose and community, can help navigate the darkest of times.
Innovation in the Unexpected: Mallrat Magic
Operating within a mall presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to visibility. Carrie explains, "So we are the space located next to Jump City [and The Escape Room]. We have a fairly large space inside… it's a wonderful opportunity. However, it's little bit of a challenge trying to get people to know that we're there…We're not able to place signage on the sidewalls. We're not able to place signage anywhere in San. Rafael. This is the city policy. So we're pretty stuck in terms of how we can advertise and how we can get our brand up to the community."
Faced with these limitations, Carrie’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through. She didn't see the mall location as a constraint but as an opportunity for collaboration. This led to the creation of "Mallrat Camp," a truly innovative approach to community engagement. “With the the other businesses in Northgate Mall, especially the ones that are oriented towards children, we're all on the same page about repurposing Northgate to serve our community... So what I've done is I've created Mallrat Camp, where we [partner] with all of these other businesses…Now, our campers are able to access all of these programs as a fellowship. So they have gymnastics, arcade visits, skating classes and rentals, we have bouncy house passes, we've got movies, we have games…we're trying to create a community for the community." This unique selling point not only provides a diverse and engaging experience for kids but also strengthens the entire mall ecosystem, turning a potential disadvantage into a major differentiator for Flying Dutchman Gymnastics.
Giving to Grow: A Philosophy of Abundance
For Flying Dutchman Gymnastics, community isn't just a buzzword; it's a core principle woven into their business model. Their approach to marketing and growth is rooted in generosity. As Carrie states, "I think the easiest way to reach people ultimately is to give… we have so many different schools all over Marin County and especially in San Rafael. We've contacted school [for auction donations]...We have donated open gym passes, birthday parties and class memberships. We've donated camps. We have put on free open gyms and free programming. We have done outreach programs for holidays, Halloween, Christmas." This proactive approach of giving back has yielded significant returns. "We really find that the more we give, the more we get back. Yeah, it's [Dirk’s] philosophy." This insight offers a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs: building genuine connections and contributing to your community can be a powerful and sustainable growth strategy.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Impact
Carrie’s vision for the future of Flying Dutchman Gymnastics is deeply rooted in the initial dream she shared with Dirk: making quality gymnastics accessible to all. "So as one of the things that was very important to Dirk Ooijkaas, the founder, was that programming for gymnastics should be provided to every child that wants it." Their immediate focus is on creating tangible opportunities for underserved families. "So our next year is going to be very focused on creating scholarship opportunities for low income qualifying families." They are also strategically expanding their offerings to meet community needs. "We're also adding more staff members so that we're able to offer more programming after school." The popular "Mallrat Camp" is also set to grow, further solidifying their unique community role.
Recognizing that program requirements can be a barrier to participation, Carrie is committed to inclusivity. "We will also be going over restructuring our curricular program so that we have access to more students who can apply. We found that the more requirements that programs like ours make, the fewer kids really get to participate. So providing tiered and leveled opportunities is going to be our next program for curricular classes." Reflecting on the journey, Carrie shares a poignant moment of progress: "This is… my first solid year really being on my two feet… as much as I daily grieve for my best friend... it's a really amazing opportunity to be able to embrace this business and grow instead of survive." This glimpse into her personal journey underscores the resilience and hope that drive Flying Dutchman Gymnastics forward.
Entrepreneurial Heart: Passion and Purpose
Carrie’s dedication to her business transcends mere profit. It’s fueled by a genuine passion for the positive impact gymnastics can have on children and a deep commitment to her community. "We're very lucky that we get to do the jobs that we do, so we're going to work hard and keep doing them for as long as we can." This sentiment highlights a crucial element of successful entrepreneurship: aligning your business with your values and finding reward in the positive change you create. James Lamont aptly summarizes this, saying, "It must be a very rewarding way, not just to have a business, but to have a meaningful business where you get to give back and be part of the community." Carrie’s journey underscores the power of purpose in sustaining and motivating an entrepreneur through both triumphs and tribulations.
A Final Note of Encouragement
Carrie’s story is more than just a business narrative; it’s an inspiring testament to the human spirit. Her resilience in the face of loss, her innovative approach to challenges, and her unwavering commitment to community offer valuable lessons for anyone pursuing their dreams. As she humbly states, "Thank you so much, James. This opportunity, I cannot tell you how important it is for us to be able to have…roots in the community in doing things like this. So thank you, James. I really appreciate it." Her gratitude and dedication speak volumes. Flying Dutchman Gymnastics, born from a shared passion and nurtured through perseverance, stands as a beacon of what’s possible when you combine a strong vision with a deep commitment to serving others. Carrie’s journey reminds us that even amidst the unexpected pivots and profound challenges, the power of community and a purpose-driven heart can lead to remarkable growth and lasting impact.
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