Photo by Kyle Webb
Photo by Kyle Webb
Photo by Kyle Webb
Photo by Kyle WebbBee Cave gymnastics center focuses on building physical education foundations
When John Mann and Joe Dondero were enrolled at the U.S. Naval Academy, the duo knew they wanted to enter the workforce together. After a few years, however, they realized corporate America wasn't for them, Mann said.
"We knew we wanted to do something together, and in the '90s it was either going to be something with kids, pets or the elderly," Mann said.
Mann said he and Dondero have always loved fitness and physical education, and the structured environment at the Naval Academy led them to build a business around children. With the help of Alicia Drais-Parillo, an early childhood development specialist, and Martina Balke, a doctor of physical education curriculum development and training, the duo opened gymnastics center Rolly Pollies in Annapolis, Md., in 2002.
The success of the business was almost instant, with more than 600 children a week visiting the facility after six months of opening, Mann said.
