April 11, 2026

What It Actually Takes to Start a Cheer Gym From Scratch

1 hour 1 minute

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton sits down with Alli Doiron and Jordan Arsenault, the co-owners of 506 Elite, to talk about what it really looks like to build a cheer gym from the ground up. From joking about opening a gym together to actually creating one of their own in New Brunswick, this conversation dives into the real story behind their journey.

Alli and Jordan share how they built a program centered on culture, inclusivity, hard work, and athlete support. They talk about opening a gym when their previous program was closing, building a coaching staff that is fully aligned, creating individualized coaching systems for athletes, and balancing fun with accountability in a way that actually works.

They also break down how they structure their elite and premier programs, why they bring in guest coaches, how they handle smaller team sizes intentionally, and what they are most excited about heading into the next season.

If you are a cheer gym owner, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real insight on partnership, leadership, staff development, gym culture, and building a program that reflects your values.

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