Brent Macon is bringing an exciting kids’ gymnastics hub to Dunwoody Village. From infant classes to school-age programs, Little Gym offers engaging activities that build essential skills while kids have a blast. Brent also shares insights on parenting, community engagement, and the importance of physical play in a screen-heavy world. We also talk about his podcast Macon Atlanta, and how we are each treating the AI Revolution that is changing the business world.
On this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody, Matt Weber welcomes Brent Macon, owner of the new Little Gym of Dunwoody, to discuss his journey, vision, and community-centered approach in bringing his children’s gymnastics program to Dunwoody. Sponsored by Dr. Bret Freedman and Village Orthodontics, this conversation explores the exciting impact of Little Gym and Macon’s ambitions for engaging Dunwoody families.
Why Dunwoody? A Community-Centric Approach
Macon describes his decision to establish Little Gym in Dunwoody as a thoughtful one, underscored by the area’s need for youth-oriented activities. After exploring Dunwoody Village and recognizing its mix of local businesses, he found it the ideal spot to serve Dunwoody families, adding that the small-town atmosphere amidst a big city attracted him. From the Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade to the close-knit neighborhoods, Dunwoody, in Macon’s view, is the perfect home for his business and family.
What Little Gym Offers: Programs for Every Age
At Little Gym of Dunwoody, Macon offers a membership-based gymnastics program for kids as young as four months to grade-school age. This isn’t just a place for learning gymnastics but a venue where kids develop vital social and cognitive skills. Programs are tailored to each age group, including parent-child classes for infants and toddlers, preschool classes, and structured grade-school classes that foster coordination, balance, and teamwork. Macon emphasizes that children gain valuable life skills here, making Little Gym a springboard for young ones embarking on life’s adventures.
Engaging Dunwoody Parents: Special Events and More
Little Gym provides several unique offerings for Dunwoody parents seeking structured, fun, and convenient options for their children. Fall break camps, birthday parties, and Parent Survival Nights (a monthly parents’ night out) are highly popular among Dunwoody families. These programs allow parents to enjoy a worry-free evening at local Dunwoody spots like Barn and Carbonara while their kids are entertained and active at the gym.
Building a Dunwoody Legacy: Expansion and Community Goals
Beyond Dunwoody, Macon is excited about expanding Little Gym’s reach to other Atlanta communities. Alongside his business partner, Jane Mills, Macon plans to open new locations in Grant Park, Midtown, Peachtree City, and West Cobb. With a background in consulting, Macon emphasizes that his priority is to foster a positive team culture, which is why he works closely with his team and gym director, Ruby, to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience for families.
Why Little Gym? A Purposeful Mission
Macon’s background as a consultant in the tech sector motivated him to shift toward a more people-oriented, hands-on career. Seeing the impact of Little Gym’s program on children’s development and the joy it brings to families, he was drawn to its community value. In a world where screens often dominate children’s lives, Macon sees Little Gym as an antidote, focusing on physical play, social interaction, and skill-building. He believes that activities like gymnastics play an essential role in childhood development, helping kids grow in coordination and confidence.
The Power of Podcasting: Macon’s Own Creative Outlet
Inspired by his journey with Little Gym, Macon created his podcast, Macon Atlanta, where he explores “big questions, bold ideas, better living.” The podcast serves as a space for him to discuss topics outside his day job, ranging from AI and healthcare to social issues. In this episode, Weber and Macon bond over their shared love for podcasting, reflecting on how it allows them to connect with others and explore diverse topics.
The Role of AI in Business and Everyday Life
The conversation shifts to how AI impacts their businesses and lives. Weber shares how ChatGPT has streamlined his process for creating weekly real estate highlights, allowing him to save time while delivering high-quality content. Macon similarly uses AI tools to enhance Little Gym’s customer communication. They both agree that AI can empower individuals by enhancing productivity and decision-making while allowing more time for meaningful work.
Little Gym’s Place in Dunwoody’s Future
In closing, Macon highlights Little Gym of Dunwoody as an integral part of the community, emphasizing its role in supporting families and contributing to Dunwoody’s vibrant local scene. Through partnerships with community events like Trunk or Treat and Light Up Dunwoody, Macon and his team are committed to building lasting relationships within Dunwoody.
