About Us

Shortly after the birth of their first child, JR and Jill Emerson felt strongly that it was important for one of them to become a stay-at-home parent.  After lengthy discussions, it was decided JR, a computer network specialist, would take on the daily responsibilities of raising their daughter.

"It just seemed like too much free play time. We wanted to learn as much as we wanted our daughter, Jamie, to learn and grow," said Jill Emerson, attorney.

“As young professionals we were sure that we were not the only ones feeling that something was missing," said J.R.

"Before we knew it we hired a pediatrician, child psychologist, and early childhood development specialist to help us create EncouraGYM" added Jill.

EncouraGYM’s unique concept in mixing fun children’s programs and retail merchandise was immediately well received.  Within the first month of operations, people begin to approach JR and Jill about purchasing an EncouraGYM.  They quickly realized that parent’s, children, and business owners could benefit from EncouraGYM’s unique program.                                  

Driven forward with JR’s passion to make a difference in the lives of parents and children as well experience in marketing and advertising and Jill’s experience in legal matters helped them to put together a plan to show others how to start their own EncouraGYM.

Soon they begin the legal work necessary to show others how to live the American Dream—starting and running your own business.   Today  EncouraGYM is steadily growing.

“It is our goal to have an EncouraGYM  in every small town and large metropolitan area.  Children everywhere deserve the right to attend our programs.  We make no distinction between children in small towns and large cities.  And that is why EncouraGYM is priced so competitively, said Jill.”

JR and Jill attribute EncouraGYM’s success to the midwestern principles on which their business is based.  We believe that the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, dedication, and focus have served to guide our business decisions.  Today our mission to help others help themselves.