Catalyst: The First 20 Years

Summary:Chris Cooper takes listeners through the 20-year history of Catalyst — from a tiny 400 sq ft studio above a card shop in 2005 to a thriving community hub preparing for its next evolution in 2025. Hear the highs and lows: discovering CrossFit, near bankruptcy, mentorship, building Ignite, competing at the Games, moving into a permanent home, surviving the pandemic, and evolving into today’s semi-private training model. Along the way, Chris reflects on the people, memories, and lessons that shaped Catalyst into what it is today.Bullet Highlights:2005: Catalyst opens above Party Palace.2006–2007: Discovering CrossFit & first group classes.2008–2011: Industrial park move, expansion, Ignite program.2012–2014: Competitive success & CrossFit journalism.2017: Move to White Oak permanent home.2020: Navigating pandemic lockdowns.2022: New mission — change 7,000 lives in Sault Ste. Marie.2023: Semi-private training launch, best results ever.2025: Catalyst’s 20th anniversary & “Catalyst 2.0” on the horizon.