The small community of Farmers, in Rowan County, is seeing big changes in its economy. A recent influx of new businesses has been steadily moving to the area.
One business in particular is aiming to make an impact on the many Kentuckians in the state’s most rural communities. Elite Athletics is a gym owned by Justin MacKeznie and operated by him and personal trainer Brad Murphy. Currently, the two men offer personal training to the region’s youth athletes, playing football, baseball, and of course the Bluegrass’s favorite, basketball. Recently, however, the men decided it was time to expand their business by turning it into a 24/7 gym with weightlifting and access to plenty of other equipment and personal training.
McKenzie said the idea of opening and operating a gym in the area comes from his passion for health and wellness. He added expanding his business into a public facility seemed like the logical next step.
“We’ve gotten so busy, we’ve just kind of decided we’re going to expand it. Make it available to everybody in the area instead of just a certain amount of people,” said MacKenzie.
Trainer Brad Murphy added just because the gym is expanding doesn’t mean they will cease business as usual. He said their priority will remain training athletes.
“Eventually what we’ll be doing is a 24/7 facility. We’re almost getting wrapped up with getting that finished, so it will be available to everyone in the area. We will still obviously be doing our personal training as well,” said Murphey.
McKenzie said he wants his business to be a place where all in the community feel like they belong.
“We just want a place where we can still work with the youth, even the older people, but have a place where everybody can come in,” said MacKenzie.
As for the location of their gym, both men agreed Farmers was the right choice. Murphy said the location is optimal for several reasons. Primarily, he said Farmers is a closer drive for many of his clients and their families.
“I work with kids from all different counties. From Menifee to Elliott to Olive Hill to Grayson, so this is a good middle ground,” said Murphey.
It would seem many local entrepreneurs agree with Murphy. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a dozen businesses have relocated or opened along State Highway 801 and US 60 in Rowan County.
Harry Clark, Judge Executive of Rowan County, said it’s no surprise businesses are drawn to the area. He noted the county is only one of the few in eastern Kentucky projected to grow.
“We’ve got a lot of things here to offer, and we continue to get more. The UK Saint Claire partnership is just one example of that. The education that we have behind this with MSU and MCTC offering both technical degrees and space-science degrees and engineering degrees,” said Clark.
Eastern Kentucky is home to one of the nation’s most impoverished and least healthy congressional districts. Clark said a fitness center is a welcome addition to the area’s flourishing economy.
“I think anything we can engage the youth in that’s a positive is definitely a step in the right direction to help prevent some drug abuse and other things down the road,” said Clark.
Clark said when successful businesses move to Rowan County, it only helps the thousands of people who call the area home. Whether it be added jobs, goods, or services, the growing economy offers something for everyone in the community.