Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Longcrier
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We’re excited to introduce ourselves as the Longcrier family—Marcus, Rachel, and our two little ones, Sawyer Ann (4) and Gentry (2)—the proud owners of We Rock the Spectrum – Knoxville. Our 6,100-square-foot kid’s gym/play space will officially open to the public on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10 am to 5 pm!
While We Rock the Spectrum is a worldwide franchise with over 170 locations, each gym is unique to its community, individually owned and operated. We’re thrilled to bring this inclusive space to Knoxville, where we’ve lived since 2014. Originally from Upper East Tennessee (Erwin and Bristol), we’ve made Knoxville our home and have a deep commitment to this community.
Our journey to open WRTS Knoxville has been personal. Through our own experience with sensory-related challenges, we recognized the need for resources like this here. When Rachel discovered the We Rock the Spectrum location in her hometown of Bristol, we knew Knoxville needed a similar space—and the rest is history!
While you’ll often see Rachel in the gym daily, Marcus will be more of a “behind the scenes” guy as he will stay in his current job. Please say hello when you see us! Our goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for children of ALL abilities. We’re honored to bring this resource to Knoxville and look forward to welcoming you and your family!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not exactly, but it unfolded just as it was meant to, and for that, we’re grateful. When we finalized our franchise agreement in spring 2023, we thought we knew exactly where the gym would go. Little did we know, we were very wrong! The journey taught us a lot—like when we came close to securing a different space, but Rachel had a gut feeling it wasn’t “the one,” and she was right. Patience became our lesson.
Along the way, we’ve experienced many changes in our own lives and in the lives of those dear to us, and we’ve met some incredible people—friends we’ll always treasure. We’re truly grateful for the road that led us to where we are today. We are so appreciative to everyone who has stood with us, supported us, and helped us reach this point!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Each We Rock the Spectrum kid’s gym is uniquely tailored to its community and locally owned and operated. Our Knoxville location spans over 6,000 square feet, providing a safe, sensory-focused, inclusive play space for children of ALL abilities. Open seven days a week, we will be offering a variety of activities, including Open Play, Birthday Parties, and Rental Space for therapies, classes, or events. We also host Special Events like Character Visits, Specialty Classes, Day Camps, Parents’ Night Out, and much more!
We Rock the Spectrum began with Founder Dina Kimmel, who opened the first gym in Tarzana, California in 2010 after recognizing a need for a safe, inclusive play space for her neurodiverse son and the broader community. Word spread, and soon requests poured in from across the country. In 2013, We Rock the Spectrum became a franchise, and by 2016, it had expanded internationally. Now, in just over a decade, there are over 170 locations worldwide, each dedicated to inclusivity and community.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Personally, I believe taking risks is essential, especially when the reward aligns with something truly meaningful. Every worthwhile achievement requires stepping outside of what’s comfortable and familiar. While risks can be intimidating, they often lead to the most significant growth, new perspectives, and unexpected opportunities. It’s about evaluating what’s at stake and deciding if the potential reward aligns with your values, dreams, or goals. If the risk is one that could positively impact your life or other’s, it’s worth the leap. Even if things don’t go as planned, the experience itself can be invaluable, teaching resilience, adaptability, and courage.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WEROCKTHESPECTRUMKNOXVILLE.COM
- Instagram: WRTSKNOXVILLE
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093052490195&mibextid=JRoKGi
