Hello Buncombe County!
This week’s Tuesday Small Business Highlight is all about resilience and rebuilding. Meet Leslie and Summit CrossFit, an Asheville gym that’s been a steady presence since 2013 and is now pushing forward with renewed energy after nearly closing its doors following Hurricane Helene . More than just a place to work out, it’s a space intentionally built to foster accountability, connection, and a strong sense of community.
Tell us the story behind your business. What inspired you to start it, and how did it all begin?
Summit CrossFit has been part of the community since 2013, and I (Leslie) have been involved in its ownership and growth since 2018. As of January 2024, I stepped into the role of sole owner. After Hurricane Helene, there was a brief moment where I questioned whether to rebuild, but I am incredibly grateful I chose to keep going. What started as an unexpected path has turned into something I care deeply about. Fitness and the connections built inside these walls have become a true passion, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Why Buncombe County? What made you choose this area to plant roots?
As a European moving from South Florida, staying within reach of the Atlantic was important so my family could visit easily. I was also looking for a place with great food, open-minded people, and stunning scenery. Oh and SEASONS! Asheville checked every box.
What’s something about your business that most people don’t know?
From the outside, it might look like just another place to get a workout, but what they don’t see is how thoughtfully everything is built: the programming, the coaching, the way members are welcomed, and how relationships are actually cultivated, not just hoped for. It’s not accidental that our community is so tight-knit. It’s designed that way and we THRIVE on perhaps changing someone’s idea of CrossFit or being someone’s introduction to CrossFit.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a small business owner here?
Unless you were here when it happened, most people don’t realize Summit CrossFit nearly didn’t reopen after Hurricane Helene. There was a real moment where it could have ended.
A year later, we’re still working to regain stability and pay down debt. Starting over, both physically and as a community, in a town that’s still finding its footing hasn’t been easy. Rebuilding a space filled with committed, driven individuals takes time.
But through it all, I am incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received and continue to receive. It’s the reason we’re still here and fighting.
What’s been your most rewarding moment so far?
If I had to narrow it down, it’s the moments where someone walks through the doors during this rebuilding phase… and chooses to stay.
Not because everything is perfect, and not because it’s easy, but because they feel something real here. Community. Accountability. Support. Right now, we’re not just running classes, we’re helping rebuild consistency and confidence for people who might feel a little off balance themselves.
And we’re seeing it in the small moment:
The members who keep showing up even when life is chaotic.
The ones who are already starting to inspire others.
The little wins that feel way bigger because of everything it’s taken to get here.
These moments hit differently when I know how close this all came to ending.
I am most proud of this phase. The grit, the loyalty and the people who believed in Summit CrossFit before it was fully back.
What’s next for you? Anything exciting coming up that readers should know about?
May 11-17th has officially been declared the Fit City AVL Week by Mayor Manheimer and we will be offering 2 free weeks (5/11- 5/24) for all local residents. We look forward to meeting you all!
If you’ve been thinking about getting back into a routine or finding a supportive place to start, Summit CrossFit is worth a look. It’s a reminder that even after setbacks, strong communities can rebuild and come back even stronger.
We invite everyone to learn more about Leslie and the team at Summit CrossFit www.summitcrossfit.com , and to follow them on their socials @summit_crossfit & Facebook.
Please send over any feedback as we always read every reply and truly appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for being part of the Buncombe County Digest community.
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