Amanda Rae Wright became a member of CrossFit Lanier in 2016 and quickly fell in love with CrossFit and the gym’s atmosphere. She obtained her Level 1 CrossFit Certificate and started coaching the kids and adult programs at CrossFit Lanier. She established a relationship with the gym’s owners, who after 10 years building a thriving business, were seeking to retire. Amanda wanted to purchase the business and continue its current success while growing it to new heights.

After referrals from her business advisor at the Small Business Development Center at the University of Georgia, Amanda contacted several banks to finance the purchase. But she was either ignored, or asked where her husband was, or told that he needed to be on the loan to be considered. She also had banks string her along for months, only to tell her no in the end.  It seemed she wasn’t being taken seriously- until her advisor referred her to ACE.

Amanda was able to secure a business loan with ACE in 6 weeks, which made it possible for her to buy the business and to make several upgrades in time to meet her deadline. Because she was able to add quality equipment, she can sustain the membership and grow the gym. She was fortunate not to have had much impact from COVID-19 because gym members still showed up regularly and were very loyal, so membership and income remained stable.

CrossFit Lanier is a fitness center with dedicated trainers that provide coaching throughout the programmed workouts. The gym is very family oriented, with the age range of customers from 7 to 70 years old. They have coaching programs for kids, a Teens Program, Adult classes, and private coaching as well.


“This purchase is a dream come true for me. By the time I found ACE, I was jaded and frustrated. Chris Clay was my loan officer, and he went above and beyond for me. He followed through with everything he said he would and constantly reassured me. Thank you for giving me a chance (without insisting my husband be on the loan). Thanks also, for having such great employees representing your company.”  Amanda Rae Wright

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