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Catalyst: The First 20 Years
Season 2 · Episode 65

Catalyst: The First 20 Years

The Catalyst · Chris Cooper

August 25, 202533m 46s

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Show Notes

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.