Statement Regarding the Closure of Earnest Academy

We want to share a clear and honest explanation with the community regarding the current status of Earnest Academy.

From the beginning, the Schatz and Marshall family made major personal and financial investments to create a gym meant to serve local athletes and families. The family paid for the build-out of the facility and ran the business without pay to give Earnest Academy the best chance to succeed.

For the first two years, the Academy operated as intended. However, concerns arose regarding whether all program payments were being properly processed through the Company’s accounts. Upon further discussion, it became apparent the owners of Earnest Academy disagreed over their respective rights and obligations to each other and to the Company.  Financial obligations tied to the business were not being met, and continuing to operate would have caused further financial losses, making closure necessary.

Out of respect for the community, our staff, and the athletes, the Company exhausted all practical solutions to work through these issues privately and professionally. Unfortunately, those efforts did not lead to a solution.

Because every solution presented was ultimately rejected, the Company was forced to initiate a lawsuit asserting claims of breach of fiduciary duties, breach of contract, conversion, and unjust enrichment. This was not a decision made lightly, but due to the Company’s inability to recover the damages it has suffered over the past two years in a private manner, it became necessary.  

The greatest loss in this situation is to the community. Earnest Academy was created to be a long-term resource for local athletes and families.  We remain committed to finding a way to continue to provide that resource to the community while remaining as transparent as possible. While the legal process moves forward, we are also exploring options to lease or repurpose the building so it can continue to serve the community’s need for athletic and training space.

We sincerely thank the athletes, families, and community members who supported Earnest Academy during the past few years.

-Earnest Academy