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Below is our recent interview with Paul Williams, Founder & CEO at Take Flight:
A: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to your company?
A: Take Flight was launched in 2009 as a mission-driven youth organization for the Washington D.C. area, with the goal of instilling healthy habits for lifelong success and happiness. Our organization has grown over the past 12 years to become the region’s most trusted resource for the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children. In addition to programs focused on physical fitness, we offer financial literacy programs and personalized mentoring to foster the holistic development of children and their families.
Q: Any highlights on your recent announcement?
A: The launch of Under the Lights flag football program this April will offer a competitive, confidence-building, non-contact football experience for the youth of Montgomery County, in line with Take Flight’s mission of promoting healthy lifestyles for future success. In addition to skill development, the flag football program will focus on teaching respect, unity and teamwork. The flag football league will also help promote and market our upcoming summer camp and summer programs.
Q: Can you give us more insights into your offering?
A: Take Flight strives to build both skills and confidence in program participants. Our number one priority is to help youth and families make a strong and permanent connection between physical, mental and emotional health. Take Flight is built on a foundation of immense trust, and it’s only through this trust in our programs that we’re able to build lifelong skills and habits that lead to long-term success and health.
With more than one-third of children under the age of 18 now classified as overweight or obese, Take Flight’s mission to motivate youth has become more important than ever. The organization’s vision is to encourage future leaders to be fit – both physically and mentally – so they can improve their lives, impact their communities and be the force behind long-term change in childhood obesity.
Q: What can we expect from your company in next 6 months? What are your plans?
A: In addition to partnering with Under Armour, we will be announcing the launch of our first summer camp within the next few weeks in Gaithersburg, Maryland. We currently have a bid in for multiple property sites in the Gaithersburg area, which will be our first offical Take Flight program site. This site will allow us to continue grow our programs and services.
Q: What is the best thing about your company that people might not know about?
A: When Take Flight Incorporated started in 2010, our primary focus was on career development. The idea came from taking a business writing course junior year of college, which consisted of resume writing, cover letters, financial literacy, mock interviews, and public speaking. Youth in our organization who parents or guardians expressed a need for mentorship also learn these life skills as well.
