Appreciating a ‘feeling of community’ in Center Grove

Appreciating a ‘feeling of community’ in Center Grove

By Nancy Price

As owner of fitness center F-45 Center Grove, Jonathan “J.T.” Metzger insists that the best part of owning his own business is seeing the positive impact it has on its members’ lives.

“We’ve gotten to know members as people, and the things they’re accomplishing are unreal,” he said. “I’m so lucky to be a part of that.”

Originally from Mitchell, Ind., Metzer studied engineering after high school, receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville. He also studied at Georgia Institute of Technology for two years. “That morphed into an MBA from the Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, Ind., where I focused in strategy and operations consulting,” he said. “Most of my career has been in strategic consulting, primarily in the agribusiness and technology industries.”

Metzger occasionally teachers business classes at the Kelley School of Business and has been actively involved with a few nonprofits. “Early in my career, I led an organization that provided scholarship and mentorship opportunities to high school students interested in business or technology,” he said.

Metzger and his wife, Karen have called Center Grove home for the past seven years. The couple has two children, Emily, 7, and Jack, 4, along with a 3-month-old golden retriever named Beau. The family attends Emmanuel Church in Greenwood. Metzger enjoys coaching his kids’ sports teams, in addition to watching the Indianapolis Colts and playing golf.

What is your greatest virtue?

Determination.

What upsets you?

When I am not able to provide a valuable experience or service.

What do you like best about Center Grove?

The sense of community!  My wife and I are both from small towns, and we think Center Grove is the best of both worlds – close enough to the city, but with a real sense of community.

What’s your favorite Southside eatery?

Tried & True Alehouse. We’re big fans of the crispy Brussels sprouts.

If you had to live anywhere else in the Metro Indianapolis area, where would it be?

The Meridian-Kessler neighborhood.

If you could begin life over, what would you change?

Capitalizing on more opportunities to learn from others.

If money were no issue, how would you spend it?

Our family is passionate about education. We would look to increase our support of education programs related to entrepreneurship and innovation.

What makes you happiest?

My children’s smiles.

Pick three adjectives that best describe you.

Compassionate, driven, analytical

What is your favorite vacation spot?

California wine country

What do you do with idle time?  

My wife would say I don’t know what idle time is.

What would you change about our culture if you could?

Help us be kind and open to the ideas of others.

How do you escape from reality?

An F45 Training workout.

What do you love most in life?

My family.

Which living person in Center Grove do you most admire?

I’m an IU basketball fan, so I’m going to have to say Trayce Jackson-Davis.

What quality do you admire most in another person?

Authenticity

What is your greatest extravagance?

Music tourism. My wife and I love to travel to see our favorite bands play.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being able to provide for my children.

What has been the happiest time of your life?

Seeing people change their lives and exceed their goals through F45 Training. It’s been amazing.

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