Check Out Diana & DL Patton’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana & DL Patton.

Hi Diana & DL, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our story began in 1983…..We were in the 8th grade and became a couple after meeting at a dance for area middle schoolers. Fast forward to 1986, Star Fitness was the new gym in town. Because we both had a passion for lifting weights, we immediately joined Star Fitness and became its first 100 members. Over the years, Star Fitness has always been a part of our lives. Not only was DL a gym member but he also worked at the gym as an employee. We knew we would eventually want to own this “old school gym.”

In 2013, the business “Star Fitness” was for sale. We were on our way to our 25th class reunion and discussing purchasing the gym. Just before going into the venue, we both agreed to put our faith in God. At the venue, a former classmate told us to look at the banner titled: “What will I be doing in 25 years.” I (Diana) had written on this banner and at the end of my “dreams”, I said we would own a gym together. We both looked at each other and knew that was our sign to move forward with the business purchase of Star Fitness. Taking a leap of faith and becoming business owners has been one of the most rewarding things we have done in our lives.

We are in our 12th year of owning Star Fitness and still loving every minute of it! Fitness fads come and go but our gym has remained constant in peoples’ lives. Star Fitness is a special gym.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Over the past 12 years, owning and operating the gym has been rewarding to both of us. We have had only one major “bump in the road.” In 2020 the State of Michigan shut down gyms for 6 months due to Covid. We put our faith in God, our loyal gym members, and survived this time of turmoil.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I (Diana) am the sole employee of Star Fitness and manage all operations. I work the counter, clean, write exercise programs/advise on how to use equipment, manage all billing info, and maintain accounting software input. DL helps with maintenance, cleaning, working the counter, and training members on the times he isn’t teaching Health and Physical Education at Mar Lee School.

We are most proud of our members who put in the work and succeed in their individual fitness goals!

What sets us apart from other gyms? 1. Our business phone is a cell phone that we keep with us at all times. This means that we can answer questions or take care of current members needs quickly 7 days a week.
2. Our gym is 24/7 access for gym members.
3. We have gym memberships ranging from one month on up to a year. By offering this flexibility to our members, they can pick an option that fits their lifestyle.
4. We do not charge a signup fee, maintenance fee, or cancellation fee.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Trust in God with all that we do……..
Furthermore, pursuing our dream of owning a fitness gym has given us the confidence to pursue other dreams. In 2016, both DL and Diana competed in NPC bodybuilding competitions. In 2021, we established a whitetail deer breeding facility at our home called D2 Whitetails LLC.

Pricing:

• Membership Tiers: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year
• 15% discount for veterans, teachers, public service personne

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.starfitness.org
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/StarFitnessMarshall