Host: Cristan Engelke
Guest: Robert Creech
VIDEO
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Community Bank – communitybank.net
EPISODE SPONSOR:
Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/
DESCRIPTION
Welcome to another powerful episode of Southaven Business Beat, where we shine the spotlight on the local legends shaping our community! In this episode, your host Kristen Okas sits down with a true pioneer in Southaven fitness—Robert Creech, the founder and owner of DeSoto Athletic Club (DAC)—to explore the inspiring story behind one of the city’s most iconic health and wellness institutions.
Robert shares how he turned a random gym-floor conversation into a thriving fitness empire that’s been helping the Mid-South move, grow, and recover for over two and a half decades. With humor, humility, and unmatched experience, Robert walks us through the evolution of the DAC—from its humble beginnings surrounded by hay bales and cows, to becoming a cutting-edge fitness hub with recovery pods, hydro massage chairs, and even plans for contrast therapy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The accidental conversation that launched the DAC.
How a former college athlete turned into a successful entrepreneur at just 23 years old.
The secret sauce behind DAC’s success—even through recessions and pandemics.
Why community and connection will always beat virtual workouts.
The biggest mistakes new gym-goers make—and how to avoid them.
Why fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how DAC helps tailor your journey.
Upcoming trends in wellness: cold rooms, mental recovery pods, and more.
One unforgettable story of a young Make-A-Wish athlete who beat the odds—and how DAC played a role in that journey.
The impact of being involved in the Southaven Chamber and local community efforts.
Whether you’re a seasoned fitness pro, someone who hasn’t set foot in a gym in years, or simply looking for some serious inspiration, this episode will motivate you to move—both physically and professionally.
CHAPTERS
- Intro: Meet Robert Creech (00:00 – 01:16)
- 26 Years of Fitness & Southaven Growth (01:16 – 02:25)
- The Accidental Start: Stretching to Strategy (02:25 – 03:27)
- From Dirt to a Destination Gym (03:27 – 04:32)
- Facility Evolution Over the Years (04:32 – 05:30)
- Spotting Trends vs. Fitness Fads (05:30 – 07:11)
- The Rise of Recovery Services (07:11 – 08:13)
- Advice for Gym Newbies (08:13 – 09:17)
- The Starting Point Process (09:17 – 11:09)
- Small Goals, Big Results (11:09 – 12:56)
- Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Fitness (12:56 – 17:01)
- Let’s Talk About Recovery & Nutrition (17:01 – 18:23)
- The Relaxation Pod & Mental Health (18:23 – 19:27)
- What’s Next for DAC? Cold Rooms & Contrast Therapy (19:27 – 20:41)
- The Story That Keeps Robert Going (20:41 – 24:01)
- How the Chamber Has Helped DAC (24:01 – 25:30)
- Final Words: Start Where You Are (25:30 – 26:10)
- Like, Subscribe, and Let’s Keep Moving! (26:10 – 27:14)
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
“Fitness is not a one-size-fits-all journey—we meet people where they are.” – Robert Creech
“You’ve got to know where you are to figure out where you want to go.” – Robert
“Nobody in the gym is looking at you—they’ve got their own goals. Just start.” – Robert
“Success in the gym comes from consistency, not perfection.” – Cristan
TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY
Start small. Don’t expect overnight results—set achievable, realistic goals.
Don’t go alone. Whether it’s a group class or a workout buddy, find community.
Assess first. A proper starting point session is key to long-term success.
Recovery matters. Sleep, nutrition, and mental health all impact your results.
Find your ‘why.’ Keep it front and center when motivation gets tough.
SHOUTOUT TO THE SOUTHAVEN CHAMBER
This episode is made possible by the continued support of the Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a connector, a champion, and a catalyst for local business success. Learn more about their events, initiatives, and how you can get involved at southavenchamber.com.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Are you a DAC member with a story to share?
Want to know more about upcoming recovery services?
We’d love to hear about your fitness journey!
FOLLOW & CONNECT
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @SouthavenChamber
Learn more about DAC: daclife.com
SPONSOR LIST
https://www.wisdomintegrators.com – Wisdom Integrators
https://thefollowapp.co/ – The Follow App
https://www.purefocus.media/ – Pure Focus Media
https://www.southavenchamber.com/ – Southaven Chamber of Commerce
YOUTUBE URL
