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
00:00 – Intro: Meet Robert Creech
01:16 – 26 Years of Fitness & Southaven Growth
02:25 – The Accidental Start: Stretching to Strategy
03:27 – From Dirt to a Destination Gym
04:32 – Facility Evolution Over the Years
05:30 – Spotting Trends vs. Fitness Fads
07:11 – The Rise of Recovery Services
08:13 – Advice for Gym Newbies
09:17 – The Starting Point Process
11:09 – Small Goals, Big Results
12:56 – Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Fitness
17:01 – Let’s Talk About Recovery & Nutrition
18:23 – The Relaxation Pod & Mental Health
19:27 – What’s Next for DAC? Cold Rooms & Contrast Therapy
20:41 – The Story That Keeps Robert Going
24:01 – How the Chamber Has Helped DAC
25:30 – Final Words: Start Where You Are
26:10 – Like, Subscribe, and Let’s Keep Moving!
🔥 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?
👇 Drop your questions, feedback, or fitness wins in the comments!
📲 FOLLOW & CONNECT
🔔 Subscribe to never miss an episode of Southaven Business Beat!
📸 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @SouthavenChamber
🏋️♂️ Learn more about DAC: daclife.com
🔗 TAGS
#SouthavenBusinessBeat #DeSotoAthleticClub #DACLife #RobertCreech #SouthavenMS #FitnessJourney #FitnessMistakes #GymTips #WellnessTrends #RecoveryTherapy #ColdPlunge #HydroMassage #SouthavenChamber #MississippiBusiness #ChamberSpotlight #LocalSuccessStory
