Attaining a Goal
What started as an idea in the fertile mind of a recent college grad has grown into the largest, most comprehensive fitness company in the region. Robert Creech spent much of his childhood and young adulthood in fitness centers. He set a goal in college — to open his own business by the time he was 25 years old. After he graduated, he immersed himself in the fitness club environment, and the vision for DAC began to surface. Partnering with his father, Bill, Robert set his idea into motion. After extensive market research, the Creeches decided that DeSoto County, one of the fastest growing counties in the country, would be an ideal setting for a fitness center. The DeSoto Athletic Club opened in Southaven in 1999. Staffed with just 30 employees, Robert says the early success of DAC was fueled by youthful idealism and a focus on fitness. “We really didn’t know what we were doing,” Robert says. “For most of us, including myself, it was our first real job. But I will say that we had a tremendous amount of fun and that — along with the passion of our staff — is what made our business a success in those early days.”
An Emerging Name in Fitness
Over the next few years, the club membership grew extensively. Our facility became more about finding a complete fitness solution for each member, rather than simply providing access to the center and our equipment. In 2004, DAC was awarded a contract with the Town of Collierville to oversee operations of its community center. DAC took over the newly renovated, 45,000-square-foot facility and DAC Collierville was born. After stretching into neighboring Tennessee, the DeSoto Athletic Club was rebranded as DAC Fitness.
Expanding Community Health
Since opening our doors in the first Southaven facility, DAC has grown to feature a wide array of services. Depending on the facility, you will find swimming pools, tennis courts, racquetball courts, Les Mills group exercise classes, full-service locker rooms, tanning salons, smoothie bars, expansive workout areas, on-site childcare, and the Parisi Speed School, a national athletic speed and agility training franchise. DAC continues to evolve by expanding our already vast services. Just like the goal Robert Creech set for himself as a young entrepreneur, DAC is dedicated to helping you accomplish all of your health and fitness goals. We are your full-circle fitness providers.