For Andrew and Melissa Fulenwider, opening The Gym isn’t just the realization of a business plan. It’s the answer to years of prayer.
The husband-and-wife team celebrated the grand opening of their new 24-hour fitness center on Saturday, July 25, transforming the former Tom Bean Feed Store into what they hope becomes a gathering place where neighbors can grow stronger physically, spiritually and together as a community.
“This has just been such a labor of love,” Melissa said. “We have been praying about this for years.”
She has spent more than a decade working in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, while Andrew, a U.S. Army veteran who served nearly nine years, owns a construction company.
After returning to Tom Bean about a decade ago, the couple repeatedly found themselves drawn to the idea of creating a hometown gym.
When the former feed store became available after longtime owners David and Stacy Apple relocated, the opportunity seemed like the perfect fit.
“We were like, ‘This would be the coolest gym,’” Melissa said. “We were able to acquire the building, and we did it. We made it a gym.”
The Gym offers members 24-hour access through a mobile app and QR code entry system.
Members will find free weights, strength-training equipment, cardio machines, saunas, tanning services, personal training and a children’s area where parents can safely leave the kids occupied while they workout.
While the equipment is important, the Fulenwiders say it’s not the heart of what they’re building.
“We’re a faith-based gym,” Melissa said. “Our vision was to bring this community together — fitness, faith, community — bringing all of that together.”
She hopes members experience something more than a place to work out.
“Our vision was that people come in and feel like family,” she said. “We want people to come in and feel like they’re at home.”
The Gym welcomes members of every fitness level, from seasoned athletes to those taking their first steps toward healthier living.
“I wanted a place close to home so that I can literally help whoever needs it at any time,” Melissa said.
Although the business officially celebrated its grand opening Saturday, the owners quietly invited a handful of family members and friends to test the facility beforehand.
This gave them a chance to identify any issues before opening to the public.
Since Saturday’s ribbon cutting, Melissa said they’ve already welcomed several new members.
The facility is not staffed on a full-time basis, but they remain readily available by appointment to give tours, answer questions and help new members get signed up.
“We’re just there for whatever people need,” Melissa said.
The project also represents a homecoming for Andrew.
A Tom Bean native, he and Melissa moved back to the community after his military service ended.
They’re raising two children there and hope to become deeply involved with local schools, athletics and community organizations.
“We’re excited to partner with athletics and cheer, the schools, teachers, parents — all the fun things during the school year,” Melissa said. “We’re going to be very involved in the community.”
The City of Tom Bean recognized the couple with the Community Achievement Award earlier this month at the regular city council meeting.
“Andrew and Melissa have made a lasting impact on our community through their dedication to promoting health, fitness and supporting local youth,” Mayor Rickey Thomas said. “Whether they’re encouraging athletes to reach their goals, volunteering their time, or investing in the next generation through youth sports, their commitment to Tom Bean is evident in everything they do.”
Looking ahead, the Fulenwiders hope The Gym becomes the first of several similar facilities throughout Grayson County.
“Our vision is to create this and kind of duplicate it as the years go,” Melissa said. “To make The Gym a place of community and belonging in different cities across Grayson County.”
For now, however, their focus remains on serving the community they call home.
“We’re just having fun,” Melissa said with a laugh. “That’s what we’re doing.”
The Gym is located at 114 West Hwy. 11 in Tom Bean.
For membership information or to schedule a tour, visit thegymsfc.com, follow @thegym.sfc on Instagram or call 903-751-3386.
