We’re celebrating the “90 Things We Love About the J” this year. We’ve asked our members and staff about the things they love the most and what it is about the J that keeps them coming back. In all of our discussions, the love of our staff members keeps rising to the top, including two people who work at the Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield.

If you’ve ever been to the J’s facility in Chesterfield, chances are you’ve been welcomed by Stacey and/or Dan when you walked in the front door or down the stairs to the Fitness Center. We’re taking a peek behind the desks and learning more about these two J stalwarts whose presence has become a mainstay for members and staff at the building.

          

Meet Stacey

Stacey has worked at the J for 20 years! She was born and raised here in St. Louis, and she has been married to her husband Herb for eight years. She has two dogs, whom she considers her children. Ivy is a two-year-old pit mix, and Sis is a 14-year-old Jack Russel Terrier. Some of her favorite hobbies are reading books and working out, and her favorite music is 80s rock n roll. In fact, one of her favorite books is “Face the Music” by Paul Stanley. She’s a huge Kiss fan, and she enjoyed reading about Stanley’s life growing up and all the secrets of the band from his perspective. 

Stacey is a huge fan of the J too. “I love being around all of our members and staff. The J is my second home, and the people my family,” said Stacey.

Meet Dan

Dan has worked at the J for 6 years. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and he started a 30-year career with IBM there before it took him to Atlanta, Georgia and, later, here to St. Louis. Dan likes working the Fitness Desk because it puts him in the middle of the action at the J, especially when he and the trainers get to tackle day-to-day issues as a team. “There’s nothing we can’t do,” Dan said. 

A runner in his free time, he also likes to listen to music (his favorite is Hard Rock), as well as reading about topics such as science, technology and philosophy. But his favorite thing to do outside of work hours is catch up with his family who live throughout the country – most of all his daughter who now lives in Los Angeles.

 “Of all the things I like about the J, my favorite is the feeling that I’m working for a good cause,” said Dan.

People like Dan and Stacey are so important to making the member (and staff!) experience at the Fox building wonderful. Their warm presence is a reminder that when you come to the J, you’re not just a member of a gym, you’re part of a community. The J is lucky to have these two working the desks at the Marilyn Fox Building. Be sure to say “hello” next time you see them!