Ken Cook
Special to the Arizona Daily Star

I recently read a column extolling the economic boom going on in Austin, Texas, and Detroit, Michigan.

The article credits the growth to two things both cities share: a surge of entrepreneurial energy, and institutions and governments pre-disposed to say yes. And while AI and tech companies grab the headlines, entrepreneurs across all industries are driving these urban success stories.

Tucson operates on the same principles. Beyond our major employers, it’s the smaller, growing companies — led by passionate entrepreneurs — that form the daily pulse of our economy. Plus, there is an expanding infrastructure of support from both organizations and government at the city and county levels.

With that as a backdrop, let me introduce David Castor. He embodies everything entrepreneurship represents: resilience through failure, persistence through obstacles, and the courage to move forward every single day.

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More than a gym

Castor founded Faith, Weights & Protein Shakes, and while it’s technically a gym, that label barely scratches the surface. Following the classic entrepreneurial playbook — find your niche and own it — Castor has transformed his personal journey into business success.

“Faith, Weights & Protein Shakes is a ministry where your faith gets inspired, your workouts motivated, and your diet educated,” Castor explains. He and his wife, Maricela, aren’t just in the fitness business; they’re in the business of transforming lives.

Journey of redemption

Castor’s path here wasn’t easy. As a troubled teenager with legal problems, he discovered faith at 17 years old, a turning point that gave him both a clean slate and an unshakeable foundation.

That foundation, and a focus on bodybuilding and fitness, carried him to remarkable achievements: three bodybuilding competition wins since 2014, over 10 fitness certifications, three state powerlifting records, a master’s degree in theology and his own pastoral ministry.

Faith as business foundation

Castor doesn’t hide his niche — this is unapologetically a Christian gym. Biblical quotes line the walls, Christian music fills the air and scripture discussions happen between training sets. Sunday morning services take place right in the gym, and Castor partners with other Tucson churches while running programs for special needs children.

But faith is just one pillar. Castor’s impressive credentials and competitive achievements translate into training programs that deliver real results. Each client receives a comprehensive assessment covering strength, flexibility, cardio, and nutrition goals, followed by a customized program tailored to their frequency preferences, physical needs, and budget.

Growing beyond Tucson

The business is expanding beyond in-person training. Online programs at https://faithweightsandproteinshakez.com/ now allow people worldwide to access Castor’s faith-based fitness expertise, complemented by a full line of supplements and apparel available.

The bigger picture

David Castor represents something essential about Tucson’s economy: entrepreneurs following their passion and finding success. Hundreds of Southern Arizona entrepreneurs launch similar journeys every year.

The resources exist to support them. The Chamber of Southern Arizona offers connections. Start-Up Tucson provides guidance. JTED, Pima Community College, and the University of Arizona deliver educational programs.

Tucson’s continued economic success depends on entrepreneurs like David and Maricela Castor — people willing to turn their unique vision into reality, creating jobs and serving their community in the process. Tucson also depends on the next entrepreneur, and the one after that, and the one after that.

In a world celebrating the entrepreneurial boom in Austin and Detroit, we should remember that Tucson’s own entrepreneurial spirit is alive, well, and pumping iron.

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