The Big Al’s Story

In 2000, Alex Algeri, my founding partner, was taken from us in the back parking lot of our Amityville location. This was a tragedy that shook our community and rattled the members of Dolphin Fitness. All at once, the members of the gym watched their home away from home become a media circus and a place of incredible sorrow. An incredible man’s life was taken and we still miss him dearly. But through it all, the members of the community celebrated Alex’s life by enduring the sorrow and pushing through.

I couldn’t believe that even through such an incredible tragedy, people in this community would still support me, and our health club. This is what makes this community incredible. On the days I couldn’t pull up my will, in would walk one of my members offering a hug or just a smile, and that’s what has kept me going. Their strength and resolve was incredible. I’m fully committed to continue to open facilities that bring together what Alex Algeri stood for. He always had a smile; he had tons of friends; he was kind and generous; and, most of all, he loved being part of the community. Big Al would be proud of how far we have come, and I want to surprise him even further by renaming our gyms after him, a man who truly loved everyone. So, in memory of my best friend, who was also the best man at my wedding and my son’s god father, we are changing the name of the company from Dolphin Fitness to Big Al’s Family Fitness. Our clubs will be full of programs and services geared towards bringing families and the community together through health and fitness.

Alex will be looking down on the smiles and energy that his center is bringing to the families of this community. Our jobs are to create a unique place that people can meet in to enhance their lives, as I know just by having you show up to say hello has enhanced mine. I want to thank you for your support, and I hope you can take as much pride in this new name of our community health and fitness center as I will.

Paul Riedel

Founder
WELCOME TO BIG AL’S FAMILY FITNESS!

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