Building in the Snow
Long before GoodLife Fitness became a household name, David “Patch” Patchell Evans was showing early signs of the drive that would later define his career. To pay for school and living expenses, he built a snow plowing business that quickly earned a reputation for dependable service. Clients valued his punctuality during early morning storms, his attention to detail in clearing driveways and parking lots, and his willingness to work in the harshest winter conditions. The consistent quality of his work brought in steady business, teaching him how trust and reliability can be just as important as skill. These early experiences formed a foundation for his future ventures, giving him insight into customer relationships, operational discipline, and the satisfaction of delivering on promises.
A Life-Changing Accident
In his first year at Western University, David “Patch” Patchell Evans was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. The crash left him with significant injuries and a long road to recovery. Part of that process meant regular workouts as part of his rehabilitation. Inside the gym, he found more than just physical therapy; he found a sense of purpose. The discipline, structure, and progress he experienced during recovery planted the idea that fitness could play a much larger role in his life.
Selling a Snow Plowing Business
When the idea of opening a gym began to take hold, Patch found himself at a crossroads. The snow plowing business was steady and familiar, and it had given him a dependable income along with valuable experience managing operations. Selling it would mean giving up a known source of income in exchange for the uncertainty of a completely different industry, one that demanded a new set of skills and a long-term commitment. After weighing his options, he decided to sell. The money he freed up, along with additional borrowing, gave him the resources to take over a small fitness club in London, Ontario in 1979. It was a significant leap into the unknown, but one aligned with his growing passion for health, fitness, and the possibilities he saw for building something lasting.
From First Gym to National Presence
That first club was modest, but it was built with a clear focus on creating a welcoming community. The approach resonated with members. Over time, the business expanded beyond London and into other cities. Decades later, what began with one location grew into GoodLife Fitness, Canada’s largest chain of gyms, serving millions of members across the country. The journey was not overnight, and it came with challenges, but each stage built on the lessons learned from the last.
Before reflecting on his journey, it is worth noting the scale GoodLife eventually achieved. From that first club in London, the company grew into a household name in Canadian fitness. It reached hundreds of locations nationwide, serving millions of members and employing thousands of people. GoodLife became known not just for its size, but for its community programs, staff training initiatives, and its role in promoting health and wellness in towns and cities from coast to coast. The value building expansion was steady and strategic, driven by a vision to make fitness more accessible, and supported by a reputation for consistency and care. The story of GoodLife’s growth is as much about perseverance as it is about business strategy, and it offers a glimpse into what is possible when an early idea is nurtured over decades.
An Entrepreneur’s Reflection
Not every decision to sell a business will lead to an empire, and not every risk pays off in the same way. What Patch’s story shows is how experiences from one venture can influence the next, and how letting go of something that works can sometimes open the door to something that feels even more meaningful. His path is a reminder that the first chapter of your entrepreneurial journey does not have to define the last, and that inspiration can come from unexpected places, even a snowy driveway.