By Nicole Matheson

Long time Lake Havasu City residents Dan and Christi Donaldson have continued to be a familiar and friendly presence in the community. As local business owners, they have faced trials and hardships but have overcome them to find success in their lives and work.

The couple met in Lake Havasu decades ago. Dan moved here from Thousand Oaks, Calif., in 1974, with his parents (officially in ‘77 after being discharged from the Marines), and Christi came from Greeley, Colo., in 1989, for her job as an accountant.

Theirs is a blended family, each with two girls from previous marriages, and now they have added grandchildren. Seven grandsons to be exact, one named Cristopher who is a well known influencer on social media with Top Gun AllStars.

Dan and Christi Donaldson with their grandsons. Photo courtesy Christi Donaldson

“I love being in the desert,” Dan said of why he enjoys living in Lake Havasu. He also mentioned its close proximity to major cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas as a perk. “But then you turn around and come home, you get out of the traffic and you hit the desert … you feel the weight leave your shoulders and you can breathe again,” he said. “You just head back to this sanctuary, you know?”

“Havasu is our little cocoon,” Christi said. “We just feel safe in it, we love the people. It’s just a really nice place to be.”

In 1991, the couple started Titan Gym, while Christi also works as a realtor. Unfortunately, the realization of the gym was rooted in great tragedy for the family. However, through dedication and perseverance, their business pulled through and continues to thrive today.

“The day I dedicated my business to God, his purpose … because we were struggling at the time. He spoke to me and said, ‘put a cross on your wall.’ I put a cross on my wall and everything did a 180,” Dan recalled. “When this became a Christian gym, everything changed.”

Today, Titan Gym stands out not only for being faith based, but for such offerings as Bemer therapy, and Silver Sneakers courses for seniors. Bemer therapy is non invasive and uses electro magnetic fields to aid and improve circulation. Bemer therapy has benefitted many, and the Donaldsons have many success stories of those who have used it.

Bemer Therapy at Titan Gym. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Owning this business for 35 years you evolve with what your community is and what the demand is,” Christi said of Titan’s success, referring to their Silver Sneakers classes that are geared specifically keeping seniors strong and healthy.

In addition to the gym, the Donaldsons are active members of Calvary Baptist Church and lead its Alpha classes, for those who are just beginning to explore their faith. Christi is the church treasurer and volunteers on the praise team as well.

Christi also volunteers at local nonprofit Impact 928 and is proud to share that they are building a foster home for teenage girls in Lake Havasu. “We’re really excited about it,” Christi beamed. “Because Havasu needs that.”

With their charity as well as their good nature, the Donaldsons help make Lake Havasu a great place to live.