With the help of Propell Credit Union, Michael Quarto turned his passion for fitness into Q-Fitness, a gym built on resilience and community.

Michael Quarto’s path to founding Q-Fitness wasn’t traditional, but it’s one that reflects his passion for fitness and commitment to helping others. For Quarto, fitness is more than a personal journey — it’s a way to build confidence, create connections, and foster resilience.

Quarto’s journey began at age 19 when a mentor helped him see how his love of athletics and helping people could become a career. This advice led him to secure an internship at a rehabilitation center, where he quickly realized the limitations of the healthcare system. Patients who wanted to continue their recovery often found their insurance coverage running out, leaving them unable to access the training they needed. Seeing this gap, Quarto’s mentor suggested he help those patients on a pay-as-you-go basis outside the clinic. This idea became the foundation for what eventually grew into Q-Fitness.

Quarto’s early experiences taught him the importance of adaptability. He interned at a township-owned gym that was struggling financially, operating in the red. By focusing on honest effort and practical solutions, Quarto turned the gym’s operations around, learning vital lessons in goal-setting and business management. He credits much of his success to mentors who guided him during pivotal moments in his life, from high school teachers who helped him navigate difficult situations to powerlifters who encouraged him to dream big.

At the core of his approach to fitness is a belief in preventative care: “Fitness and health are deeply connected. Taking care of yourself consistently can prevent illness and improve overall quality of life.”

This philosophy has helped Q-Fitness become more than a gym. It’s a community where members feel seen, valued, and supported. Quarto greets every new member personally ensuring they feel welcome. “It’s about building relationships, 18 minutes at a time,” he said, referencing the duration of a typical workout.

However, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. A cancer diagnosis tested his resilience and placed new pressures on his business. During this time, his leases were up for renewal, and landlords made assumptions about his future health and ability to maintain his operations.

This is where Propell Credit Union became an essential partner in Quarto’s story. One of his clients connected him to Gary Golden at Propell. “Propell listened to my story and believed in my goals,” Quarto said. “They didn’t fit me into a standard mold — they worked with me to create a plan that helped me rebuild and keep moving forward.”

Golden saw in Quarto the determination and spirit that define Chester County’s business community. “Michael exemplifies what our campaign is all about — building connections and strengthening local businesses to benefit everyone,” he said.

Today, the gym’s community reflects Quarto’s values. Many of his clients have been with him for over 25 years, and they share a sense of belonging that goes beyond fitness. When Quarto got married, his gym family made up much of the guest list — a testament to the relationships he’s built through his work.

Quarto’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in his own experiences. “Build on the positive and leave the negative behind,” he said. “Seek mentors, make connections, and ask for help when you need it.”

For Quarto, the journey of Q-Fitness isn’t just about running a business; it’s about creating a community where people can thrive together. Learn more about Q-Fitness here.

To experience what it’s like to truly belong, visit Propell Credit Union on Five Points Rd. or in Glen Mills. The team is available to discuss the many savings, lending, and credit programs, as well as introduce you to a network of preferred business service partners. Propell locations are more than financial institutions — they are hubs designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of achieving financial independence. Whether you’re working in your business or on your business, they’re here to “propell” you forward.