Spotlight on Daniel S. at Equinox

On a recent Saturday evening, Daniel took to the town to eat sushi with his friends. That followed an afternoon of basketball. On another weekend, Daniel rode a tandem bicycle across Westwood with Kyle, his friend and independent living instructor. 

"Daniel stands next to Kyle, his friend and independent living skills instructor, outside of Daniel's job at the Equinox health club in Westwood."

Daniel does all of the things that other 22-year-old’s do. He likes to have friends, a love life and a career. For him, the possibility to carve out his own path in life has not been taken for granted. 

After graduating from the UCLA Pathways program, Daniel came to Best Buddies California hoping for help finding a job. Because Daniel is a very assertive person, he made it known that he wanted a job-ASAP.

In March of 2011, Daniel started working as a front desk attendant at the Equinox, an upscale health club in Westwood. Their company slogan “It’s not fitness. It’s life,” sums up the overall experience members enjoy when choosing a membership there. For Daniel, these words couldn’t be more true.  

Equinox members challenge their bodies with barbells and treadmills. So does Daniel. They pamper themselves with massages and spa treatments. So does Daniel. 

While Daniel is roughly the same as any other 22-year-old, there remains one major difference between him and everyone else. He’s funnier than everyone else. 

Blair Tudas, the Equinox Front Desk Manager, said that Daniel’s sense of humor has been a great addition to the front desk. His affable nature and sardonic humor has rubbed off on the staff and customers.

“He makes everyone laugh. He brings a sense of humor and his bold statements, sometimes unexpectedly at times,” Tudas said laughing. “The customers have gotten to know Daniel and found that he has a funny personality.”  

“I think his humor allows people around him to be at ease,” said Erin Slack, a front desk attendant who works with Daniel. “When you are being silly, it allows other people to be silly around you.” 

While Daniel likes to kid around, don’t be mistaken, he takes his job responsibilities very seriously. In fact, because of Daniel’s professional demeanor, some members of the club have no clue of his talent for comedy.

“He’s very reliable with counting classes and putting together new member packets,” said Tudas. “It’s all quality assurance with Daniel. Customers have gotten to know Daniel and they go to him directly--He’s the go to parking (validation) guy.”

Daniel has earned that honor due to a relentless pursuit to make sure the customer is well served. He is very attentive to the members who check in at the front desk. 

“I’m really proud of what I do. I’ve improved at everything, swiping cards. I’m really good at counting classes. I feel a lot more comfortable here. I really enjoy what I do here,” Daniel said. 

While the Equinox’s members are transforming their bodies through fitness and the power of good health, Daniel is transforming his life by adding more purpose to his life. 

“(Life) is a lot better. I’m a lot happier. It’s nice to have a job. It’s nice to have friends here. It gives me more stuff to do, like take my girlfriend out for a date,” Daniel said.

Daniel and his friends like to go out all over Westwood. He likes having money and going out, just don’t expect him to pick up the tab for you. You are more likely to be karate chopped, according to Daniel.