Employee Spotlight: Donald Rich

Donald Rich | Fitness Attendant | Joined Penumbra in 2022

Q. What is your current role at Penumbra?

My position at Penumbra is a Fitness Attendant. I open the fitness center at 4:00 a.m. Other opening responsibilities include turning the computer, badge reader and music on, checking that the gym is safe, and all the supplies are fully stocked. Once I have done that, I make my mandatory coffee!

The gym is usually slow until 6:00 a.m. when it starts to pick up. I use my personal skills to greet everyone by name to make sure everyone feels welcome and appreciated. During this busier time, I make sure everyone is using the equipment safely, and, if anyone has any questions, I make sure I am available to answer them. I also track the use of equipment so that we have an accurate count of what equipment is being used the most and what equipment is being used the least. This is important to the fitness center for the purchase of any new equipment and the removal of any equipment that’s not being used.

Q. What drew you to Penumbra?

I learned about Penumbra from a former supervisor at a previous gym. She mentioned Penumbra was looking for a fitness attendant to work from 4:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. I held off applying because I was not interested in those hours at the time. However, once I started, I found that I really liked working those hours. Working the early shift has also afforded me quality time with my family after work.

I also like Penumbra’s commitment to helping as many patients and families as possible, which resonates with my approach to health and fitness. My goal is to help as many people as I can through exercise and nutrition.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy opening the gym at 4:00 a.m. and helping people with their exercise form. As a personal trainer, I am always looking for a way to help people maximize their time and get the most out of their exercise routines. Some people only have 10 minutes to work out, so I give them tips to help them do more work in less time. For example, I create exercise circuits that go from one exercise to the next with very little rest between the exercises. This way, you can do resistance exercises for strength and tone and do cardio at the same time by resting very little.

Q. If you did not pursue your current career, what do you see yourself doing professionally?

I love to read philosophy. I could see myself professionally as a counselor as I am a good listener and love to help people help themselves. People always ask me for advice in their approach to health and fitness. I always listen carefully and ask lots of questions. This helps me answer their questions effectively and give the best possible answer I can based on my knowledge and experience.

Q. Describe yourself at age 10. What career aspirations did you have at that age?

As a kid, I used to watch pro wrestling every Saturday morning. There was one wrestler, “Superstar” Billy Graham, who really inspired me. Whenever he was on TV and flexed his muscles, I told myself I’d have muscles too one day.

Q. Describe a travel adventure that you will never forget.

There was a six-week, personal training course in Maui, Hawaii. Maui was so beautiful and amazing. One unforgettable excursion was hiking into a cave and jumping into a clear pool of water.