From humble beginnings to owning an award-winning gym, Michael Derek Sandoval II’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to both fitness and his community. Much like Bruce Wayne, Michael Derek has built something extraordinary from the ground up, using discipline and a sharp business mind to create Mount Olympus—a gym that embodies the spirit of competition and self-improvement.
Michael Derek’s story began in 2020, the year he graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the job he had lined up in San Antonio fell through, leaving him with no choice but to return home to Uvalde. It was in the back room of his parents’ house where the idea for Mount Olympus was born. Rather than giving in to the uncertainty of the times, Michael Derek harnessed the moment to build something of his own—a gym that would become a beacon of strength, just like its owner.
Mount Olympus didn’t just grow—it thrived, quickly earning recognition in the community. The gym was awarded the 2024 Rookie Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, a testament to Michael Derek’s strategic vision and drive to push his business forward. His competitive nature isn’t just for show; it’s the core philosophy at Mount Olympus. Michael Derek fosters a healthy, competitive environment where members are encouraged to compete with themselves, striving to be better than they were yesterday. And just like his members, Michael Derek ensures that his gym is always growing—whether through brand recognition, equipment upgrades, or strategic merchandise drops.
In addition to his work as a gym owner, Michael has built a strong social media presence. He has used his platform to promote Uvalde athletics, advocate for local businesses, and create content that resonates with his community. His contributions to Uvalde athletics have been recognized by both the high school athletic department and the booster club, culminating in the creation of the Michael Derek Sandoval II Collegiate Athlete Award—an annual recognition for Uvalde athletes who earn their college degrees while playing sports.
Michael Derek’s flair for marketing has also extended into seasonal strategies, most notably through his Halloween costume tradition. For the past five years, he’s used bold, memorable costumes as a way to generate buzz around himself and his gym during the slower fall months. This year marks his final Halloween campaign, where he will don Robert Pattinson’s Batman costume. The symbolism is fitting—as Michael Derek steps out from behind the mask, he’s not only revealing the end of his costume tradition but also celebrating his entrepreneurship, drawing a parallel between Bruce Wayne’s dual identity and his own as a young business owner.
Recognizing that the fall season generally tends to bring slower times in the gym culture, Michael Derek used the Halloween tradition to keep people talking about his MD Performance brand and Mount Olympus. As his final costume makes its impact, he’s ensured that the recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit is as strong as ever, positioning himself to be the go-to fitness figure when the New Year’s fitness wave hits.
As a young entrepreneur in Uvalde, Michael Derek Sandoval II continues to push boundaries, both in business and in fitness. With Mount Olympus growing stronger by the day, it’s clear that Michael Derek’s vision and competitive spirit will keep him—and his gym—at the forefront for years to come.
For those eager to see the final chapter of Michael Derek’s Halloween costume tradition, pictures and updates will be available on his social media channels. Follow along on Instagram (@mdper4mance) and Facebook (Michael Derek Sandoval II) to catch the full reveal of Robert Pattison’s Batman and witness the end of this iconic costume series. If you’re interested in following Michael Derek’s personal story and the continued growth of his brand, you can also stay connected through his social media for behind-the-scenes insights, gym updates, and more.
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