Appeared at Universal Studios, Hollywood with the new California Raisin Character to lead the free "Raisin' Shine" workout session (February 19, 2000).
He ran his own workout studio called Slimmons. He opened it in 1974 in Beverly Hills, California, after finding that established gyms and exercise studios tended to favor already-fit people while discouraging beginners and the overweight. He endeavored to create an encouraging environment for that previously neglected clientele. He closed Slimmons in October 2016..
Everyone has a story that makes me stronger. I know that the work I do is important and I enjoy it, but it is nice to hear the feedback of what we do to inspire others.