For Melissa and Mike Reimer, building strong bones is more than just a business—it’s personal. As the new owners of an OsteoStrong franchise, the husband-and-wife team is helping people across the region improve their health, prevent injury, and live stronger, more confident lives.
OsteoStrong is a unique health and wellness center focused on strengthening the skeletal system through short, guided sessions on four patented machines. In just one 10 to 15-minute session per week, members can improve bone density, balance, and overall strength. While many members come to OsteoStrong after being diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, others, including athletes, military members, and proactive adults, use the system to get ahead of bone loss before it becomes an issue.
For Melissa, the mission hits home. “I started as a member myself because I was predisposed to bone loss,” she explained. “I wanted to get ahead of it. Over time, I think more people will start using OsteoStrong proactively rather than waiting until something goes wrong.”
Mike’s story echoes that. A longtime baseball player, he was surprised to learn that his active lifestyle wasn’t enough to keep his bones strong. After being diagnosed with osteopenia, he discovered firsthand how OsteoStrong could improve his quality of life.
A Smooth Transition with EDC Support
When the Reimers learned of an opportunity to purchase a franchise location, they were eager but unsure of where to begin. That’s where the EDC's on-site SBDC Small Business Counselor, Louis Shaikun, stepped in.
“Louis from the EDC was incredibly helpful,” Melissa said. “When you’ve never gone through the process of buying a business, it’s hard to know what you don’t know. He walked us through everything, from setting up our LLC to connecting us with an attorney. We don’t know how we would have gotten through it without that guidance.”
The couple shared that one of their biggest challenges was taking over a business that was already up and running. They wanted the transition to feel seamless for members, with no interruptions in service. With the EDC’s support and a strong plan in place, they were able to make that happen.
Rooted in St. Charles County
Though their business is located just across the Missouri River in Chesterfield Valley, the Reimers’ roots run deep in St. Charles County. Melissa grew up in the region, moved back in 2016 with her family, and now serves as an alderman for the City of St. Peters. Mike’s family has been part of the St. Charles community since the early 1980s.
“We love living here, and we would absolutely recommend St. Charles County to anyone looking to start a business,” Melissa said. “The community is supportive, and resources like the EDC make such a difference.”
The Reimers are active members of both the St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce and the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce. But they credit the EDC as being the most instrumental resource in their entrepreneurial journey.
Looking Ahead
With 220 OsteoStrong locations across the country and growing international recognition, the Reimers are proud to bring this innovative wellness model to more people in the St. Louis region. Whether it’s someone recovering from injury, an athlete striving for peak performance, or an individual looking to stay ahead of bone loss, their Chesterfield Valley center is helping members live stronger every day.
“Bones don’t get stronger overnight,” Melissa said. “But with the right tools and consistency, we can help people build strength that lasts a lifetime.”