At sixteen years of age, Dean Caputo had an interest in working out to better his 5’11’’ thin frame, so he built a weight room in his parent’s garage with only a couple benches and a few machines. Having Dean’s friends train with him in his weight room gave him the idea and inspiration to open his own gym one day. After selling his car to make money and saving what he made from working two jobs, while still in high school, Dean was able to make his dream come true. He opened his first business at the age of eighteen in his hometown of Streetsboro, Ohio naming it Bodybuilders Unlimited. Four years into owning his own gym and competing in six other competitions and being undefeated, Dean entered and won the Jr. Nationals Heavyweight Division in Niagara Falls, New York. Getting noticed at the Jr. Nationals by Norm and Will Dabish, owners of the Powerhouse Gym franchise, was a big step in Dean’s career. The Dabish’s approached Dean about converting his Bodybuilders Unlimited name to a Powerhouse Gym. Dean was thrilled at the chance to own a Powerhouse Gym in Streetsboro.

Dean went on to compete in and win numerous titles through the years. He also was given the great opportunity to become the spokesperson and endorsed the Pro Performance sports nutrition line for the GNC stores worldwide along with many other company endorsements and appearing in commercials and print ads. Another big aspect of Dean’s passion was promoting his Dean Caputo’s Powerhouse Classic with partners Gregg and Michelle Krause. After having many busy years and after much thought, Dean decided to retire in 1993 from competing in bodybuilding, but still guest posed at many events and balanced the position of NPC Ohio North District Chairman. Dean was ready to give all his focus and efforts into building a sports nutrition business.

Not only does the Powerhouse have a special place in Dean’s heart, being that he opened it at eighteen with his own money, hard work, and long hours, but it’s also the place Dean met his future wife, Monica, an elementary school teacher. The two are happily married and together for over twenty years with children. In January of 2020, Dean and his wife Monica decided to reopen Dean Caputo's Powerhouse Gym in Streetsboro, Ohio at 9254 Market Square Drive.  

Dean has been blessed with meeting and having many important people influence him throughout his life including his late parents, Tony and Clare Caputo. His parents were very supportive and encouraging. Dean would like to thank Mr. Jim Manion for being a great role model and inspiration to him. He would also like to acknowledge and give thanks to Norm and Will Dabish and Mr. John Parrillo. All of these men helped Dean along the way and have been a great source of support.

The Caputo family strives to live a clean, healthy, and balanced lifestyle and are very active and still train weekly. They believe in helping and encouraging people to stay active to live longer- be the best you can be! With their experiences, they are happy to begin the next chapter in their lives.