Editor’s note: Enumclaw resident David Paterik has worked his way to becoming a nationally-known, professional bodybuilder. Last week’s article traced his development from a Tacoma teen to joining the elite ranks of the International Federation of Body Builders. In this, the conclusion of a two-part story, we look at Paterik’s drive to continue in the sport and turn fitness into a career.

David Paterik sold paint – a lot of paint – for many companies in many places.

Years ago, he sold his final gallon and walked away, swearing never to return to the world of indoor and outdoor color palettes.

Paterik has loftier ambitions these days, all stemming from his chiseled physique that was shaped by boundless dedication, exacting nutrition and a single-minded focus on building a successful home life.

STAYING IN THE GAME

“It takes a long time to build a physique,” Paterik said, while explaining that a smart bodybuilder can enjoy a long career.

With that in mind, the 36-year-old Paterik plans on making his professional debut late this year or in early 2016. There’s nothing half-hearted about his dedication to making the best showing possible.

“I don’t want to compete…just to compete,” he said. The goal is always to win.

That takes dedication and perseverance.

“It’s time to grow,” he said, explaining that adding and defining muscle requires a lot of work – and his body requires a lot of fuel.

Paterik’s intake is presently a whopping 7,000 calories daily, or more than four times the recommended allotment for an average man standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

His day starts with a breakfast including a cup of oatmeal, plus eight egg whites and two whole eggs. There are seven, perhaps eight, meals to be consumed daily.

“I hate eating,” he laughs. “But it’s a necessity.”

As a middleweight, Paterik competed at 186 pounds. As a pro, he’ll bump up a weight class.

By the time his pro debut rolls around, he said, “I hope to be as close to 212 pounds as possible.”

GAINING SOME FAME

While Paterik attracts plenty of stares in public, few know his name. But that’s not true in bodybuilding circles. For those in the know, Paterik is recognized nationwide, from both competition and his modeling career.

But he could become a household face before long, if plans fall into place – plans he no longer has control over.

He has filmed segments for a reality TV series that is being pitched to cable networks.

“Think of it as Jersey Shore meets The Biggest Loser,” he said.

The show, as envisioned, would follow the daily lives of six bodybuilders, including Paterik, as they go through their daily lives, particularly while interacting with clients whose bodies they help sculpt.

One test segment was filmed at The Fitness Zone, where Paterik works out. There was a loosely-based script to follow and a group of extras hired to fill out the gym. The script called for Paterik to criticize another trainer in front of a client, which caused a fight to break out among the bodybuilders. A couple of people knew what was happening, but most in the gym, including the owner, were stunned with the pushing and shoving.

Paterik admits to having a ball.

If the show is picked up, Paterik said, it will likely air on the Discovery Channel, part of the A&E Network.

HELPING OTHERS, HELPING FAMILY

It was Paterik’s father who suggested there might be a career in coaching others, a bit of paternal wisdom that seems to have paid off.

Working out of The Fitness Zone in Buckley, Paterik has approximately 30 clients who get personal coaching. But the future, he said, is in social media and mass marketing: he cannot provide personal attention to a long list of clients, as there are simply not enough hours in a day. But he can share advice  on nutrition and workouts with hundreds by offering an online regimen.

Between his paying clients and three corporate sponsors, Paterik is making a living from bodybuilding. And he knows he’ll be more successful if his professional career blooms.

That’s why he’s putting so much energy and effort into succeeding as a pro.

But most of all, the Paterik is driven by the desire to provide a quality life for his family that includes a wife and 3-year-old daughter.

“Everything I do is for my family,” he said.