Troubles with the economy are hitting home forcing an Apex business owner to close its doors after 15 years.

"A lot of people are upset -- I'm upset," said Luther Vandeusen, owner of Nautilus Fitness Center in Apex. 

Luther Vandeusen slowly watched his lifelong dream fade away as membership dropped at the Nautilus Fitness Center in Apex.

"We got down to 375 members and that's not enough to keep it open," Vandeusen said.

Vandeusen said he tried everything to keep his business afloat but sank deeper into debt. But even through the hard times his customers, turned friends, stuck by his side. Many of those people like Mike Hotchkiss agree that the gym is a fixture in the town.

"It truly is the sense of family atmosphere at this gym," Hotchkiss said. 

Members said the reason they joined the gym was for the small town feel. They said they felt welcomed every time they walked through the doors.

Vandeusen said there were other contributing factors to the closing like competition from bigger gyms and lack of parking downtown but the economy was number one.

"The economy finished us off," Vandeusen said.

Lifestyles Family Fitness in town is stepping in and honoring all the memberships up to one year.

"I feel the towns really going to miss this fitness center whether they realize it or not. They are going to miss it," Vandeusen said.

The membership transfer is effective immediately for more information call Lifestyle Family Fitness at 919-387-3095.

If you would like to see an extended interview with business owner Luther Vandeusen click on the video above.