Q: What exactly does Max Muscle offer?
A: We offer a full line of products, including nutritional products, supplements and vitamins. And we offer personalized nutritional plans for people who are trying to lose weight and gain strength.
Q: Why did you go into the sports nutrition business?
A: I’ve always wanted to open a business with my son, and I had researched a number of franchise opportunities in the last two years. After visiting Max Muscle’s corporate offices in Anaheim, Calif., we both knew immediately this was a business we wanted to pursue.
The health and nutrition business is currently a $20 billion industry, and it is projected to be $27 billon by 2010. We feel that it’s still on the upside of the curve. In addition to that, franchising Max Muscle gave us an opportunity to grow with the company. Presently, there are 140 stores, and they are opening one or more stores a month.
Q: As a former Denver Bronco, how does your experience in professional sports benefit your business?
A: It’s helped me tremendously. It’s one of the reasons I was attracted to this business.
When I played from 1968 to 1976, the proteins tasted like sand, they didn’t dissolve well in water, and today proteins taste like milkshakes and come with a variety of flavors.
When I played, if we had the proteins and supplements that are available today, I think it would probably have lengthened the careers of some of the players.
Q: With so many weight-loss programs out there, how is Max Muscle unique?
A: When a client first visits, they meet with a nutritionist to do an overview of their eating habits, workout activities, etc. The nutritionist then sets up a personal plan for the client that allows them to choose from the foods that they presently eat and set up a sensible diet program that includes the right balance of proteins and carbohydrates.
Q: With the current state of the economy, is Max Muscle affected?
A: We opened in November, and business has steadily increased every month. I feel spending money on a healthy lifestyle is not like buying a luxury item.
Q: With the increasing epidemic of childhood obesity, is Max Muscle offering a program for younger clients?
A: We have a number of clients who already buy protein and vitamins for their kids because, frankly, they’d rather their kid go for a protein shake instead of a Snickers bar.
Q: What has been your personal health routine? Do you implement it in the business?
A: My personal health routine is that I basically lift weights two or three times a week, and I try to ride a mountain bike every day. I use the products we offer at Max Muscle, and this helps me the most because I know what the product does for me, which in turn makes it very easy to tell my clients about the product.
Edited for length and clarity from an interview by staff writer Anna Haislip
