Max Muscle Sports Nutrition

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post

2011-12-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post titled, "Former Falcon opens nutrition store." In the article, Max Muscle franchisee Mike Pringle talks about what the store will offer and what he hopes to bring to the community with the new opening. He talks about why he decided to franchise with Max Muscle Sports Nutrition and who he hopes to reach out to as a business owner. Click here to view the entire article.

Former Falcon opens nutrition store
By: Faye Edmundson

Retired Running Back Mike Pringle, a Los Angeles native and former Atlanta Falcon, has opened a nutrition store locally.

Pringle will take the helm at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition at the Avenue Webb Gin, located at 1250 Scenic Highway, Suite 1204.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Paola Florez of Miami, Florida

2011-12-14T12:49:00.000-08:00

Name: Paola Florez

Brand: Max Muscle Sports Nutrition

Location: Miami, FL

Paola Florez (middle) and her business partners Angela Lopez and Jose Zayas

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am from Columbia and came to the U.S. six years ago. I like living in the U.S. because it is a country of opportunity that offers great financial flexibility, good education and a better quality of life. Here I can also open my own business more easily than I could have in Columbia.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics that I earned in Columbia. In the U.S., I have worked at home caring for my son and studied English. I also spend time at the gym to take care of my health.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A: I decided to open my own business not only to support myself, but because I wanted to contribute to the health of my family and the community. I believe in a lifestyle based on nutrition and activity creates a better way of life and felt that this type of business was one I could believe in!

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: I chose to join a franchise system because I can manage my own business with less risk through a proven system under the name of a successful, established company. I like that I don’t have to start from ground zero, and MMSN is continually growing and competes very well in its industry.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel will help you in your business?

A: I took up nutrition and fitness as a hobby and feel I have had very good success. I want to use my story to help other people meet their goals.

Q: What are some of your achievements (professionally or personally) that you think will help you along the way in your business?

A: I have a bachelor’s degree in economics, which is very helpful in understanding the operational side of my location.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: I will wait and see how the store does and consider further development once I have opened my first location.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE SPORTS NUTRITION:

Established in 1991 by former NFL linebacker Joe Wells, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition (MMSN) is America's premier sports nutrition retail outlet and franchise system, selling a combination of scientifically proven nutritional supplements at more than 150 outlets in 32 states. Rated by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Retail Franchise 2010, a Top 500 Franchise 2010 and by Military Times Magazine as a 2010 Best for Vets business, MMSN provides a one-of-a-kind in-store experience through its unique design and one-on-one customer counseling from extensively trained Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches™. MMSN's aggressive expansion plans include offering its unique opportunity to qualified, business-savvy candidates. For more information, call 888-MAX-MUSCLE ext. 2 or visit maxmusclefranchise.com.

Franchisee Profile: Allen Lasky of Dallas, Texas

2011-11-30T14:21:00.001-08:00

Name: Allen Lasky

Location: Dallas, Texas

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am originally from Chicago but grew up in Wisconsin. When I turned 18, I graduated and left to join the U.S. Air Force. After I got out of the service, I moved to California and lived there for 13 years. Then we got wise and moved to our final resting spot – the Great State of Texas.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: I have been in aviation my whole life. I started as an aircraft electrician in the Air Force. I stayed in aviation after I got out and did everything from working on engines to overhauling aircrafts. After many years as a mechanic, I moved to quality control (QC) as an inspector and spent majority of my career in aviation in this role. Incidentally, I have never worked for a large airline; I always worked for independent repair stations or aircraft manufacturers.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A: I always wanted to be in business for myself. I looked into different concepts, such as video stores and ice cream shops, but I wasn’t really prepared to undertake those types of ventures while raising a family. Plus, it was hard to imagine myself renting out DVD’s or scooping ice cream on a day-to-day basis.

Then, two years ago, I went through a drastic transformation and found something I was passionate about. I was 51 years old, weighed 230 pounds and was at 30% body fat. The realization that I wasn’t in shape and aging terrified me, so I joined a gym and hired a trainer. Now at 53 years old I am in the best shape of my life at 165 pounds 8.2% body fat.

As part of my transformation I discovered nutritional supplementation from MMSN. The franchising opportunities caught my eye. I originally started looking to purchase a franchise about a year ago but wasn’t in the financial and career position to do so at that time. So I put the idea on the backburner but, in the meantime, I got my financial and job situation squared away. On the job front, I was travelling a lot and couldn't dedicate the time to prepare for starting a franchise. After some time, I got to this point and decided to take the opportunity seriously, which brings me to my present situation.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: I have never run a business and liked their business plan and franchisee support. It’s a turnkey operation. Don’t let the term “Turnkey Operation” fool you, though; it’s also a lot of work, but a lot of the work has also been done on the front end by MMSN. So I thought it would be the best way for me to go into business for myself. Along with the training MMSN will provide (and it’s a lot!), they will prepare me well for opening my business. I am so excited; it’s all I think about all day long! My family will be involved. My daughter-in-law will be my manager. I went into this with the thought of having my family involved and that is very important to me.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A: In every prior position I’ve held, I’ve managed to move into supervisory positions and find success. It’s probably because I know how to deal with people and run a quality department. I am a fast learner and my attitude and my enthusiasm is going to serve me well.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?

A: I have to learn about business and about dealing with people from a different angle than I have been accustomed. In addition, I could not secure a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan due to collateral rules in Texas (the Texas Homestead Act prevents banks from seizing homes, which are traditionally used as collateral on loans in most other states).

However, this ended up being a blessing because in the process I learned about a way to roll my retirement funds into a 401(k) trust, and so I am funding my business from my retirement funds. Therefore, when my business is open it will be paid for, and I will just have operating costs to deal with. Some may question sinking all of my retirement savings into this business, and to that I would answer “this is my retirement”. If I were working for another company, I would look to retire in thirteen years. Because I own my own business and am in great shape, I will probably never retire. Putting my retirement funds into this business is a risk, but I think it is a good risk.

Q: What are some of your achievements (professionally or personally) that you think will help you along the way in your business?

A: When I set out to do something, I really put everything into it. A lot of the things I have learned over the years in my career are self-taught. Aside from the obvious point of getting into shape during a time when most are out of shape, I am also proud of my prior aviation history and the way it will serve me in business. For example, I was appointed as a designee by the Federal Aviation Administration to do work on their behalf, which is not an easy designation to get. So whenever I put my mind towards something, I get it done.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: We are hoping to expand at 3-5 years down the road. Of course that will depend on the success of my store.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE SPORTS NUTRITION:

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured in the Lawrenceville Patch

2011-11-29T07:31:00.001-08:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured the Lawrenceville Patch in an article titled, "Former Atlanta Falcon Opens Sports and Nutrition Store." Max Muscle franchisee Mike Pringle discusses why he decided to open a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition and the way that it fit into his background in the sports industry. He also talks about what he hopes to bring to the community and the individualized experience he strives to bring to each person that comes into the store. Bill Warner, VP of Franchise Developing, talks about why Lawrenceville is a great location for the company and a client of Mike’s discusses the change that she has seen from the store products and the suggestions that Mike made to align with the changes she wanted to make. Click here to view the entire article.

Former Atlanta Falcon Opens Sports and Nutrition Store

By: Crystal Huskey

Former Atlanta Falcon Mike Pringle continues to make a name for himself in the sports world, but this time it’s for something a little different.

In mid-December, he will launch the third Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchise in the Atlanta area at the Avenue Webb Gin.

“I was looking for a business that was more in tune with my background,” Pringle explained. “As I was doing my due diligence, I came across this sports nutrition company.”

(Read More)

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured on Opportunity World Franchising Show

2011-11-22T07:17:00.001-08:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured in a radio segment with Opportunity World Franchising Show. VP of Franchise Development Bill Warner and franchisees John Hagaman and Collin Koch discussed Max Muscle as a brand and went into great depth about Max Muscle's franchise opportunity. You can listen to the 45 minute segment below.

01: Max Muscle Sports Nutrition by Max-Muscle Franchise

02: Max Muscle Sports Nutrition by Max-Muscle Franchise

03: Max Muscle Sports Nutrition by Max-Muscle Franchise

Franchisee Profile: John Hagaman of Rockwell & Plano, Texas

2011-11-18T13:35:00.001-08:00

John Hagaman

Location: Rockwall, Texas; Plano, Texas

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: I received my undergraduate degree in 2004, and then my masters in 2005. I found myself overeducated and under experienced. There were companies that wanted to hire me, but they didn’t want to be my stepping stone, and so they didn’t want to invest the time in someone that would leave for a better job. I couldn’t get a “real job.” So I went to Cooper Clinic in Dallas and got certified as a personal trainer. I did that for a couple of years until I started working in outside sales.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: I went in to the Max Muscle location in Arlington and I thought the set-up was cool. I began using the products and started to see how effective they are. After learning about the consultative component to Max Muscle’s business strategy, I wanted to get involved myself. After researching more about the brand, the opportunity to open the Rockwall store came up so I jumped on it. I opened Rockwall in November 2009, soon followed with the Plano store and have never looked back.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A: I come from a family of entrepreneurs – my mom owns four Sports Clips franchises in the Dallas-Fort Worth area – and I always said that by the time I was 30 I wanted to be working for myself. I was looking for the next big thing to make my own. I liked personal training, but I wanted a broader clientele base. I saw Max Muscle as a kind of personal training, with more steady business, employees and a product you can put your hands on.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: I could have opened my own supplemental/nutritional store, but with Max Muscle, the marketing was already in place, and I had the corporate support. There aren’t a lot of Max Muscles in the area, so this gave me the opportunity to have a brand presence here.

Q: Why did you choose to enter this industry?

A: Growing up, I was kind of the fat kid, so I know what people struggling with weight issues are going through. I grew up as more of the cheerleader while my brothers excelled in athletics. I’m all about helping people, because I’m hoping it will trickle down to their family and their children. Childhood obesity doesn’t have to be outrageous, and parents are setting the example without even knowing it. So if I can educate the parents on how to take care of themselves, they’ll subconsciously set the example for their kids.

Q: How does your business connect with the community?

A: We support the local football programs and participate in fundraisers, but the biggest thing for me is public speaking. Giving lectures and working with people to spread knowledge is what I love doing. We’re always in the community showing our face and spreading the message of “this is how we live.”

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: I’d like to add a third store – that’s my long-range goal. I work in my stores every day, and I’d like to rotate working in three stores. I hope Max Muscle explodes in north Texas. I see this area doing well.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE SPORTS NUTRITION:

Franchisee Profile: Geff Malone of Santa Cruz, CA

2011-11-11T14:23:00.001-08:00

Name: Geff Malone

Date Store Opened: 2000 (11 years ago)

Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am from San Jose, California.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Prior to working for MMSN, I worked in a carburetor remanufacturing family business for 24 years that my grandfather started in 1945. My father took it over from him, and I took it over from my father. When car manufacturers discontinued the use of carburetors in cars, revenue became tighter. I decided I was still young enough to do something else and looked into franchising.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: I looked into franchising for a very long time before I committed, and I was attracted to the structure. It is rare to see a good franchise go out of business. I looked into the major fast food chains first, but they took too much capital to open, and I really didn’t believe in eating fast food anyways. I also looked into some healthier quick service concepts but could not see myself performing the repetitive tasks it took to be successful for a long period of time.

My decision to open a MMSN was based on making myself happy and giving myself a quality lifestyle. The concept of MMSN went along with my lifestyle of working out and body building. I also really enjoyed being a client of MMSN; I was buying from them already, and it seemed like a business I could do because I have a personal training and nutrition background.

Q: How have you survived the economic downturn?

A: In the 10-11 years I have owned a MMSN, I never thought about failure. However, 2010 was a much harder year for me; my store did not perform as well as I would have liked, and I became worried for the first time. This experience made me open my eyes to my view of the store and the value I offered my clients. We always offered light nutritional planning, but my focus and energy was more on athletes more than the average person. In addition, I focused too much on selling supplements. These choices started to show on my bottom line.

I decided that I had to reinvent myself and my view of the store instead of just lowering expenses if I wanted to make a difference. In early 2011, I decided to focus on compensatory nutrition and wellness planning that incorporates supplements and works more on health and wellness consumers as opposed to athletes and body builders. We also started partnering with a lot of wellness and fitness centers to provide this much-needed service to the community.

The first step is a one-hour fitness consultation with a client to understand their goal and to ascertain their current workout and eating habits. Our plan is uniquely designed to fit their goals and to be attainable; not just what we want them to be or to do. Most of our clients want to lose weight and tone up, but, occasionally, some want to gain weight.

We tell people that 70 percent of attaining a goal is proper nutrition. People like to work out, but even the best only devote between one to one and a half hours a day to it. Nutrition accommodates the rest of the day, and, if you can handle the nutritional aspect of a goal, you can achieve it. The problem is that most trainers do not take the time and do not have the energy to design meal plans.

As a result, 2011 is set to be our best year ever! By taking a look at myself and my view of the services we provide, I was able to align our store offerings with our client needs in a way that made them want to choose the value we provide by focusing on everyday health and wellness.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A: I have good people skills and manage employees well. Having a personal training and nutrition background helped, as I was living a healthy lifestyle prior to opening up my location. I can relate to my clients, however, because I used to be really overweight until my early adult life. I went from over 30% body fat to around 10% body fat.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE SPORTS NUTRITION:

Franchisee Profile - Craig David of Boulder, Co

2011-11-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Name: Craig David

Open Since: 2008

Location: Boulder, Co.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am from Monte Vista, Co., which is a small farm town. My family is full of farmers, preachers and pilots. I think I’m the first one to not go into one of these three fields! I received my undergraduate degree in exercise science with a nutrition minor from Colorado State University and lived in Denver before moving to Boulder.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: I launched a start-up for young professionals mentoring program soon after college.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A: The mentoring program was a stepping stone in the path to own my own business and certainly helped me from a management aspect. I also have a strong passion for the industry based on my background in exercise science and nutrition. I knew of MMSN because of my background and had previously purchased from them.

I learned about MMSN from the franchising perspective when I met one of the regional contacts who conducted a MMSN seminar on nutrition and wellness while sitting on the board of the Denver alumni group for Colorado State University. We got along well and wanted to work together on conducting other programs, and then he asked me if I had any contacts that would be interested in purchasing development rights to the Boulder area. I talked with my father about it and got his support and started the franchisee process a few weeks later.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: Several people in my family own businesses, and I’ve seen that it can be difficult to know how to put the right structure and systems in place from the outset of starting a business. MMSN provided a structure and model for me as well as other supportive resources that helped make up for my lack of experience as a young business owner.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A: I’m good with people and building relationships. The residents of Boulder are highly educated and it is a small community that is deeply concerned with living a healthy lifestyle. I work hard to earn the community’s trust as an expert resource in nutrition and wellness.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?

A: I grew up a fat little kid! In high school, I grew out of it and was athletic and played football, so I have been on both sides of the nutrition and wellness spectrum. In college, my focus was on really studying the body; when you understand your body, you can learn to manipulate it in a positive way. Towards my senior year, I also fell in love with cross training, racing snowboards & pulled the trigger & competed in my first triathlon.

In addition, working past the stereotype that a concept like Max Muscle is all about “meatheads” is something I have worked hard at overcoming within the community. I spend a lot of time focused on education and am involved with the University rugby, lacrosse, triathlon, & swim teams as well as area gyms.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: I will consider it in the future but am happy running my location for now.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE SPORTS NUTRITION:

Broncos Offensive Tackle Headlines Fundraiser for Local Family in Need

2011-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Orlando Franklin to Make Special Appearance at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition’s Anniversary Event

BOULDER, CO.- In an effort to pull together the community and help a local family, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition (MMSN) located at 1631 28th Street in Boulder will host its three-year anniversary event to serve as a fundraiser for the Klaus family. Four years ago, Klaus’ parents noticed a pea-sized lump in his mouth and went to the doctor for an examination. He was diagnosed with sarcoma and immediately had it removed; however, the resulting pathology report was unclear because of the lack of knowledge around the particular kind of sarcoma. Since his diagnosis, the best treatment options have been extensive and expensive surgeries to have the cancer removed.

On Tuesday, November 1^st, from 12 pm to 7 pm, ten percent of all proceeds at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition will go to the Klaus family to help finance their medical bills. In addition, Denver Broncos offensive tackle, Orlando Franklin, will be on hand from 5 pm to 7pm signing autographs to show his support.

Known for educating its clientele on leading a healthy lifestyle, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition stresses awareness of body issues, both preventative and curative. “Boulder’s been a great place to build our business; we’re excited to show the Boulder community our appreciation as well as our support for a local family in need,” said Craig David, Director of Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Boulder.

Partnering with Revolutionary Sports Performance Nutrition, the location will be hosting all day raffles and sales in an effort to get people to support the cause. Furthermore, kids (and adults alike!) can have their picture taken with the Batmobile, symbolizing the heroic efforts of Klaus and his family.

“One of the things that I connected with immediately with the Klaus family was their passion and knowledge of community proactivity and partnerships to bring attention to this rare form of cancer,” David said. “Not only do we look to provide the best service and the highest quality products for our clients, but we want to work with causes that align with our goals of striving to be healthy and always preserving in spite of obstacles.”

Craig has been lifetime resident of Colorado and has been involved with various causes including Foundations Fighting Blindness, the Adopt a Sports Ski program at Aldorra.

“We are confident that this day will be a great fit for the whole family and will bring much needed awareness to a great cause. Plus, who doesn’t want to look at the Batmobile and meet a famous football player!,” added David.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE SPORTS NUTRITION:

Established in 1991 by former NFL linebacker Joe Wells, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition (MMSN) is America's premier sports nutrition retail outlet and franchise system, selling a combination of scientifically proven nutritional supplements at more than 150 outlets in 32 states. Rated by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Retail Franchise 2010, a Top 500 Franchise 2010 and by Military Times Magazine as a 2010 Best for Vets business, MMSN provides a one-of-a-kind in-store experience through its unique design and one-on-one customer counseling from extensively trained Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches™. MMSN's aggressive expansion plans include its unique opportunity to qualified, business-savvy candidates. For more information, call 888-MAX-MUSCLE ext. 2 or visit maxmusclefranchise.com.

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured in the Triad Business Journal

2011-10-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was featured in the Triad Business Journal in the article entitled "Bulking up in Triad." The article announces Max Muscle Sports Nutrition's expansion plans for the Triad area in North Carolina. You can view the article below.

MMSN TriadBusinessJournal 10 07 11

Franchisee Profile: Dianne Carlos, Franchisee of Sacramento & Woodland, CA

2011-10-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Opened:

Woodland - December 2010

36 Main St, Woodland, CA 95695

Sacramento/Natomas - May 2006

1850 Del Paso Rd Ste 3, Sacramento, CA 95834

Originally from Stockton, CA, Dianne Carlos was a franchise rookie when she and her partner opened their first Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchise in Natomas in 2006. Despite having little to no knowledge of the brand at the time, Dianne was excited about getting involved. Then, about 5 months after opening, her partner passed away and, in his absence, Dianne had to simultaneously cope with the tragedy while stepping up to quickly learn the product side of the business. In December, Dianne defied her own expectations and opened her second Max Muscle in Woodland all on her own. Today, she remains the sole owner of both locations.

Q: Before franchising, what were you involved with and how did that pave the way for your franchising career?

A: I worked in marketing for various corporate offices. In my positions, I was involved in tracking budgets, calculating returns on marketing investments, policing the brand, as well as overall project management of marketing campaigns. Having knowledge on how decisions are made at the corporate level gives me more insight of the direction I see the company is headed now that I find myself on the operating end of business.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?

A: Max Muscle prides itself on manufacturing high quality products and educating people on how to use them. I don't feel like I sell products, I feel more like a counselor and problem solver. When a customer comes back to tell me that a product I recommended helped them, I know I made the right career path choice.

Q: How do you see the brand connecting with your local community?

A: Max Muscle store owners typically operate their stores in the communities they are a part of. Community involvement plays a big role in who Max Muscle is as a company and we get to know our customers on a personal level. We want to be known as the place to go for quality products, honesty and knowledgeable staff members.

Q: Tell me about your family—do they have any involvement in your business?

A: I have never been married and don't have children so this has been a solo venture. However, I recently got engaged to my business partner in the gym we opened. He was a Max Muscle customer and is now becoming more involved with the marketing of the stores.

Q: What have been some accomplishments or career milestones for you and your business?

A: When I lost my business partner just 5 months into our store opening, I thought I needed to get out of the business, but looking back, that was fear talking. I received an overcoming adversity award at the annual Max Muscle franchisee convention in 2008, at the time I didn't think I had done anything out of the ordinary, I was just protecting my investment and running the business. Since then, I found my passion for the business and even opened a second location. Deciding to take the leap to leave my corporate position to be in the store full-time was definitely a huge step. I am currently the sole operator of both the Natomas location and my new location in Woodland, as well as a gym I own with my fiancé.

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?

A: Adjacent to my new Max Muscle store in Woodland, my business partner and I opened a fitness center where we offer weight training, mixed martial arts for kids and adults, boxing, CrossFit, personal training and group fitness classes. Our vision is to educate our customers that to successfully achieve their health and fitness goals requires both exercise and good nutrition.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE

Established in 1991 by former NFL linebacker Joe Wells, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition (MMSN) is America's premier sports nutrition retail outlet and franchise system, selling a combination of scientifically proven nutritional supplements at more than 150 outlets in 32 states. Rated by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Retail Franchise 2010, a Top 500 Franchise 2010 and by Military Times Magazine as a 2010 Best for Vets business, MMSN provides a one-of-a-kind in-store experience through its unique design and one-on-one customer counseling from extensively trained Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches™. MMSN's aggressive expansion plans include its unique opportunity to qualified, business-savvy candidates. For more information, call 888-MAX-MUSCLE ext. 2 or visit maxmusclefranchise.com.

Franchisee Profile: Kristin Wood - MMSN Franchisee & Renaissance Woman

2011-10-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Fairfax, Virginia franchisee Kristin Wood, a former intelligence officer with the CIA and special to CNN national security commentator, links dedication, information, and recognition in her career to benefit almost everybody who comes into contact with her and Max Muscle Sports Nutrition.

"Community involvement became a natural extension of owning a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition store." said Wood, on the eve of launching the Max Muscle Virginia Celebrity Golf Tournament benefiting the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation. "As a Certified Fitness Nutrition coach as well, we meet a lot of people with varying needs. The three things they seem to always have in common is the desire for camaraderie & fellowship, to feel better, and to have fun. I just love being able to facilitate these things!"

Owning a Max Muscle store also means getting involved in her community. Every person who walks through her doors has a story. Every person is a piece of a puzzle, she says. "We are all connected to one another."

With nearly two decades as an Intelligence Officer with the CIA, Wood knows a thing or two about research. A skin cancer survivor, Wood left the agency and partnered with Corry Matthews to open their first Max Muscle store in Manassas, Virginia. Shortly after that, their cumulative success grew and a second store in Fairfax, Virginia was added. Her zeal for community-based programs blossomed as she introduced police departments, fire departments, government agencies, professional sports franchises, high school coaches and players, neighboring businesses, and a host of inter-connected networks of people to nutrition-centric promotions based in competition and fun.

"With my own kids sports, the team element has always been essential." said Wood. "What seems to happen every time is the domino-effect of these campaigns. The Fire Department has a challenge, the police department hears about it and wants to do the same. The two then 'challenge' each other in nutrition and fitness goals...that's what happened when we began the 'Maintain Don't Gain' challenge. It all began as an effort to not gain weight over the holidays and now Police & Fire Departments across the country are doing the same thing with their local Max Muscle Sports Nutrition stores."

"I'm doing the same thing you see in every Max Muscle Sports Nutrition store across the country. We're different. We have third party accreditation as Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches...which often becomes a 'life coach'...and we're all passionate about that." Two decades later CNN, the world leader in online news and information delivery, contacted Wood in an effort to lure her to the network as their CNN Intelligence Authority. Never leaving the Washington DC area, or the intelligence community in which she still plays a vital role, Wood jumped at the chance."Within a few days they flew me to the studios and handed me an agenda of items to address...starting with the Gadhafi terror efforts and what was next for that regime, and most recently the 'after effects' of the death of Osama bin Laden."

Personally, Wood's son Logan had a condition literally reversed with the assistance of nutrition and supplementation. Logan, 12-year-old, had Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism which experts believe affects 3 out of every 10,000 children in the United States. You can read this incredible story HERE!

This experience has been related to many a family across the nation, featured in Max Sports & Fitness magazine, and - of course - has made the Max Muscle Sports Nutrition store in her community the focal point for many a 'diet-related' illness.

When the world's news leader needs US Intelligence insight, they turn to Kristin Wood. When the communities of Manassas & Fairfax, Virginia need nutrition insight, they turn to Kristin Wood. When the various public and private entities that make our communities stronger - literally - need nutrition and fitness 'intelligence', they turn to Kristin Wood. Wood doesn't see herself as any different from the other 150 franchise owners in the Max Muscle system. "We all work hard to contribute to our communities. The only difference for me is that mine comes with hair and makeup!"

"Since we're all connected to each other in one form or another, and nutrition and diet effect the well-being of everybody, I see myself in a perfect situation that's different every day, and incredibly gratifying."

Max Muscle Sport Nutrition featured in Rockford Register Star

2011-10-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was featured in the Rockford Register Star in an article entitled, "Max Muscle nutrition store opening in Loves Park". Reporter Melissa Westphal spoke with Matt Rennerfeldt, the newest Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchisee, about his new Max Muscle Sports Nutrition location in Loves Park, IL, which is opening mid-October. Rennerfeldt fell in love with the brand as a customer and after moving and having no access to Max Muscle Sports Nutrition in his new hometown, he decided to become a franchisee and open it himself. Click here to read the full article.

Max Muscle nutrition store opening in Loves Park
By: Melissa Westphal

A full-service nutrition, coaching and dietary supplement store is opening soon in Loves Park.

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition will be located at 6738 Broadcast Parkway, near North Perryville Road and other businesses like New Vybe Fitness Studio and Maciano’s Pizza.

The company was founded in 1991 by former NFL linebacker Joe Wells. Matt Rennerfeldt, a Rockford College graduate, is the franchise owner.

Rennerfeldt is originally from Nebraska, which is where he first visited a Max Muscle store. He said he’d been “jaded” by other supplement stores but found that Max Muscle had better offerings for customers.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Matt Rennerfeldt Franchisee of Rockford, Illinois

2011-09-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Opening: October 2011

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: I’m originally from Lincoln, Nebraska which is where I first discovered Max Muscle Sports Nutrition. I was a customer and loved the unique experience, the staff and the products that they offered. I attended undergrad and graduate school while playing collegiate baseball at Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. After discovering Max Muscle in Lincoln, I quickly realized there was not a Max Muscle, or anything comparable in the area. I knew opening a Max Muscle would be a great thing for the community.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: I was Director of International Sales for a U.S. manufacturer of water treatment and bottling equipment. I later created an international distributor for U.S. made bottling equipment. This has given me the opportunity to travel extensively, particularly to the Middle East. The ability to make a difference for our fighting forces has perhaps been the most rewarding aspect.

Q: In regards to your previous experience, what skills do you feel will help you with your business?

A: I believe communication is one of my strengths that will help us. I manage a sales staff halfway around the world and communicate with many different demographics and cultures. I feel this will help me not only with sales but also with empowering our customer and my employees.

Q: Why did you decide to open a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition?

A: I have always wanted to start my own business and be in control of my own destiny. I moved back to Nebraska after college but knowing that there is a market for a Max Muscle in my college town has drawn me back. Being able to use creativity in marketing and turn fitness into a career make Max Muscle a natural fit. I definitely intend to open multiple locations.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise?

A: I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. Max Muscle is doing something right and they offer an affordable model and that appealed to me. You have the flexibility to run your business as you please so you can put in your personality and local flair. However, you are still supported by the franchisor with a proven marketing plan, proven products and expert knowledge.

Q: What makes your Max Muscle Sports Nutrition different?

A: The difference between Max Muscle and the competition in the area is clear. Max Muscle is service driven. As Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches we are trained and passionate about our products and knowledgeable about the physiology for which they are designed. Ultimately we are not only concerned with sales – we want our customers to see results.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE

Established in 1991 by former NFL linebacker Joe Wells, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition (MMSN) is America's premier sports nutrition retail outlet and franchise system, selling a combination of scientifically proven nutritional supplements at more than 150 outlets in 32 states. Rated by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Retail Franchise 2010, a Top 500 Franchise 2010 and by Military Times Magazine as a 2010 Best for Vets business, MMSN provides a one-of-a-kind in-store experience through its unique design and one-on-one customer counseling from extensively trained Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches™. MMSN's aggressive expansion plans include its unique opportunity to qualified, business-savvy candidates. For more information, call 888-MAX-MUSCLE ext. 2 or visit maxmusclefranchise.com.

Franchisee Profile: Collin Koch Franchisee of Knoxville, TN

2011-09-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Opening: September 2011

Collin Koch has always had a passion for helping people. As a franchisee of Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, he now has the opportunity to do so. With a background in information technology (IT), Collin is looking to help the community of Knoxville tap into proper nutrition.

Q: What was your career before deciding to franchise with Max Muscle Sports Nutrition?

A: I’ve been in the IT industry for most of my life. Most recently I was working as an IT systems analyst for a division of a large oil refinery.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: I’m originally from western Iowa but actually learned about Max Muscle when I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to be closer to my family. Shortly after I decided to make the move to Knoxville and fell in love with the city. Once I found out my company was moving their headquarters from Knoxville to Chicago, I felt like it would be a great time to start my own business. I knew Knoxville could really benefit from a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition. I have always been interested in athletics and fitness, so opening a Max Muscle just made sense.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?

A: After my father passed away, I lost sight of how important fitness was to me because I was grieving. The stress took a toll on my body. I heard an ad for Max Muscle on the radio and I knew I needed to change my life, or I was going to pass away at a young age like my father. I went to the closest Max Muscle, and they educated me on what my body needs nutritionally. I dropped 55 pounds in 3 months.

Q: When choosing a franchise, what were the criteria you used to make your decision?

A: I didn’t really look into anything else. I have seen the concept work with people to which I am close – I have seen my friends within the Max Muscle system succeed. Max Muscle really helps people change their lives. I didn’t get involved with this business solely for the financial benefit. I wanted to open a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition because I want to help people. It’s what’s in my heart.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining franchise system?

A: Max Muscle Sports Nutrition is appealing because of the amount of support that you get. The corporate team allows you to lean on them because they have already made many mistakes and learned best practices. The company wants you to succeed, and they will only succeed if they have the right franchisees in place.

Q: What skills from your previous experience do you feel will help you with your business?

A: Max Muscle is going to give me the skills and knowledge that I need to run a business, but my passion to help people comes from my previous life experiences. When you have the desire to help people change their lives, it makes a big impact on anything you set out to accomplish. Anyone can sell a product, but not everyone can be taught how to care for others.

ABOUT MAX MUSCLE

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured in the Fairfax County Times

2011-09-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was featured in the Fairfax County Times in an article entitled, "9/11 still has profound impact after 10 years". Ten years after that fateful day on 9/11/01, Kristin Wood, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchise owner, recaps her experiences on 9/11 and the aftermath as an intelligence officer with the CIA. After stepping down from her high profile career, she opted to become a business owner with MMSN. Click here to view the entire article.

9/11 still has profound impact after 10 years
By: Gregg MacDonald

In the years since, the U.S. fundamentally changed the way it prepares for such threats, and citizens have come to grips with the sudden loss that came that fall morning.

Fairfax County Times staff spoke with a first-responder, a former CIA analyst and a fire and rescue official who talked about what it was like for them that day, and how Sept. 11, 2001 still affects them today.

‘We failed. We were on duty, and that got through’

On 9/11, Vienna resident Kristen Wood, 42, was an analyst with the CIA.

Today she owns two Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchises and is no longer with the agency. But she vividly recalls what it was like at Langley that day.

(Read More)

Max Muscle Gives away a 52 inch TV to Lucky Winner Melanie Dove

2011-09-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Melanie and her husband went to Europa's Super Show and Supplement Expo on August 12th & 13th. They were both very interested in learning more about health, fitness & nutrition and thought it would be a great opportunity to try new products and services that cater to their lifestyles. Location was key in stopping by the Max Muscle Sports Nutrition booth because she and her husband were spending a lot of time in the back of the convention center. The gentlemen promoting the Max Muscle booth grabbed their attention directed them to the table, and had them fill out their information.

"I really feel that having friendly, attentive promoters of the company helped tremendously," said Melanie.

After seeing the prize that Max Muscle was giving away, Melanie filled out a card to win a new TV and won!! Here is what she has to say about her experience.

Q: How did you learn about Max Muscle Sports Nutrition?
A: I learned about Max Muscle at the Europa Fitness Expo.

Q: What is the most appealing aspect to you about MMSN?
A: The most appealing aspect about MMSN to me is their focus on nutrition and the fact that a nutrition plan can be tailored to me and my lifestyle.

Q: If you weren't a customer before, do you think you’ll check it out?
A: Absolutely! The biggest issue in weight loss for me is making sure I eat right. I love to work out, but weight loss is hard when I love food! I think that Max Muscle can definitely help by providing me a personalized nutrition plan.

Q: What are you most interested in?
A: I think I'm most interested in the personalized nutrition plan and the high quality service that is provided by the nutrition coaches.

Q: How do you plan to use your new TV?!
A: First of all, I want to say thank you to Max Muscle for the opportunity to win such an awesome TV! My husband and I definitely plan on using it for years to come whether it be for family gatherings, parties, or movie & game nights. Movie Nights are definitely a big deal in our family! We are truly excited about the new TV and plan to be a future customer at Max Muscle!!

Max Muscle Honors 17-year old Testicular Cancer Survivor

2011-08-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured on KKCO NBC 11 in a segment called, “Max Muscle honors 17-year-old testicular cancer survivor.” The segment features Mary Leeds, owner of Max Muscle Sports Nutrition of Grand Junction, discussing the grand opening event being held this Saturday, August 27, to benefit the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. As a spokesperson for the foundation and a testicular cancer survivor, 17-year-old Jordan Jones will also be at the event to help raise awareness about his mission to help other people stay cancer free. Click here to view the segment.

Max Muscle Honors 17-year old Testicular Cancer Survivor

Imagine being told that your 13-year old son has testicular cancer, that was the reality for one local family. Now that brave young man is sharing his story to raise awareness about this often deadly disease with the help of one new business right here in Grand Junction.

This weekend Max Muscle will be holding it's grand opening in honor of Grand Junction High School student Jordan Jones. Jordan is now 17 years old and cancer free but getting to this point has not been easy.

Every hour a male is diagnosed with testicular cancer. For Jordan Jones that hour came in late October 2007. He was just 13 years old.

"My mom was shocked and I just didnt know what to think at the
time because I had know idea that it was this severe," says Jordan.

(Read More)

Max Muscle Utilizes Social Media to Expand Franchise

2011-08-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle is utilizing social media to help grow our franchise! We created a tab on Facebook in order to expand our reach and connect with a group of potential franchisees that we were unable to reach.

Our new "Own a MMSN" tab allows potential franchisees to look through why they should choose Max Muscle. The tab walks through our approach to serving customers, the support system our franchisee's provide, and the passion a franchisee should have within themselves.

After reading through the interactive tab, the individual can then apply to be contacted by a MMSN representative. One of our Senior Information Coordinators will then be in touch for a brief discussion and if it looks like we have common interest in each other, we'll then invite the individual to enter our 6 Step Franchise Information Gathering and Qualifying process.

If you haven't had a chance, check out the tab on our brand new fan page: http://www.facebook.com/MaxMuscleFranchise

MMSN Featured in The Salt Lake Tribune

2011-08-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured in an article called, “Business helps teen gain ground against Crohn’s disease” which published in The Salt Lake Tribune. The article features Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchisee of Bountiful, Utah, James Gustason. The article discusses how James is using his grand opening event on August 13 to not only celebrate his business in the area but also spur awareness of Crohn’s Disease throughout Salt Lake City. Local teen, Garrett Jones, has been using supplement advice from James and Max Muscle Sports Nutrition products to help combat the nutritional deficiencies correlated with Crohn’s Disease. The article also highlights James’ grand opening event which will feature previous “Biggest Loser” contestants, a mechanical bull, climbing wall, and a portion of sales going toward Garrett and his family. Click here to view the entire article.

Business helps teen gain ground against Crohn's disease
By: Cathy McKitrick

While most customers drop by James Gustason’s Max Muscle Sports Nutrition in Bountiful to find weight-loss and body-building boosters, Yvette Jones visits to help her son conquer Crohn’s disease.

Garrett Jones, now 17 and starting his senior year at Bountiful High School, has struggled with symptoms of the autoimmune disease for four years even though the official diagnosis did not come until early last year.

"We kept going to doctors" who blamed his intestinal troubles on parasites, Yvette Jones said. "Finally, I’d had enough. The kid looked like a walking skeleton — thin and white like a ghost."

The worried mom booked an appointment with a gastroenterologist. A subsequent colonoscopy detected the disease.

And from that point, Yvette Jones delved into various medical and homeopathic remedies that could assist her son in his day-to-day quest to rebound and thrive.

(Read More)

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured on Registerguard.com

2011-08-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured in an article called, “Making a go at it with a franchise.” The article discusses Tom Wiens, franchisee of Max Muscle Eugene, Oregon, and his new business ownership. The article highlights the advantages of franchising and the opportunity that Max Muscle Sports Nutrition can provide in offering the chance to own a business. The article also cites Max Muscle’s superior products as a factor in Wiens’ decision to own the franchise and different ways he chose to finance. Click here to view the full article.

Making a go of it with a franc hise More Americans are choosing an investment in ownership

BY SAUL HUBBARD

Tom Wiens is pumped.

Only two months after opening his own Max Muscle franchise in Eugene, Wiens, 49, comes into work every day excited about the decision he says he has “banked his whole future on.”

“This is going to be huge,” he said, elatedly.

A former Marine and 18-year Les Schwab employee, Wiens is one of the thousands of Americans who have taken, or will take, the plunge into franchise ownership in 2011.

(Read More)

Max Muscle featured in the Omaha World-Herald

2011-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured in an article in the Omaha World-Herald called, “Facing the franchise challenge.” The article was built from an interview with Tom Sampson, franchise development coordinator for Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, who discussed the unique way that franchisors are providing information to potential franchisees through virtual roundtables in hopes to develop the Omaha market. Tom also discussed the financing challenges that are facing franchisees today. Click here to read the full article.

Facing the Franchise Challenge
By: Erin Golden

Chad Case had been managing nutrition stores for a few years when he decided it was time to strike out on his own.

He considered setting up his own shop but worried about the expenses that would come with finding products and distributors. On top of that, he knew he needed names and products that people would recognize if he wanted to get customers in the door right away.

His solution? Franchising.

(Read More)

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured in Specialty Retail Report

2011-07-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

This month Specialty Retail Report featured Max Muscle Sports Nutrition in an article called “Survival of the Fittest: Education and community outreach are key to franchise’s success.” Bill Warner, VP of Franchise Development for Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, recounts what makes Max Muscle Sports Nutrition stand out from the crowd. He also discusses the great franchise opportunity it offers to future entrepreneurs. You can view the entire article below!

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured in The Hartford Business Journal

2011-07-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was recently featured in The Hartford Business Journal, in an article titled “Bloc of franchises eagerly target Hartford.” The article highlights Max Muscle’s desire to expand, and features the brand’s role in participating in franchising roundtables to spur franchise growth throughout the country. The roundtables also help Max Muscle provide educational opportunities to potential franchisees to learn about various businesses and see what is involved in starting a business. Click here to view the full article!

Bloc of fr anchises eagerly target Hartford
By Brad Kane

Twelve franchises which share the burden of not being familiar names have banded together to push into the Greater Hartford market.

Either the franchises already have a presence in Connecticut, have excellent sales from limited locations and want to expand; or the franchises exist in far off places and are lured by the promise of higher incomes and positioning between Boston and New York.

(Read More)

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition featured in Smart Business Orange County

2011-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition was featured in the July edition of Smart Business Orange County where President Patrick Sanders was interviewed for an article titled, “Patrick Sanders on Getting the Most from Your Franchisees.” Some of the challenges that Patrick faces are the ongoing relationships between the franchisor and franchisee, finding ways to get everyone moving in the same direction and on the same page as the brand continues to grow. Under the leadership of Patrick, Max Muscle has implemented weekly calls with all franchisees in the United States discussing challenges on a local and a national scale as well as ways to make franchisees more profitable in their local stores. Frequent communication and clear dialogue helps the system move forward together and helps to answer any concerns with a strategic plan to ensure all components are working and moving forward together. Click here to view the full article!

Patrick Sanders on getting the most from your franchisees
BY Erik Cassano

Patrick Sanders has more than 100 business partners. And that’s not including the people in the front office of Max Muscle.

Sanders is the president of Peak Franchising Inc., the franchising business for fitness and nutrition company Max Muscle. He is in charge of finding and coaching new owners for Max Muscle stores, which generated nearly $50 million in revenue last year. The company has grown to more than 140 franchised locations, meaning there are more than 140 people who need to get on the same page with regard to Max Muscle’s mission and vision.

(Read More)