In an exclusive flex interview, Phil Heath explains the end of his association with gifted nutrition.
![Split Decision](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/3394/179037/57c7bd2c90556/Split-Decision.jpg)
Q What was your motivation for starting Gifted Nutrition?
PHIL HEATH: I was ready to start building my personal brand, what I envisioned as an elite health, wellness, and fitness brand to offer customers solid products that have been tested for superior quality and taste.
Q In general, your Mr. O predecessors started their lines of products after they retired. Why not wait?
That’s true—it would’ve been a lot easier to work for another company while I’m still competing, but I wanted to take on the challenge of creating my own company. I have a business degree, and I know that starting any new business venture is extremely risky, but it’s a move I was ready to make. In hindsight, there might be some wisdom in waiting until retirement, when I could dedicate all my time to overseeing all aspects of the venture. What can I say? Some lessons you learn inexpensively, while others, unfortunately, can be very expensive.
Q What are some of the things you learned in launching Gifted Nutrition?
It takes a lot to launch a supplement line! I learned how the sports-nutrition industry works—from operations and financial breakdowns to product SKUs and marketing. I also learned that it is extremely difficult to create a supplement company in this oversaturated market and that, in terms of success or failure, teamwork is a must in every aspect.
Q Why did you decide to leave the company you started?
Esta historia es de la edición September 2016 de Flex.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 2016 de Flex.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Compounded Interest
The collective power of compound exercises.
![After The O](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/269913/5ab8a49c73497/crp_After-The-O.jpg)
After The O
The post-O tour and the champ’s visit down under.
![Structure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/269913/5ab8a5f0551ea/crp_Structure.jpg)
Structure
Family time, Kevin Levrone, and thoughts about the Vegas shooting.
![The Great Indoors](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/251392/5a40b0fb4b216/crp_The-Great-Indoors.jpg)
The Great Indoors
HOW DOES THE CHAMP PREFER TO SPEND HIS FREE TIME?
![Squat Less?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/251392/5a40d1e9ab840/crp_Squat-Less.jpg)
Squat Less?
You Don't Need The So-called King Of Exercises To Build Tree Trunks.
![Olympia Win, Take 7](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/251392/5a40ea70a70ed/crp_Olympia-Win-Take-7.jpg)
Olympia Win, Take 7
Following a Seventh Mr. Olympia Victory— Tying Him With the “goat,” Arnold Schwarzenegger— Phil Heath Put His Win in Historical Perspective as Only He Can.
![Under Pressure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/251392/5a40ed87d360b/crp_Under-Pressure.jpg)
Under Pressure
My Reflections on Finishing Seventh at the Mr. Olympia— and What I Will Do to Break Into the Top Five.
![The Other Guys](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/265201/5a9576364e5d6/crp_The-Other-Guys.jpg)
The Other Guys
A Look at the Pros Rounding Out the 2017 212 Olympia’s Top Five.
!["That Good"](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/196117/584276511bb66/crp_That-Good.jpg)
"That Good"
Fresh Off a Hands-down Olympia Victory That Ties Him With Dorian Yates on the All-time List, Phil Heath Talks About His Latest Statement Win.
![The Pec'ing Order](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3394/196117/58427f75c2111/crp_The-Pecing-Order.jpg)
The Pec'ing Order
One of the Most Popular Bodybuilders in Ifbb History Is Older, Wiser—and Still a Force in the Pro Ranks. Here, Dominican Dominator Victor Martinez Takes on Chest Training While Revealing His Competitive Plans for 2017.