In an exclusive flex interview, Phil Heath explains the end of his association with gifted nutrition.
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?
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Flex.
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This story is from the September 2016 edition of Flex.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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