Like many young boys, I wanted to be bigger and stronger. I started lifting at 16 and powerliftng ended up being the first 7 years of my journey. At 24, I broke my back and that was the end of powerliftng. But, that was also the real start to what would become an essential part of my life. After my accident, I was right back in the gym as soon as I was able to start lifting again. I felt as if I had lost everything I built due to my accident but in my mind, nothing was going to defeat me. I started studying, learning and asking questions; essentially bodybuilding.

I never had a desire to be a bodybuilder, I just fell in love with all of it. The discipline that's required, the lifting, the meal prep, the constant setting of new goals and challenges for myself. I loved everything about it. I became fascinated with how we can change the body.

Of course, like many young men, we look to our peers to learn from. I am blessed to have had many great teachers when I was young. Strong men that wanted to help me not just become physically strong, but become mentally strong. Eventually, I found Rich from his YouTube videos, before Instagram. I was hooked. He was just so different than everyone else. He had a sincerity about him that was so genuine, stacked with his large presence and fun humor. He just attracted everybody around him.

I learned so much from Rich. He changed my life. Adopting those mindsets and principles that he taught. I genuinely took it to heart. Be the 5%, that small group willing to do whatever it takes. It changed my life. I try to apply it in every aspect, and I still live my life by it every day.

Whenever I struggle, I tell myself "I am the 5% and I will do whatever it takes" and I pick right back up and move forward. With these principles, I've taken myself from a normal Joe to a powerful and successful man. I have built successful companies, and built the best version of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Before becoming a 5%er, I couldn't imagine the man I am today. That man was only a thought. I started communicating with Rich through social media and in one of my 5% orders, Rich sent me a handwritten note. After that, I decided I needed to meet Rich in person.

After meeting him in person, everything changed. I knew I wanted to be a part of the 5% team and I made that my mission. More than anything, I wanted to be a part of the movement Rich started. I wanted to use that platform to inspire other young men to build their best selves. One of my passions in life has been just that. I've worked with more young men over the years than I can account for. If it wasn't for becoming part of the 5% family and the bodybuilding world, I would have never had that platform

My greatest accomplishments are in life itself, not even in becoming an athlete or bodybuilder. But that's what Rich tought. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to reach your goals in life? Since becoming a 5%er, I have built a multimillion-dollar company that provides a livelihood for many families, not just my own. I have built a physique that stands apart. I have become a husband and a father. And I am mentally and spiritually the strongest I have ever been. And all because of these simple principles that i've applied to my life day in and day out.

The future is bright. I want to continue to use my platform in the industry to inspire others. That the impossible is possible. That normal people can accomplish great things. Sometimes, it's just as simple as the right mindset. I want to continue to protect my family and raise my children to be mentally, physically and spiritually strong. I have aspirations for my company to continue to grow. Not just for financial gain alone, but to continue to provide for others, so people can find success in life through teamwork and dedication. I want to be able to do more charity in life, giving and helping those in need. And I want to continue to mentor and inspire the youth of this world.