One Entrepreneur On the Start: Cory Gregory

This is part of a series called "The Entrepreneurs On The Start."  This interview is with Cory Gregory.

What was your first business venture?

When I was 20 years old, I opened a 900-square-foot personal training studio for $3,000 on 20% interest. I spent $1,800 up front for three months’ rent, and the rest to buy my equipment, of which there wasn’'t much. That is where my “empire” began. I had 18 clients who followed me to my studio. I just made it happen—. I wasn't scared and I didn’'t know what failure was, so failure wasn’'t an option.

What made you want to go into business for yourself?

I was pushed into it. The club where I had been meeting with my clients was charging me $200 per month in rent; I was making about $4,000 per month, and then the club suddenly wanted to get in my pocket for 20%. I said, "See ya,"” and figured out I’'d be better off with my own space. It was the best thing the club could ever have done to me.

Would you go into business if you had it to do over again?

Absolutely. You sink or sail your own ship every day. I never want to be “capped”; I want to be in control of what I make and what I am worth. I believe in me and whichever people I choose to have around me. Looking back, the only thing I would change would be to make sure I was a bit slower to expand my business—.  I rushed into a bigger place before it was necessary.

What were some of your biggest lessons learned about starting a business?

Take risks and put yourself out there, but be calculating about it. Make sure the people around you do what they say they will and prove themselves to have the proper technician-type personalities you need to make your team successful. Make sure to be creative and make things happen; don'’t wait for things to come to you, because they won’'t. Go get them yourself. Make sure you’'re aware of opportunities as they arise. Not everyone is perfect for your business, but at least recognize those who are when they show up. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities.  There are many ways to spin things and make them happen.

What advice would you have for others who are considering going into business for themselves?

Find out what you’re passionate about and go after it. Find out how you can put your personal spin on a business or a niche market. Draft a game plan that doesn’'t break your pocketbook initially, to test that market a bit. Then, if you know in your heart it’s for you, go all in.

Any final thoughts on starting a business?

It’s not for everyone, but I wouldn’'t have my life any other way. I knew the only way I could put myself on the road to success would be to step outside my comfort zone and teach myself the skills I needed. I also knew I ought to hang out with people smarter than I was, so that maybe one day I could wind up as the president of a public company!

Cory Gregory is president of MusclePharm® Corporation, an Aurora, Colorado-based developer of nutritional supplements for athletes, bodybuilders, weightlifters and fitness enthusiasts. The motivating force that drives MusclePharms business is the integrity of the management team. They are not just business people; they share the lifestyle of their target customers. They have harnessed the drive and focus that marked their experiences in the sports world into building their business that benefits all fitness enthusiasts. For more information go to www.musclepharm.com.