Page 100 - Demo

100 || FITNESS MAGAZINE || AUGUST 2015down to practically nothing for the show to keep my size down, the local temperature was 105 (or above) the whole time I was in Las Vegas, and I was outside more than I should have been. All of it added up to a scenario which almost killed me. To die due to an electrolyte imbalance is something I had never even considered happening previously. But, I am obviously far more aware now of the dangers of everything I did to myself. I was, and am still, very humbled by the situation and will be for the rest of my life.The proudest moment in my career was proposing to my now wife on stage at the Oregon Seven Feathers show. From that, the moment that has surpassed that is seeing my clients and friends compete and do well%u2026I couldn%u2019t be prouder of them.Other accomplishments that are at the very top of the list would be becoming a Bodybuilding.com athlete and a Beast Sport Nutrition athlete. It has been a dream come true and I%u2019m very blessed for the opportunity. They are an amazing group of people and I love working with them. I feel that there is no limit to where our relationships can lead. Having them encourage you and be there for you makes you truly feel you can take on the world. So to everyone at Bodybuidling.com and BEAST %u2013 THANK YOUThe biggest challenge I have helped someone else through could be so many things. How do you gauge someone else%u2019s hardship? I have helped people through depression, anxiety, a few clients lose over 100 lbs., and others gain muscle. I%u2019ve helped many find confidence and greatness within themselves. I%u2019ve helped some with eating disorders, hormone disorders %u201cwith the help of a Doctor of course%u201d. I%u2019ve been blessed to be able to interact with so many people and work with so many individuals. I couldn%u2019t ever just pick one situation. FMM: What do you see in yourself which separates you in a positive way from the rest of the fitness industry? BF: I think that due to how I grew up I see things in a different light. I had a tough upbringing and value a lot of things others take for granted. I believe that positivity and karma are related, and that the more positive you are the more good karma comes into your life. A BIG part of that belief is giving back and helping others. I went through a near death experience and at one point when I thought I was going to pass said in my head %u201cIf I get out of here, I%u2019ll do good.%u201d Well, I did and after the fact I asked again %u201cNOW WHAT?%u201d Well, from there, door after door in this industry opened for me. Yes, it took hard work. But, I believe everything happens for a reason, and that I have a purpose in this industry to help others. FMM: How do you prepare yourself mentally for a competition or for a major project?BF: I%u2019m a compulsive thinker. I obsess on details and am an extreme multi-tasker by nature. I have learned over time I need to see the big picture and start it off slow. From there I gain momentum and once I do, NOTHING will stop me. I%u2019m very organized and scripted at this time. I do the same things day in and day out and am over prepared for any situation. FMM: How has social media challenged you, and how has it changed your business for the better?BF: It has been a challenge because it%u2019s ever changing. I have done well with it, but there are so many areas I really haven%u2019t grown as I would like. Video is one of those areas, %u201cYouTube%u201d being an example. However, now that Periscope has come out, I think I have found an avenue that really works for me and my schedule. Another thing that is tough is that, once you have built a following (such as Facebook) and they change how people can view and or interact with you, it can hurt your brand. This is damaging especially if you put all of your chips in one barrel. I try to have as many working social media entities as I can, all working at the same time, in case one falters. This way,