Just a note from an amateur you've probably never heard of that has done well, comparatively financially, as such. I was signed as a Team PROLAB Athlete in 1999 for about $1000/ month plus $250 in supplements. Local companies sponsored my tanning, registration, and accomodations. I even managed to have a law firm in another state provide over $1500/ month for my food expenses in 2003.Also in 2003 I signed a 3 year deal with REEBOK. I'm currently on a program similar to what I did with PROLAB for another fantastic company, and am weeks from signing with NESTLE, Patagonia, Rip Curl, and either NIKE or New Balance. Endorsements are available. Companies are looking for public faces to utilize for marketing. It helps if you actually work out seriously and have some marketing goals for yourself as well. Hope this is encouraging to somebody that wants to make it for themselves.
Chris Glass