Ron - regarding the bodybuilding industry

[MAXX]

How and why did you become interested/involved in this bodybuilding "industry" when you don't lift weights or bodybuild yourself?

Serious question.

[ToxicAvenger]

you hate bodybuilding 

[bradistani]

How and why did you become interested/involved in this bodybuilding "industry" when you don't lift weights or bodybuild yourself?

Serious question.

good question. conversely, i lift weights but have zero interest in bodybuilding

[benchmstr]

good question. conversely, i lift weights but have zero interest in bodybuilding

me too......cause i am not a drug addict....or willing to blow anybody under any circumstances

bench

[MAXX]

you hate bodybuilding 

define "bodybuilding"

[Eyeball Chambers]

Good question!!

[Ron]

How and why did you become interested/involved in this bodybuilding "industry" when you don't lift weights or bodybuild yourself?  Serious question.

Lets take a quick history back, as I am sure some of you know.  I was around in 1991, started with American Body Building products as a distributor (which I still am).  In 1995, we started Getbig.com as a place to learn about various supplement, and then started a simple board, and a place to learn more about events, the industry and to meet people with the same interests. It grew from there.

As for myself, I am interested in the industry, bodybuilding, expos in the same way I am interested in other types of things. I love to take pictures, photography is a big hobby of mine, and I have shot for various magazines and websites for a while. I started taking pics in high school, and continued. Mostly bodybuilding, fitness, figure.  Then again, I also shoot movie premieres, rock bands, and other fun events.

I work for a distributor of supplements.  That coincides with various expos, and events.  Being at the events, I like to take pics, whether bodybuilding, figure, fitness, bikini or just people at the expos.  I can have fun, takes pics, and also conduct business. 

But along the way, I met a number of cool people in this industry. Contrary to what you think, most people who are in the supplement world or take supplements are not bodybuilders. Probably, less than 10% are, even less. As for the shows, I admire the dedication one gets in training, dieting, and getting up on stage or looking good.

Drugs are in every type of sport – that everyone knows. So take that equation out the window.

As I grew older, I got married, now have two kids, and things are much tougher and different. I don’t just think for myself. I take care of a family, but still find the time to do what I can. Not as much time as I want.

10-15 years ago, I could go to Yosemite Park, and climb up lower and upper Yosemite Falls with a 50 pound backup in a few hours.  Same with hiking up above the tree line in Kings Canyon National Park, which required endurance. It is different now.

Any other questions.

[mogulgangi]

ron ...through out all your years in the game...who are your favorite bodybuilders and why

[webcake]

did you ever go through a phase of lifting weights?

Just boggles my mind that someone could work so closely around bb'ers and not even train. And i'm not trying to be disrespectful by saying that, just saying i find it surprising is all.

[outby43]

Yes I have a question Ron.

Do you take any nature photos as well?  I would like to see some.

[Ron]

ron ...through out all your years in the game...who are your favorite bodybuilders and why

It changes every year, because people really do change. Whereas someone might be arrogant and have an attitude that ‘looks down’ on you, they may change later on.  I truly don’t have favorites, but as a class act, Jay Cutler is one of the best. In terms of physique, Flex Wheeler at one time was incredible, as was Shawn Ray.  Melvin Anthony had great posing routines, and Chris Cormier has the best stories.  

did you ever go through a phase of lifting weights? Just boggles my mind that someone could work so closely around bb'ers and not even train. And i'm not trying to be disrespectful by saying that, just saying i find it surprising is all.

No disrespect at all. When I was around 24-25, I wanted to get bigger. I was around 200 pounds, and wanted to gain weight and muscle. Wound up training at the Powerhouse Chatsworth (the original one), and also at the old Bodies in Motions (before they were that name). Lifted and trained, but it only lasted a year or so. Eventually, work caught up with me, and the aspirations of owning a home, making enough money, work and traveling changed a lot.  But never was a bodybuilder, just enjoyed working out.

Do you take any nature photos as well? I would like to see some.

Ha, but at one time, took some great shots around Kings Canyon, way up in high elevation, where the sky is really blue, and at night, you can actually see stars, the milky way, and shooting stars. Until you have been there, you wont understand just how many stars are out there.  I take a lot of different photos, and always have, but this is a bodybuilding site.

Here are some shot from other events

1) Nina Bergman, lead singer of Dead Rose Beauty, special benefit
2) Terri Nunn, lead singer of Berlin
3) Meadow Williams, at the premier of Raven

[saucetradomous]

Ron gets this question every year or so... someone should post those old shots of him.  Not a bad physique back in the day.

[Aaron Singerman]

1) Nina Bergman, lead singer of Dead Rose Beauty, special benefit

^^^^

Kinda hot.

[outby43]

1) Nina Bergman, lead singer of Dead Rose Beauty, special benefit

^^^^

Kinda hot.

Man..... the chick from Berlin was good material when I was a young teen.  She still looks good.

[Matt C]

Ron is genetically inclined to making tons of money and being successful!!!  He is one of getbig's TRUE millionaires.  People do what they are genetically good at.  I would say a lot of people will naturally tend to do what they are good at.  Personally I have found it a lot more fulfilling to adopt a powerlifting program recently as my gains have come far more rapidly.  Bodybuilding never really worked out for me. 

[DroppingPlates]

I see Ron as one of the most friendly, honest, humble, sincere and authentic persons in 'the industry'  (no slime)

[Ron]

Ron is genetically inclined to making tons of money and being successful!!!  He is one of getbig's TRUE millionaires.  People do what they are genetically good at.  I would say a lot of people will naturally tend to do what they are good at.

Different stages in life. In the 20s, wild and crazy and not thinking about things. In the 30's, thinking more about things. Second half of the 30's, kids, bigger house, fun stuff.  In the 40's - not having to worry about things.  Money is nothing without people who love you, and friends who care.

[dknole]

Different stages in life. In the 20s, wild and crazy and not thinking about things. In the 30's, thinking more about things. Second half of the 30's, kids, bigger house, fun stuff.  In the 40's - not having to worry about things.  Money is nothing without people who love you, and friends who care.

well said Ron, many of the youngers on this board one day too will learn that other priorities come up in life and that perhaps using weight lifting, working out and such for health promotion is a better fit for enhanced living...

[CalvinH]

It changes every year, because people really do change. Whereas someone might be arrogant and have an attitude that ‘looks down’ on you, they may change later on.  I truly don’t have favorites, but as a class act, Jay Cutler is one of the best. In terms of physique, Flex Wheeler at one time was incredible, as was Shawn Ray.  Melvin Anthony had great posing routines, and Chris Cormier has the best stories.  

No disrespect at all. When I was around 24-25, I wanted to get bigger. I was around 200 pounds, and wanted to gain weight and muscle. Wound up training at the Powerhouse Chatsworth (the original one), and also at the old Bodies in Motions (before they were that name). Lifted and trained, but it only lasted a year or so. Eventually, work caught up with me, and the aspirations of owning a home, making enough money, work and traveling changed a lot.  But never was a bodybuilder, just enjoyed working out.

Ha, but at one time, took some great shots around Kings Canyon, way up in high elevation, where the sky is really blue, and at night, you can actually see stars, the milky way, and shooting stars. Until you have been there, you wont understand just how many stars are out there.  I take a lot of different photos, and always have, but this is a bodybuilding site.

Here are some shot from other events

1) Nina Bergman, lead singer of Dead Rose Beauty, special benefit
2) Terri Nunn, lead singer of Berlin
3) Meadow Williams, at the premier of Raven

More chicks should wear shoes like the girl in the bottom pic.

[jayfromeurope]

Ron first of all thanks for Getbig. I have a question, do you earn money with getbig ? Cause I don't see any commercials.

Thanks for all

[DroppingPlates]

More chicks should wear shoes like the girl in the bottom pic.

...and look like her 

[Flexb]

Ya I don't really get why anyone who doesn't work out or really have a true passion for bodybuilding would even bother with this filthy industry.

[Ron]

Ron first of all thanks for Getbig. I have a question, do you earn money with getbig ? Cause I don't see any commercials.

I have a full time job that I am happy with, in the supplement industry.  As for Getbig, Muscletech, Bodybuilding.com, and DNA Sports are my sponsors which cover the expenses.  I could make money with Getbig, but then I would need to turn it into a google sponsored or ad on everything. Not sure I want to do that.

Ya I don't really get why anyone who doesn't work out or really have a true passion for bodybuilding would even bother with this filthy industry.

Like anything, there will always be an element that you dont like. I take the good with the bad. I try not to judge people, and enjoy the entertainment of it all.  If you ever check out show business, or other things, you can always find the negatives in that too. Try to enjoy life more.

[TRIX]

the man likes muscles (as do we all, hence we are here), who cares if he lifts or not. he is living the dream

[HTexan]

getbig t-shirts?