Opened: October 19, 2010Location: Tualatin, OR
Originally from Rochester, NY, Reginald Lee spent 30 years working in sales for the cable broadband industry and traveling all over the country, from Tampa to San Francisco to Spokane to Portland. When he found out about Max Muscle Sports Nutrition in 2009, he knew he’d stumbled upon a chance for a fresh start in an industry he’d always been interested in—sports nutrition. An avid cyclist and life-long fitness fanatic, Reginald opened his own Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchise in Tualatin in October 2010. Here, he shares with us a little about how he got to where he is today.
Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: Over those 30 years in sales management, I experienced lots of changes and consolidation and was constantly relocating. Finally, I decided it was time to try something new. I first heard about Max Muscle Sports Nutrition back in 2009; I learned that they were trying to open stores in the Portland area and I just really liked everything I heard about the brand. There were five successful Max Muscle stores in metro Portland before I arrived, but I saw that there was room for more.
Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: Max Muscle sells only high quality, legal products. They have an outstanding reputation as industry leaders, backed by an impressive system of above-board corporate leadership. Furthermore, fitness has always been an important part of my life. I played sports all through high school and I’m now an avid cyclist. At Max Muscle, we’re working with folks who are trying to change their lives. Our customers are comprised of a very diverse group of people and interests, from mixed martial arts to high school sports. All of these people are looking to better their health and lives, and I love being the person they turn to in order to make these healthy changes.
Q: How do you see the brand connecting with your local community?
A: We regularly donate to local charities and get involved in community events. I participate in the Regatta Run, a fundraiser in Tualatin in the name of local high school student who died in combat in Iraq, in addition to raising money for a scholarship fund in his name. We’ve also donated gift certificates to other fundraisers and foundations, including the American Lung Association.
Q: Tell me about your family.
A: My son is 29 and was a Washington State wrestling champion in 1999. He currently lives in Philadelphia. My daughter is 9 years old. She has been figure skating the past 4 years is current the 2-time U.S. Figure Skating Pacific Regional Champion. Our whole family has always been very focused on fitness, nutrition, and athletics. My wife, Kate, who also runs, rides a bike often and teaches and races in-line skating.
Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?
A: Our future goal is to open a second store in Gresham, OR, probably in 15 months or so. After that, who knows? I could definitely see us opening even more locations in the future.
