Welcome to Episode 131 of The Endless Growth Podcast!
This week, Alex and Edgar sit down with Shawn, a longtime GNC franchise owner with over 20 years in the supplement and fitness world. Shawn shares how he and his wife went from corporate jobs to running four GNC stores across Utah, Nevada, and Oregon, and the lessons they’ve learned about leadership, training employees, and building trust with customers.
From there, the conversation dives into business ownership, employee retention, and what it takes to keep a remote store profitable in small-town America. Shawn opens up about the challenges of competing with Amazon, the power of face-to-face education in a digital world, and why consistent customer experience matters more than price.
The guys also explore gym culture and health habits: the truth about creatine, why protein and vitamins are the foundation, and why even the best supplement stack won’t work if your diet, sleep, and stress are out of balance. Edgar relates it to ceramic coatings and customer expectations, reinforcing that maintenance matters in business, fitness, and life.
The episode closes with reflections on discipline, prioritizing health as busy entrepreneurs, and finding ways to keep momentum even when motivation dips. Whether you’re into fitness, business growth, or just want a real look behind the scenes of running a franchise, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
Follow Shawn on Instagram: @jensennutrition
00:08 Meet Sean: GNC Franchise Owner
00:30 The GNC Franchise Journey
01:13 Challenges and Benefits of Retail
02:08 Training and Employee Management
05:06 Managing Multiple Stores
06:26 The Elko, Nevada Store
08:22 Franchise Acquisition Stories
18:22 Starting and Buying GNC Stores
28:10 Supplement Industry Insights
36:51 Discussing Business Expansion Plans
37:21 Challenges and Gratification in the Supplement Industry
37:37 The Role of Peptides and FDA Regulations
37:59 Personal Passion for Fitness and Nutrition
38:59 The Importance of Customer Interaction
39:22 Family Business Ventures
40:56 Automotive Industry Insights
46:11 Challenges in the Supplement Market
47:36 Creatine: Benefits and Misconceptions
52:16 The Importance of Proper Supplementation
56:43 Marketing and Business Strategies
01:08:01 Viewer Question: Valuing a Business Based on Price
01:13:13 The Importance of Habit and Passion in Fitness
01:13:51 Balancing Family, Work, and Fitness
01:15:04 The Challenges and Rewards of Weight Training
01:17:00 Diet and Lifestyle Choices for Health
01:22:18 The Role of Supplements in Fitness
01:24:31 Bodybuilding and Competition Insights
01:26:59 The Benefits of a Keto Lifestyle
01:34:13 Navigating Protein and Supplement Choices
01:41:28 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks