Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Blondin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dave. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I own Prime Nutrition and Prime Fitness in North Oxford, Ma. It all started when I was 18 years old when I met a man by the name of Tom Vigliatura also known as “T-Vigs”. Tom and I became very close quickly when I started working for him at his nutrition store in Worcester ma while I attended college classes at QCC. I looked up to him as a friend and as a mentor. Sadly, in 2011 Tom had passed away. I was in shock and was left in charge of the store with some pretty big shoes to fill. I was confident enough that I could exceed and complete the goals he never was able to finish. As I worked in the nutrition store after his passing, some weird things starting happening like lights flickering, trees falling down, and even as far as shelves falling off the wall. I took this as a sign to get out before something bad happened and finally decided after a couple months it was time to venture off and open up my own store. I pulled every dime I had to my name and luckily was approved for a small business loan at the local bank who really loved what I planned on doing in the town. I then went on to open up my first store in 2012 in Millbury ma. It was a tiny store in a refinished mill building. I was there for about 3 years until I out grew the space and was forced to move into a bigger and higher traffic location. I then moved to the venter of town in Oxford ma. where business began to explode. I only lasted about a year there before was forced to expand again. At the same time I bought a gym down the street where I planned on combining businesses to create what I had always dreamed of to be a one stop shop- 24 access gym, supplement store, juice bar/ ready to eat meals, and nutrition consults. The interesting and semi scary part is- the gym that I bought was the same location where my old boss started out personal training before he opened his store. I take this as another sign that this was all meant to be and happened in the order it did for a reason!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part things have been smooth, but like all business stress is a big factor. I started as a one man business with no help to full time employees, night closers, and personal trainers. At every location I went to there seemed to be problems with permits with the towns, which I thought was very small to make such a big deal out of for the big improvement to the town I was adding. There’s also the stress of the slow times of year, or not taking a pay check for a long period of time because it’s all invested into the business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Prime Supplements & Nutrition, INC. – what should we know?
I offer 1 on 1 nutrition consulting for various amounts of people including your average person looking to get in shape, Bodybuilders and fitness competitors, and athletes. Ages vary from 12-70 with a wide variety of goals. I’m very well known for listening to my clients goals and designing a plan that is fully customized for that. I’m proud of that my company is unique and I do everything that I believe will work best. Create a niche for serious people that want to work out, whereas most chain gyms and stores do THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Obviously my number 1 mentor would be Tom Vigs. I wouldn’t be anywhere without him. I truly believe when one for closes another one opens. Next would be my right hand/assistant/sister and best friend, Kate Pickett. She has been by my side since the beginning helping me achieve my dream. And lastly, my amazing wife Jill Blondin, she’s put up with the long hours working, 7 days a week, and constantly answering clients’ emails and text messages.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1 norwood ct. north oxford ma, 01537
- Website: psnoxford.com
- Phone: 508 987 2360
- Email: psnoxford@gmail.com
- Instagram: @d_blondin
- Facebook: Facebook.com/primesupplementsnutrition
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