The world of competitive bodybuilding is always in need of role models, guys that live the life and give back to the fans. There's so much arrogance in a sport that so desperately wants to be accepted by the mainstream. Even at the Arnold Classic Expo, I said "good job" to some of the amateur bodybuilders walking through the forum post-show; some had done very well, but none said thank you, none smiled, few even acknowledged us. You can't walk around with a shit-face and think you're God - the fans won't respond to that. Fans are loyal, but only to a point.
One guy that knows how to treat the fans right, is NPC Mr. California RICH PIANA. The Mutant Booth was jam packed full of people. What it lacked in size, it made up for with fan interest. It's the same with their products - they don't need exotically designed tins or outlandish claims - they make a solid product and have a solid roster of champion athletes.
I know of Rich through his work with Ric Drasin, host of Ric's Corner on youtube. The two have collaborated on several episodes, leaving the fans hungry for more.
Rich is also an accomplished actor, fighter, and bodybuilder (now retired). He also launched his own clothing line "1 Day U May."
Legendary Bodybuilding Champion, Michigan native RON LOVE has agreed to do an interview with Christian Duque of StrengthAddicts.com. Love, who is a 1987 IFBB Mr. World, has competed in almost seventy pro shows, winning a series of titles and becoming an international celebrity. According to many fans, he was also incredibly impressive at the 1987 IFBB Mr. Olympia where he cracked the Top 10 - and where many believed he should have cracked the Top 5.
Together with his close friend John Simmons and fellow Pro's Jeff Willet and Joe Romine, these four men represent the Very Best Michigan has to offer. Stay tuned for the Ron Love Interview at StrengthAddicts.com!