Prime/Blackstone owner Aaron Singerman talks drug addiction/mindset/success

[Chode Logan]

This is a really cool interview and Aaron is really open about his past and also discusses his recent success with his supplement companies. If any of you guys want some inspiration or like me have some rough spots in your past this is seriously worth checking out.


Interview With CEO and Founder of Prime Nutrition and Blackstone Labs AARON SINGERMAN - Bodybuilding and Fitness Podcast #326 - SkipLaCour.com

 

[Mike Arnold]

Yeah, Aaron and PJ are quite the success story. Makes you realize that stuff like this is possible even for your "regular" person.

The story behind how the business got started is pretty crazy. This is a classic example of being at the right place at the right time, having a great idea, and working hard to make good things happen.

 

[Chode Logan]

Yeah, Aaron and PJ are quite the success story. Makes you realize that stuff like this is possible even for your "regular" person.

The story behind how the business got started is pretty crazy. This is a classic example of being at the right place at the right time, having a great idea, and working hard to make good things happen.

a lot of guys in bodybuilding had some dark periods in their life too, so it makes it that much more relatable to hear Aaron talk about his addiction problems and what he was up to before hand.

 

[Growman]

Im a recovering addict myself, I need to listen to that interview when i have a few minutes. There are a lot of successful addicts, because when we put our minds to something positive we can really get after it.

If i wasnt training i would be getting myself in trouble. You are correct Chode a lot of guys in BB were not saints earlier in their lives. But then again nobody is...

 

[Massive G]

I remember Aaron from Muscle Mayhem back oh a decade or so ago, he always posted under his real name I think.
He was always polite and respectful on the boards but in the early days he drove me crazy for a bit with PM's about cycle advice.

He's come a long way.

 

[Swifto]

Yeah, Aaron and PJ are quite the success story. Makes you realize that stuff like this is possible even for your "regular" person.

The story behind how the business got started is pretty crazy. This is a classic example of being at the right place at the right time, having a great idea, and working hard to make good things happen.

Are IML and Blackstone not the same company?

 

[nothuman]

I've always liked Aaron and PJ. They seem like cool guys I'd like to hang out with. Used to post on RX Muscle when Aaron was there and PJ was giving bodybuilding advice in a QandA thread. People like to hate on them out of jealousy. A friend of mine now works for Prime with them in Florida. I'm actually eskimo brothers with PJ lol

 

[Knight9]

I've always liked Aaron and PJ. They seem like cool guys I'd like to hang out with. Used to post on RX Muscle when Aaron was there and PJ was giving bodybuilding advice in a QandA thread. People like to hate on them out of jealousy. A friend of mine now works for Prime with them in Florida. I'm actually eskimo brothers with PJ lol

Not from Celeste you're not!

I know PJ and Aaron...both solid dudes.

 

[nothuman]

Not from Celeste you're not!

I know PJ and Aaron...both solid dudes.

I wish

 

[Knight9]

I wish

She's seriously insanely hot.

 

[Mike Arnold]

Are IML and Blackstone not the same company?

I am limited as to what I can say here, but no, they are not. BSL was an offshoot from IML, with the IML owner being part owner of BSL, along with PJ and Aaron. So basically, the IML owner, Aaron and PJ all started BSL. At this point, the IML owner may have sold his piece of the pie to Aaron and PJ, but I am not sure, as I haven't asked.

The original BSL products were all originally IML products. The IML owner wanted to started BSL because most IML products at that time were steroids. He knew that if OTC steroids got banned (look what happened) that he would lose a huge part pf his business, so he started BSL with the idea that if OTC steroids got banned, he would have other products to fall back on for sale.

So, they took all IML steroids and simply put BSL labels on it...and Aaron and PJ basically ran the company, with the IML owner remaining part owner of the company.

Fortunately, enough time passed for BSL to become successful in its own right, before OTC steroids were finally banned. At this point they are both viable, independent companies...and as you know, Aaron and PJ started Prime on their own.

 

[Knight9]

I am limited as to what I can say here, but no, they are not. BSL was an offshoot from IML, with the IML owner being part owner of BSL, along with PJ and Aaron. So basically, the IML owner, Aaron and PJ all started BSL. At this point, the IML owner may have sold his piece of the pie to Aaron and PJ, but I am not sure, as I haven't asked.

The original BSL products were all originally IML products. The IML owner wanted to started BSL because most IML products at that time were steroids. He knew that if OTC steroids got banned (look what happened) that he would lose a huge part pf his business, so he started BSL with the idea that if OTC steroids got banned, he would have other products to fall back on for sale.

So, they took all IML steroids and simply put BSL labels on it...and Aaron and PJ basically ran the company, with the IML owner remaining part owner of the company.

Fortunately, enough time passed for BSL to become successful in its own right, before OTC steroids were finally banned. At this point they are both viable, independent companies...and as you know, Aaron and PJ started Prime on their own.

I fucking knew it! I always wondered how this happened. This is what I thought!

 

[Mike Arnold]

I fucking knew it! I always wondered how this happened. This is what I thought!

It's not a secret. Everyone already knew the first line of BSL products were originally IML products. That's why they all had the same name.

 

[Knight9]

It's not a secret. Everyone already knew the first line of BSL products were originally IML products. That's why they all had the same name.

It's just never been clearly stated even though what you explained is what I had a hunch I had witnessed. I always felt it'd be nosy to ask about the details.

 

[Chode Logan]

IML and blackstone labs are no longer connected in any way.

Blackstone started by selling off a stock of IML products that IML no longer wanted to sell (I believe it was one of the DMZ's). They were connected and then eventually IML decided to start selling it again and it no longer made sense so they severed the ties.

 

[Swifto]

It's not a secret. Everyone already knew the first line of BSL products were originally IML products. That's why they all had the same name.

Cool, I thought it was connected somehow, I appreciate your explanation.

 

[Mike Arnold]

IML and blackstone labs are no longer connected in any way.

Blackstone started by selling off a stock of IML products that IML no longer wanted to sell (I believe it was one of the DMZ's). They were connected and then eventually IML decided to start selling it again and it no longer made sense so they severed the ties.

I believe there were about a half-dozen supps handed down...or pretty close to it, if I am not mistaken. Basically, it was IML's entire designer line. That's how BSL got started--like you said, by selling all the supps IML no longer wanted to sell, or more accurately, "focus" on.

Eventually, IML did release DMZ 3.0--about a year after BSL was formed. Of course, BSL released several new products during that time, as well, which was not only smart, but necessary. Otherwise, they would have winded up in the same position IML was trying to avoid in the first place. Fortunately, BSL had enough time to diversify their product line before congress passed the latest designer steroid act.

 

[Mike Arnold]

Cool, I thought it was connected somehow, I appreciate your explanation.

Yeah, it was a smart move for all parties involved. It provided a back-up plan for IML, while also giving Aaron and PJ chance to shine, as well.

 

[Chode Logan]

Just one more bump...I know we have a lot of very driven people on this board and hearing Aaron talk about how he went from a heroin junkie to successful businessman is something more guys should listen to...