EP 5: Ben Francis Gymshark CEO with Jordan Mulligan | Mulligan Brothers

Sponsored by www.mulliganbrothers.com

Jordan Mulligan, the host of Mulligan Brothers podcast, sits down with Gymshark CEO and founder Ben Francis as he shares his inspiring life story on how he entered the business world, navigating his brand and his outlook on life.

Growing up in the West Midlands with a passion for football, admiring and idolising the sport, Francis made the realisation that he didn’t have what it took to be a professional footballer. From this, he discusses how his passion then transformed itself when he was introduced to IT. It was here where he found a skill that truly demonstrated his talent. His interest in IT and the passion for fitness and training embedded fundamental traits he needed to truly apply himself not only in the gym but also in his everyday life. Consistency- to show up every day no matter the situation. Hard work- however difficult things get, always choosing to preserve. Finally, commitment- to understand that he truly must apply himself to make a difference in his life.

We explore the journey of Ben entering the business world, creating two record breaking fitness apps and how this helped in his journey to create the website he needed to kickstart his business. Starting off drop selling supplements, slowly but surely this was where Gymshark was born all at the young age of 19. In 2013 Francis expanded the business, designing and selling apparel, all from his own back, even sewing garments himself. His products began to create attention after the Body Power fitness show in which he generated 30,000 pounds worth of sales in just half an hour. This was when he made the commitment to leave university and his minimum wage job to focus on his company full time all at the incredible age of nineteen

We cover entrepreneurship, brand culture, and how his multimillion business emerged from his humble beginnings.