Sept. 1, 2008

Question: Firstly, congratulations to your wife Brandie and you on her turning pro at the IFBB North American this last weekend. How would you describe what special significance this holds for you as her husband and trainer for so many years?

Tim Gardner: Thank you again. Cleveland was a very emotionally joyous moment for the both of us to say the least; a dream come true. This definitely solidifies Brandie's industry credentials and that we are an all-star duo together in all that we do. What an incredible feeling for her to step off that stage with her overall victory to flashing cameras, video interviews, magazine writers, all the congratulations from the other figure competitors and to cap it off a welcome to the IFBB and photo with Mr. Jim Manion.

I often felt that I may have caused Brandie to miss her IFBB Pro window when she took time off from training to help me open our 12,000 sq ft health club in late 2003. Her momentum was strong with several figure victories under her belt and a top four finish in Charleston, SC at the Junior USA's with four collected first place votes at her first National platform ever. Continued IFBB Pro qualifiers through 2003 and 2004 would have been the logical thing to do since the National judges already knew who she was but Brandie, my wife and best friend, unselfishly hung up the figure heels to be by my side in promoting our business.

Fast forward to a top five finish in Chicago in 2007 where the four other girls in her class all earned their IFBB Pro cards that year, a 2008 first place in Pittsburgh and only points away from the coveted IFBB title in the overall, a fifth place finish in Vegas at this year's heavily and always competitive, NPC USA's, a third place finish and also only a few points away from first to claim the open F class at the IFBB North Americans and then to her class D win and overall victory in the Over 35 Masters Figure division of the North Americans. HISTORY is made, Brandie Gardner is an IFBB Professional! Who would have ever thought that this small town, happy-go-lucky girl from Georgia through Plant City, Florida would have been honored with this crowning and induction into the IFBB?

The true significance of this victory is accomplishment. Brandie wanted something bad enough to make tremendous sacrifices along the way and she successfully saw it through to fruition. She epitomizes the BODY*TECH slogan of Tenacity, Dedication & Desire and her work ethics and patience to set realistic goals for herself and as improvements were made she always put her best efforts forward and applied it to its fullest but most importantly, enjoyed the journey from its start to this incredible finish. As she says now, there are not any expectations of herself and she is going to just have fun starting all over on the IFBB stage.

Question: Tim, you were recently honored by Deke Warner at the NPC Florida State competition for being a training guru, terrific friend, great promoter and I’ve probably forgotten all the praises Deke heaped on you. If you were to break down how you get so much accomplished how would you boil it down?

Tim Gardner: WOW, Deke really did pour it on, didn't he?
I am very driven to excel in every capacity of which I am involved with. I strive that once my endorsement is stamped onto something that it is synonymous to excellence and only of the highest of standards. I try to apply that philosophy to all that I do in life, not just my business endeavors.

Question: Team Body Tech took a heap of awards and honors at the Florida State competition, which isn’t uncommon. From your perspective what are some of the most significant group and individual accomplishments of Techers?

Tim Gardner: As for a group, that Team BODY*TECH is recognized as a force to be reckoned with at any venue whether it's bodybuilding, fitness or figure. The Blue & Yellow is highly respected throughout the entire country which is based on the countless compliments from officials, competitors, media and fans throughout the years.

As for an individual, to improve not only their physiques to their full potential but to make them a better person within their society. As their mentor, I strongly emphasize on what I feel is top priority and instill family and work ethic values in them.

Question: As bodybuilding, fitness, and figure are often defined as individual sports how does your team approach change things? Do you recruit these guys like a successful basketball or football coach would do?

Tim Gardner: I am proud to say that I am not one to solicit Team BODY*TECH to any competitor on any level. I often chuckle to myself when I spot the "trainer" in the back of an auditorium lurking in the dark metaphorically trying to tell athletes as they pass by that he or she can take them to the top of Nationals and turn them pro.

The success of our almost 500 athlete novice to IFBB pros rostered team is because I believe in a strong support system and I love to lead. The cameraderie within is a sight to be seen. Strong relationships are formed; friendships, marriages, Godparents, business networking & children. We are truly a BIG family. What better way to do so than with people of all walks of life that are in total understanding of what you are going through and experiencing? I coach these athletes as a group with mock shows, posing clinics, platoon workouts, motivational speakers, etc. but I also coach them one-on-one where I make their adjustments for training, nutrition, supplements and their stage presentation in my office where all of the magic happens as we bond closely through the trenches of their contest prep.

My athletes are my recruiters for me. Their total satisfaction with their physiques is always a walking testimonial billboard to others. When a figure, fitness or bodybuilding competitor inquires about my services, I know that they are serious and have researched me to find out that Team BODY*TECH means business and our standards of a winning has a very strong reputation within our NPC and IFBB industry.

Question: The bodybuilding world is still buzzing after this year’s first annual IFBB Tampa Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships & NPC Extravaganza. This was just the beginning I hope. Do fans of the sport need to start planning for a trip to Tampa each year for more of what we saw with amateurs and pros competing together on the same stage?

Tim Gardner: ABSOLUTELY!

The bodybuilding world can expect to put this show on their calendar in August of every year. My personal vision is to make this show one of the richest in traditions and history for bodybuilding and fitness fans alike. I have aspirations to make this a top tiered contest and to be considered of the same caliber of the Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic one day.

Some changes to help improve for next year's event are already in motion. Suggestions from NPC President, Jim Manion and discussions with NPC Florida Central District Chairman, Pete Fancher, of incorporating NPC bodybuilding along with our NPC Extravaganza are in place. Final details will be made before the end of this year.

Get ready bodybuilding fans! Tim Gardner Productions proudly presents the 2009 IFBB Florida Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships & the NPC Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Extravaganza.

Question: If you had to pick one thing that stuck out in your mind as the most positive aspect of promoting this IFBB and NPC event what would it be?

Tim Gardner: The satisfaction of knowing that my staff and I crushed this one out of the park and into the parking lot. To see the smiles and feel the gratitude from all of the athletes, officials, press and the fans made it all worth the endless hours and the sacrifices preparing for the production and to be told by Rob Wilkins, an IFBB Executive Assistant to Ben Weider, that our show was of Olympia caliber and he was completely amazed that I was the sole director of the show.

Question: There is still more on your plate though. What might we expect as a preview at this year’ upcoming NPC Hurricane Bay Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure and Typhoon Bay Bodybuilding competition on Sept. 20, 2008?

Tim Gardner: Even with the economy the way it is, we are at a record number of entries at this point of the contest. Typically the flood gates open receiving the entry forms inside of twelve days out. Our level IVA show always gives the feel of more than a top regional NPC National qualifier with its rich history of top-notched competitors and rock concert-like stage setup. I expect an outstanding group of polished athletes competing at our show and the bar seems to rise every year with the contest's quality and depth in all divisions. The Hurricane & Typhoon Bay also seems to have drawn the most fitness competitors and female bodybuilders to date of our NPC Florida contests. We are featuring IFBB pros, Darrem Charles, Marcus Haley & Carla Salotti as our guest posers along with recently crowned NPC Florida State Champion, Phil Clahar. The Hurricane Bay is always known to attract some of the finest IFBB pros and special guests so we will keep you updated as we get nearer to the show. Our vendor booths will be plentiful and there will be something for everybody at the 2008 NPC Hurricane Bay Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships in conjunction with the NPC Typhoon Bay Bodybuilding Championships.

Question: We look forward to seeing this show again this year as you always put on a terrific event for the athletes, NPC officials and fans. If satisfactory we’d like to call on you again from time to time for more specifics about what all is going on with one of our favorite promoters, NPC officials, trainers, and indeed one of our really good friends, which of course is you Tim Gardner.

Tim Gardner: Of course, we are never too busy for you, John Hawley. Keep up the good work that you do for our sport through your video lens and long live the NPC and IFBB!