SPHS Grad Zach Shefska Launches Nutrition Supplement Company

When someone seeks inspiration for a business startup idea, beef jerky probably falls to the bottom of most entrepreneurs’ lists. But in the case of Severna Park High School graduate and Arnold resident Zach Shefska, the delectable meat treat spurred his ingenuity and culminated in the launch of a monthly subscription-based supplement company called GymBro five months ago.

Shefska’s epiphany - prompted by noticing his roommates’ monthly shipment of the snack – occurred during his freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh. “I saw an opportunity to apply the same model to supplements,” he recalled. “If they can send out monthly shipments of beef jerky, why can’t we do the same thing with protein powder?”

Against the advice of his father - who told him never to mix business with friends - Shefska collaborated with fellow Pittsburgh students Martin Snow and John Quattrocchi to form GymBro and provide individuals with a reliable means to get their nutrition fix. “The main goal is to provide convenience and assurance that the supplement will never run out,” Shefska acknowledged.

Shefska said Snow is the quintessential “gym bro,” vital to the company because of his product knowledge, while Quattrocchi contributes a technical aptitude. According to Shefska, the site is targeted at both beginners and experienced lifters. He also mentioned that products sold by GymBro are cheaper than big-name retailers because the company buys directly from the wholesaler. This includes protein, creatine, vitamins and other items developed by several brands, from Quest Nutrition to MusclePharm.

Purchased products are sent to GymBro customers every 30 days, and the longer the subscription an individual signs up for, the more benefits he or she receives. A three-month subscription drops 5 percent off retail prices, six months knocks off 10 percent and nine months cuts costs by 15 percent.

A marketing and business information systems major, Shefska hopes he can use the GymBro giveback in other ways too. On September 12, GymBro will host a campus food drive. Sponsored by Quest Nutrition, the GymBro founders will trade bars donated by Quest Nutrition, in exchange for chips, granola bars and even change. The acquired food will be sent to either the Greater City of Pittsburgh Food Bank or the university’s Pitt Pantry.

“As companies grow larger, they lose touch with the community,” Shefska noted. “We have no excuse not to give back because we want to make a positive imprint.”

According to the college student, his group of colleagues has no reason not to succeed in their business venture either. “The three of us are so bullish and determined to prove to our friends that this can work,” Shefska said. “Most small businesses fail, but if that happens, I will try again. That’s my attitude.”

For more information or to order supplements, visit www.gymbro.co. Additional details and workout tips can be found on the business’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.