Russell Saks, 22-year-old CEO of Campus Protein, said he came up with the idea during his sophomore year. He said his fraternity brothers were spending $100 to $150 on protein supplements, and he thought there must be a better way.

After receiving $101,000 this past spring through numerous contests, Campus Protein, which was founded in the spring of 2010, expanded to MSU. The company sold about $3,500 of product since it first came to MSU at the beginning of the semester, Saks said.

When searching for the best schools to market their product, Saks said they looked at different aspects, including the number of gyms on campus, the student body’s fitness level, the prominence of sports and the importance of Greek life.

Campus Protein hires representatives at each active campus to market, sell and deliver the
products. Packaging junior Michael Bailen is one of three Campus Protein representatives at MSU. He said he applied for the job for the experience and also because he is interested in fitness.

After an order is placed online, a campus representative is notified to pick up the order from a storage facility located near campus. The representative then delivers the order, along with free samples, the same day.

Bailen said there is an emphasis on the Greek system, but he said he targets any students who work out.

“It’s our first year starting at MSU, (but) I’ve been told that they think that this will be our flagship campus,” Bailen said. “I think that has to do with the numbers. There are a lot of people who are into fitness here.”

Michael Yewdell, 22-year-old chief marketing officer for Campus Protein, said the company differs from buying supplements at the local GNC because the people selling the product are the same age as the customers.

“When I went into GNC, I was approached by a 50-year-old male, and I thought, ‘What does he know about me and my body?’” Yewdell said. “You can trust (the campus representatives) because they are not trying to screw you over because they understand you.”

Bailen said he not only tells customers about the convenience and low prices of the product, but also about how great his bosses are.

“I don’t know of anyone else with a campus (representative) job (with bosses) who (come) to visit me,” Bailen said. “They are very, very involved with me. I can call and text them at any point.”
Bailen said the company’s owners are lenient in the sales because their main goal is to get a customer base.

Yewdell said Campus Protein’s online site is adding an educational feature, where visitors can learn how to use the products they purchase and how to stay fit.