Introduction
In the heart of Tampa, Florida, a visionary military veteran named Marc Ervin embarked on an extraordinary journey in July 2020, setting the stage for the creation of MNM ProLabs. This brand, born out of a passion for fitness and a commitment to excellence, emerged with a clear mission—to revolutionize the supplements industry. Marc, alongside his lifelong friends Joshua Newell and Matt Olcott, founded MNM ProLabs as a solution to a gap they found in the market—a single, trusted source for high-quality, all-encompassing nutritional supplements. Their story is one of friendship, vision, and a shared passion for improving health and performance.
Marc Ervin: A Military Veteran with a Vision
Marc Ervin’s journey to founding MNM ProLabs was shaped by his experiences and values instilled during his 23-year military career. Hailing from Englewood, Florida, Marc, alongside his friends Matt and Josh, was introduced to the world of fitness early on, which would later become a significant part of his life’s work. After graduating from Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, Marc enlisted in the United States Army in 1994, where he served as an Airborne Ranger, 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper, and Master Sergeant. His time in the military—marked by countless deployments and years of service—built in him a sense of discipline, precision, and an unwavering drive for excellence, qualities that would later serve as the foundation for MNM ProLabs.
While stationed at Fort Detrick, Maryland, Marc met Jonathan Cook, a key figure who would later join the MNM ProLabs team. Jonathan’s sharp business acumen and investment background would play a crucial role in the company’s expansion, helping to shape the trajectory of the brand. Marc’s bond with Jonathan grew during their time at Fort Detrick, where they quickly realized they shared similar values and a passion for entrepreneurship.
Joshua Newell and Matt Olcott: Lifelong Friends with a Shared Vision
Marc’s closest friends, Joshua Newell and Matt Olcott, have been integral to the founding of MNM ProLabs. The three friends grew up in Englewood, Florida, where Marc and Josh attended Lemon Bay High School together. Their shared interest in fitness and a desire to improve their physical performance set the stage for their future business venture.
After we finished high school, Matt focused on real estate, gaining valuable experience in business management and investing. His expertise would later contribute to the company’s operational success, particularly in terms of strategic expansion and development. Josh, with his diverse skills in construction and home maintenance, played an instrumental role in the establishment of MNM ProLabs’ physical infrastructure. His experience working on houses and his ability to manage a variety of tasks made him an essential part of the team, especially in the early stages of building the business.
While growing up, Matt, Josh, and Marc spent much of their free time together, with Marc often visiting the local establishment—Stump Pass Grill in Englewood. Located off Placida Road, the grill became a gathering place for the trio. It was here, amidst casual conversations over meals, that the idea of starting their own company began to take shape. The friends discussed their frustrations with having to go to multiple supplement brands to get the products they loved. They wanted to create one place that had everything a fitness enthusiast could need, from protein powders to pre-workouts and recovery aids. This vision became the catalyst for the formation of MNM ProLabs.
The Birth of MNM ProLabs: A Dream Realized
In August 2020, after months of planning and strategizing, Marc, Matt, and Josh officially founded MNM ProLabs. Driven by their shared passion for fitness and a desire to create high-quality products that aligned with their values, they set out to make a difference in the supplement industry. MNM ProLabs was born out of their frustration with the fragmented market and their drive to offer a single, trusted brand that fitness enthusiasts could rely on for all their nutritional needs.
Early Challenges and Growth
The early days of MNM ProLabs were not without challenges. As with any startup, they faced hurdles related to product development, sourcing, and branding. However, thanks to Marc’s leadership, Matt’s business acumen, and Josh’s hands-on approach, the team quickly gained traction. Marc’s military background played a key role in instilling a culture of precision, discipline, and attention to detail, ensuring that every step in the company’s development adhered to the highest standards.
As the business began to grow, the trio realized that they needed more than just passion—they needed a diverse skill set. In 2021, MNM ProLabs welcomed Chadwick Ledesma to the team. Chadwick, an advocate for education and youth sports, brought a new dimension to the company’s mission. His understanding of people and his ability to inspire athletes of all ages had a profound impact on the company. He played an essential role in promoting sports nutrition education, particularly for younger generations, and his involvement was pivotal in solidifying MNM ProLabs as a brand that truly cared about the community.
Jonathan Cook’s Strategic Investment
In 2023, MNM ProLabs took another significant step forward with the addition of Jonathan Cook as an investor. Marc had met Jonathan while serving at Fort Detrick, Maryland, and their shared vision for growth and innovation led to Jonathan’s involvement in the business. His financial expertise and strategic insights were critical in helping the company scale its operations and diversify its offerings. Jonathan’s investment allowed MNM ProLabs to fund several key projects, including expanding the product line and enhancing the company’s presence in the marketplace.
Jonathan’s role extended beyond just capital infusion; his entrepreneurial experience and strategic foresight helped MNM ProLabs establish a more robust infrastructure, setting the stage for future growth and success.
MNM ProLabs: Commitment to Quality and Innovation
From the very beginning, MNM ProLabs was built on a foundation of uncompromising quality. The team was determined to create a brand that not only provided the highest-quality supplements but also set new benchmarks for safety, transparency, and customer trust. Every product underwent rigorous testing to ensure it met the highest standards of efficacy and safety. The commitment to transparency is a hallmark of the MNM ProLabs brand, with each product coming with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to prove its authenticity.
MNM ProLabs’ flagship products—such as their pre-workout supplements, whey protein powders, and recovery aids—quickly became favorites in the fitness community. The company’s commitment to using only the purest, most potent ingredients, backed by extensive research, solidified its reputation as a trusted name in the industry.
Additionally, MNM ProLabs’ products are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified, meaning they meet stringent quality control standards. The NSF Certification ensures that each product undergoes extensive testing and inspection, giving customers peace of mind that they are receiving the highest-quality products.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
MNM ProLabs is more than just a supplement company; it is a brand deeply invested in the well-being of its community. The company actively sponsors fitness events, athletes, and competitions, working to promote wellness and healthy living on both a local and national level. Through these initiatives, MNM ProLabs continues to foster a positive impact in the fitness industry and beyond.
Looking toward the future, Marc and the team are excited about expanding the company’s product offerings. MNM ProLabs plans to introduce new supplements that address a broader range of health needs while maintaining the high standards of quality that have become synonymous with the brand. Additionally, the company aims to introduce innovative fitness gear and expand its global footprint, ensuring that fitness enthusiasts worldwide have access to the highest-quality products.
Conclusion
The journey of MNM ProLabs is one of friendship, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From its humble beginnings in Englewood, Florida, to its rise as a leading force in the supplements industry, MNM ProLabs stands as a testament to the power of shared vision and hard work. Marc Ervin, Joshua Newell, Matt Olcott, Chadwick Ledesma, and Jonathan Cook have each played pivotal roles in the company’s growth, ensuring that it remains true to its core values of excellence, transparency, and community.
As MNM ProLabs continues to innovate and grow, it remains a key player in the sports nutrition industry, empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals and live healthier, more active lives. With a team that is committed to both the quality of their products and the well-being of their customers, MNM ProLabs is set to continue its journey toward greater success and impact in the years to come.
