Meet Lucas Forrester

 

We were lucky to catch up with Lucas Forrester recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lucas with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic comes from a combination of life experiences that shaped me from a young age. Growing up in a poor family, raised by a single mom with two brothers, I learned early on that nothing comes easy, and if I wanted something, I had to work for it. That drive to achieve more than my circumstances taught me the value of hard work and perseverance.

Sports also played a huge role in shaping my discipline. Football and track taught me how to push myself physically and mentally, setting goals and doing whatever it took to reach them. Now, as I’m focused on bodybuilding, that same dedication to training and consistency continues to push me forward. All of these experiences combined instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and determination to never settle for less.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At GgripzWorldwide.com, we are a brand built by and for those who live and breathe fitness—bodybuilders, gym goers, athletes, powerlifters, and strongman competitors. What excites us most is that our products are not just functional; they embody the passion for training, commitment, and growth that we all share. Our brand’s tagline, “Made In The Gym” (MITG), reflects this ethos.

We’re continuously expanding our product line, with more styles of socks and gym apparel coming soon under the MITG brand. In addition, we’re introducing knee sleeves and other gym accessories designed to complement our socks, ensuring that our customers have the gear they need to train at their best.

What makes this journey so special is that it aligns perfectly with our passion for fitness. As a team, we live what we preach. I, Lucas Forrester, founded Ggripz alongside two amazing partners, Mike Semnza and Dion Merrill. We are all deeply rooted in the bodybuilding world—Dion is an IFBB pro, I’m pursuing my own bodybuilding career, and Mike is not only competing but also coaching athletes on their way to becoming pros. Our combined dedication to fitness, from competing to coaching, drives everything we do with the brand.

We’re always involved in the fitness community, attending pop-up events with supplement companies, powerlifting meets, and bodybuilding shows. Our next major event is the Pitt Pro/Am Bodybuilding Expo, where we’ll have a booth, and I’ll also be competing as a heavyweight bodybuilder. These events allow us to connect with the community and continue sharing our passion with others.

We’re excited about what’s next for GGripz and how we’re helping athletes push themselves to the next level.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey are the discipline from sports, the commitment learned through bodybuilding, and the work ethic and drive that fueled my desire to start a brand. From football and track growing up to my current pursuit of success in bodybuilding, sports taught me the value of consistency, perseverance, and pushing through limits. That mindset naturally transitioned into building Gripz, where I combined my love for fitness with a desire to create a brand for athletes. My passion for bodybuilding, along with a deep work ethic developed from humble beginnings, laid the foundation for everything I do today—whether in the gym or in business. It’s been a journey of setting goals, sticking to them, and staying focused even when challenges arise.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, and embrace the idea that failure is part of growth. When I started Gripz, I knew there would be bumps in the road, but I was committed to the process. We are still growing, and the path isn’t always linear. The key is to stay adaptable, be willing to learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward. Growth takes time, but with passion and persistence, the possibilities are endless. Take risks, follow your passion, and trust that every step you take brings you closer to your vision.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

At Gripz, we’re always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals and brands who share our passion for fitness and pushing limits. We’re particularly interested in partnering with influencers in the fitness industry, bodybuilders, athletes, and supplement brands, as well as those involved in outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a content creator with a strong following in the gym or a brand that resonates with athletes, we’d love to explore how we can work together to inspire and equip people to reach their full potential. If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to us through our website or connect with us on social media. Together, we can take the fitness community to the next level.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Mike Semza
Dion Merril
Bayleigh Bartic
Cami Cook

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