Gymshark has been my entire life since I started it as a teenager. After being awarded the UK's fastest growing company by the Fastrack 100 in the Times newspaper, I've decided to document my journey as the Gymshark CEO. My first video is a brief explanation of how Gymshark started, and the work we had to put in to get it to where it is today. If anyone has any questions or anything they want to see in any future videos, please comment below! Ps. Although I am a founder and am telling this story, there is a huge team of incredible people who have contributed, and continue to contribute to Gymshark every day. I hope to be able to show you more of what the team and I do in my future videos! I hope you enjoy :)

They dropped their degrees to help you out with your business. Mate those are friends you should never, ever lose.

You can tell this guy is a hustler. Mad respect for all your work!

Idk why I thought gymshark would be owned by some middle agged man but you like my freaking age. Holy shit your killing this game and I support this brand even more than I did before!!

i like the fact he actually made the products, with a sewing machine, in his living room! Its not like he started Gymshark and had the products made in China or Taiwan and just slapped a logo on them. A true entrepreneur!

Holy crap! Gymshark was made by a 19 year old?! I love Gymshark products and had no idea they have only been around for a couple years and was created by a teenager. Dang that's inspirational!

This is the true meaning of Entepreneurship - not the glorified lifestyle and money. But that incredible feeling when you work incredibly hard at something and it finally starts to pay off. There is no secret recipe - just hard work. This is what it truly takes and it's an incredible story. Thanks for sharing this Ben. This makes more more determined to work hard and achieve something. Keep up the good work, you deserve everything you get - you've earnt it.

1 minute in and I already feel shit about my life and the absolute lack of effort iv put into stuff. I wish I had this kids attitude

I'm 24 and need to get my life together. Thanks for the video!!! 😁

Is it me or does Ben seem like a super genuine bloke? Great to see the back story of Gymshark!

Pizza Hut to million dollar business owner. F&$kin awesome man. 👏🏼

The fact that you, yourself, used to hand-make and custom create and sew actual gym wear blows my freaking mind. I had no idea and that is so, so incredible! So much respect man! I love Gymshark and have been a big fan for about 2 years now! Forever will be a supporter of what you've created!

I’m 56 years of age and I’ve just started my own business selling women’s active wear, just watched this video and I have to say you are an absolute inspiration, thank you you’ve inspired me 👍

It's rare that a video gives me such chills and emotions. This is truly inspiring! You guys were the pioneers of this new era in the fitness industry. 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

That is seriously impressive, I had absolutely no idea GS had such incredibly humble beginnings, probably because when I started lifting, it was already a huge thing in the fitness industry (bearing in mind I only started training in late 2013) I wish I had the drive/courage to do something so big when I was younger. I could barely decide what to have for tea when I was 19, never mind start a business.

I am shook, I love the brand but had no idea the back story. This just makes me love it more.

I see gymshark everywhere and I had NO idea that is was run by a british guy my age! That is so amazing, I can't wait to cop me some leggings!!

The CEO and owner of GymShark is a teen?!?! 😳 Congratulations on your success bro!

all my time knowing about gym shark, i never knew it was a UK company

Big respect. You guys did a very great job. Wish you all the best for the future!

Damn. Gymshark is definitely one of the best fitness clothing brands out there.

I believe that anyone can build a company , few can build one as successful as this , but what is truly amazing is how you built a family, a family that links all gym lovers no matter how far across the world we are. Thats what you have built here, its more than the uks fastest growing business, its the uks fastest growing family

Thanks for taking the time to post this video of your journey. You have really inspired me to really make that final push to get my fashion label up and running.

First time I saw or heard about gymshark was back in 2014-2015 on the hodge twins youtube video, they were working out and had gynshark t shirts and they were talking and joking about how the shirts fit tight and show their cuts and muscle separation and how it show their gains. I laughed so hard but at the same time thought they’re right. It fits perfectly to show the shoulders and bicep and tight on the core for that V shape, so a week later I order one and loved how it fit. The rest is history as it became more and more popular to the point we’re theres gymshark shirts and leggins on every gym i go now as if it was Nike

Ben, the amount of work and time you put into Gymshark is astonishing. You are truly an inspiration and a great example of how passion, dedication, hard work, and patience can get you to the top! Looking forward to your new videos, Mike

i absolutely loved this! i am a huge nikki b fan so have liked gym shark for a long time but i had no idea how self made the business is! what you have done is amazing ben! so inspiring. keep up the amazing work, massive things will continue to come your way. you are a huge inspiration. big love from australia 😊 p.s you rock robin and i am so glad you helped him get this up.

the fact that he handmade the products in the beginning is a whole other level of dedication and hard work that I haven't seen in a min

What you created is insane. Respect from Germany

Made me understand why im paying so much for a shirt lol

Pure motivation man! It sounds ridiculous but I never actually realised how much hard work was put into the early days of starting the brand. So happy for you - nice to see working hard towards something you love pays off

Your story is inspiring, Ben! I appreciate you documenting so much of the journey and posting it for everyone. It’s very evident how much you care about quality. You’ve created a great brand.

Absolutely incredible. Proof what can be achieved when you work hard, take risks and have a great friend circle around you. Well done mate.. very inspirational

I need to wake everyday to a video like this

Very inspirational, many failed attempts at business but stuck at it until you found a gap in the market, and then had so many people believe in your vision... that's why gymshark is a success. Hard work, dedication and belief in the products you are selling. So many people in the fitness industry are trying to follow in your footsteps but it doesn't feel as genuine and passionate as gymshark's story. This is why I buy from you.

Wow first off wow. I’m really shocked and thrilled to see how a young entrepreneur can remain so humble to take the time to show us all how you got started! I actually hope to see a movie based on your life! How amazing would that be! Keep up the great work!

Brilliant stuff man, you can only applaud someone like you with these accomplishments. Shows that hard work pays off. Keep it going!

You're honestly my inspiration in business Ben, when I've ever been asked about who's inspired me of recent to pursue the path of an entrepreneur its you. You've gone from being a wee boy with a dream to being a man competing with the likes of nike, when we spoke in Edinburgh it was clear that youre still just as determined as ever to be the best. Never change that and keep striving to improve. I can't wait for more content!

Huge props to this kid. Humble and hugely successful.

I have this warm feeling in my heart when I see young people become successful. Your story is really motivational, to me it was a reminder that anything is possible as long as you work for it. I want to create my own company as well, my plan is to finish college, get a job& save money and eventually start something of my own.

Thank you for documenting this. Such an inspiration to watch your journey and to show people whats possible.

I admire your dedication and the fact that you didn't stop working hard, no matter what came up your way. You had a vision and you went with it the whole way! congrats!

That's actually insane how much success you've had bro! I remember discovering you guys way back close to when you first launched and just entirely fell in love your products and have been supporting ever since!

As a business owner this is so motivating to see how you started and then scaled your business. Well done guys!

Huge respect. What an awesome story and great company. So good to see a young guy actually making something on his own and being positive. Great video

Just came across this, didnt know Gymshark started like this. Always thought I would need to gain fame before trying to make a brand. Super inspiring!

Wow, I'm really glad you decided to make this video Ben. It really inspired me further to just hustle and limit any time-wasters in my life. Thank you. Also, you probably don't remember, but we met at the LA Fit Expo this past January. I talked to you a little about my dream to make a dent in the industry and I asked just to look out for me because I am currently putting in the work to "get lucky" one day in the future. I also appreciate the advice you gave me on what you guys look for in sponsorships. Uniqueness. Until we meet again. Cheers and God Bless.

You deserve are the luck and love in the world. Respect to you Ben! Such a big inspiration to see how successful you have been over the last couple of years and how invested you are in your company. Hard work definitely pays off and I'll keep working hard in the company I'm in to hopefully get somewhere too one day! All the best and keep It up!!

Speaking this into existence now - I will be a Gymshark Athlete 🙌🏾 I love your Story, this is absolutely inspiring! Your resilience is amazing 😊

Love the video Ben. Nice to hear it from your perspective. You can really hear the passion coming from you and it all comes together and makes sense why the brand has grown to be what it is today. It's crazy how it all starts as a vision and then it turns into a reality

Absolute inspiration! I couldn't imagine having the determination you guys showed! Kudos Ben, incredible

This is the first video that really made me skip watching videos and actually do something instead of watching videos about doing something! THANK YOU!

Thank you for sharing Ben. I love your courage and determination. Your story is very inspiring.

Wow. I had no idea gymshark grew that fast. I remember watching matt's videos back in 2011-2012 and at some point he started wearing gymshark products. I loved how they fitted. My first purchase was a luxe tracksuit, I got 3 of them. I recently looked on my gymshark account and I've spent almost 500 pounds throughout the years and I must say although it seems like a fairly big amount for fitness clothing, I'd do it all over again. Had no idea I was actually part of what gymshark is today and I'm really happy. You guys have done something amazing. Congratulations!

Amazing, well put together. It's crazy how a lot of people purchase gym shark apparel not knowing what goes on behind the scenes and especially the hard work and long hours that was put into creating the brand. Truly motivational, we need more videos like this on KZfaq!(:

I love that you kept going despite some things not working out you put the effort in and stuck to the goal I think that’s the most important think is knowing it’s patience failing sleepless nights

LOVE THIS, showing that it's possible to create a brand and to see it through BIG time. Giving me inspo for my brand!

Love this Ben! No one deserves it more than you! You've put in such hard work creating gymshark and can't wait for more things on you tube!

Insightful, inspirational, and personable. Solid video. Great job, Ben (and Robin 👋🏼)!

Very inspiring and to see how far you’ve come now! Just wow.

Mad respect for this guy. He sets a great example.

ill be honest ben, prior to seeing this video i had no idea the amount of dedication and love and passion that went into creating this project. since gymshark is the biggest, i had always wrongfully categorized it as the "sell out" fitness wear brand but i had no idea the means by which you acquired the status your brand now enjoys. definitely a converted fan thank you for documenting this

I admire your work ethic and this is a great inspirational video for young people trying to make their way in the world. 💪🏼

Congrats! This story of the beginning of Gym Shark is absolutely incredible! Thanks for sharing and for the motivation. Proves that if you have a dream, truly believe you can do it, and work incredibly hard for it, the thing you want can and will become true! "Be a visionary." - Ben Francis

dude, you're literally my inspiration in why i believe i can be successful in making my fitness brand, i'm so lost and happy that i found this out of all videos!!. thank you

This was so awesome man. 24 years old, unreal. You don't want to be one of their athletes, you want his position. Head and in charge.

i remember buying from gymshark YEARS ago when you sold string tanks with sayings on them, and your logo was a flexing shark. happy to see how far you've grown!!

I love your company. The story behind it is even more amazing. Great job so far! Can't wait to see how far you guys can go!

What a dude! True inspiration, and proof of concept for all entrepreneurs, me alike, to just go after it. Credit to you Ben!

DID ANYONE ELSE SEE THE SHOES DRAWING AND THEN HE QUICKLY COVERED IT UP???? GYMSHARK SHOES ?? Ahh p

awesome job! I never been interested in making my own business but i have a lot of respect for you guys.

Big respect and admiration for Ben and his team.

For you to explain in detail how you got to where you are is amazing! All the best in the future mate!

I appreciate this video This is exactly what I need as a motivation

May God bless you and your friends on this great journey. I recently ordered from Gymshark and I love it !

I can’t imagine how many people have been inspired by this story and pursued their own dreams because of it. Well done Ben! You’re an excellent role model for the next generation!

I am starting an active wear brand but you guys worked your butts off and have reaped the rewards for it well done!

Unbelievable mate, inspirational stuff. I didn't realise you'd be my age. I'd literally drop my life for something like this now. Props for being open about it

Mad respect, a true entrepreneur...

Never heard of gymshark until now but just watching the video made me feel inspired. He proud of yourself for what you've achieved because it's not easy.

Absolutely love this. So inspiring. What a great story - thank you for sharing it.

Wow this was truly inspiring. I have so much respect for you Ben Francis. This story is amazing! Especially you sowing your own product! I'm in aw

Dope journey man!! Respect everything in this video.

This is freaking awesome! Congratulations on your hard work and success. I can tell you love what you do!

Massive respect! I wish you all the best in your business ventures

WoW! That's pretty insane.I really love gymshark it's one of my favourite brands and I hope that one day I'll be sponsored by you guys❤. BTW what about something like "StreetShark" Clothes to wear on a daily bases at school and stuff like that,I'll definitely wear them all the time..just a suggestion.

Keep up the good work. Im from Nevada USA. I just ordered something from your website but had no idea you were shipping from the UK! Cant wait till my order gets here!

Just came across this video, so inspiring. We are in the first stages of our new business, and it's really promising to hear so much positivity from you with your story. Thanks so much for sharing !

You're living proof that with the right idea, commitment and desire success can be achieved whatever your age. Probably one of the only people's videos I've watched all the way through because you're so humble.

Amazing man! More success to you bro

Omg I found this so interesting and insightful! This is truly amazing.

Thank you for this Ben. You are such an inspiration!

Great video Ben! Inspiring! Your hard work and consistency, listening to people, has paid off big time...!!! 💪🙂👍

Incredibly inspiring for us all to watch. I'm happy to have spent hundreds on Gymshark clothing because the way I see it is I'm investing in someone like you. Keep going, I can't wait for a time where Nike are having to do everything they can to keep you away.

Persistence is the key! I'm proud of you!

You're a beast my man! You deserve everything good coming to you!

Amazing! So inspirational as a new starter as a business owner. Well done you must be so proud!

Starting a brand myself, I appreciate your transparency on this! Thank you!

Ben, this video was absolutely incredible. A met you back at the LA Fit Expo and you inspire the hell out of me. I really draw inspiration from all you've been able to accomplish at such a young age and I want to be able to recreate that success for myself. I'm so glad you made this video because it just continues to inspire me and so many other people. So keep it up bro, can't wait keep repping Gymshark 👍🏻🔥

Hi Ben, this video is so open and honest and I wish you and team continued success. I think we all fall through the trap seeing wealthy individuals making assumptions that parents have funded the business or been at the right place at the right time. Whilst it could be argued that business indeed flourish at the right place > right time, your video really shows how hard its been at the beginning. I have no doubt you will have ups and downs in your journey (who doesn't?) but the brand and the customer is the most important aspect in all of this. It pains me to say this, but many businesses lose sight of these two things very quickly. If you have the right platform and the customer at the very heart of the business - people will spend money. I just wished more businesses would put the customer first.

Truly inspiring....loads achieved at a very young age . That's where being passionate about what we do matters. Best wishes