Daily Inspiration: Meet Mason Gates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mason Gates.

Hi Mason, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started Grind Attire because while other companies may have some quality garments, I never thought the prices they charged customers were warranted. Additionally, I was very frustrated with how a lot of companies should be to satisfy customers before engaging in political dumpster fires. We’re unique because of 1) how young of a company we are. 2) I am only 18 years old, and I make all of the clothes by hand in my parent’s basement storage room. 3) Our goal has and will remain constant: pair quality of with affordability. The entire company up to this point has been self-funded and managed by one person, myself. I actually sold my lawn care company so that I could put everything I had into this. Furthermore, I was passionate about this company based on my love for fitness.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been anything but a smooth road. Some of the biggest struggles were finding a way to balance all of my endeavors and being as productive as possible. For a good 3-4 months, I was averaging about 3-4 hours of sleep just because of how busy I was. Additionally, I had to deal with a lot of paperwork, hire an accountant, employ friends, and figure out the best practices for the brand. It was a lot of effort, but I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Over the past five months, my social media platforms have exploded, and I have been utilizing this influence to inspire and educate other people who want to follow similar fitness journeys. My progress through weightlifting has been an exciting and consistent journey. As far as goals go, I have never been the one to set realistic expectations for myself. I view goals as checkpoints, more than a finish line. Since I started, at just about 105 lbs, I have put on over 55 lbs of pure lean mass and water weight. My overall body fat percentage has actually decreased while my strength and muscle mass has increased. I went from not being able to bench a bar to benching about 205 lbs in just a year. But, I think the most rewarding compound lift for me has been the squat. In June, I took on the challenge of completing the tedious and painful Russian training program known as “Smolov”. This program combines volume, consistency, and intensity all in one to increase your compound lifts exponentially. I started out with a squat at about 135 lbs with horrendous depth. I am now proud to say that I have started my third round of this program and have achieved a squat at a mere 365 lbs (at 160 lbs body weight). I think the main characteristic that sets me apart from others is my drive. In almost everything I do, I find a way to motivate and drive myself in every way possible.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always interested in entrepreneurship and the concept of generating revenue. I remember in fourth grade, there was a week-long game we played called mini-society. You could start your own business and sell a product or service for the made up commerce we created in the class. I recall coming out on top and I loved the feeling of satisfying customers while also employing my friends. It was this feeling that got me even more interested in entrepreneurship, lemonade-stand aside. Other than that, I feel like I’m mostly viewed as the creative guy who can make people laugh.

Contact Info:

• Website: grindattire.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/grindattire
• Youtube: youtube.com/masongates
• Other: instagram.com/masonlgates

Image Credits
@snapsbygold – Landyn Goldberg @masonxbaugh – Mason Baugh