Lifelong Friends Turn Tragedy Into Business Opportunity

Jim Lancaster and Kean Corkery have been close friends since their childhood with athletics always having played a role. But like most, professional sports careers were simply not in the cards. Corkery turned his passion for the outdoors into a commercial landscaping company, while Lancaster became a periodontal surgeon. All was well until one day in 2002 while landscaping, Corkery experienced numbness in his right arm that spread quickly throughout his body. Sensing something was wrong Corkery managed to drive himself to the hospital before the feeling in his legs was completely gone. Within hours of the first signs of trouble, Corkery was in emergency surgery to correct a brain abnormality. His brain was hemorrhaging and he nearly died. After a successful surgery to correct the rare condition, Corkery was bedridden for a month and left partially paralyzed on his right side. A year of physical therapy followed and now using his right arm to do the simplest of tasks is still a challenge.

During his experience and the ensuing rehab, Corkery rediscovered the importance of becoming and remaining physically fit, while Lancaster was simply glad to still have his friend around. Corkery took up running and has competed in several events while the two set out to find another outlet for Corkery to pursue his renewed passion for fitness. They found it in an Athletic Nation franchise that will open in Maple Grove in December 2008. Lancaster is the principle investor in the low-cost franchise, while Corkery will oversee the day-to-day operation and continue to prove that stroke survivors are capable. Both are looking forward to successfully serving the fitness needs of the men and women of the Maple Grove area. Learn how Athletic Nation can improve your health and fitness level beginning in December 2008 at 7498 E. Fish Lake Road in Maple Grove by calling 612-741-3023 or visiting; www.athleticnation.com.

About Athletic Nation & Founder Dennis Mulgannon A no-frills, back to basics, personal training gym based on the failure to success book by Mulgannon - "Reality Fitness in 90 days", Athletic Nation embodies Mulgannon's philosophy of no hype, no B.S., just results. The excuse free, high intensity atmosphere guarantees results if the 90-day program of two one-hour personal training sessions a week is strictly adhered to. Athletic Nation is also leading the way in low cost, turn-key, passive ownership of a fitness business through its franchise program. To learn more visit: http://www.athleticnation.com/franchise.asp Athletic Nation Receives Nod from Professional Athletes The no-nonsense personal training concept has received the attention of All-Pro NFL Fullback Lorenzo Neal who is best known as the exceptional lead blocker for the San Diego Charger's LaDainian Tomlinson's record breaking 2006 season. Neal has agreed to endorse and be the spokesmen for the Athletic Nation franchise chain.

"I find that most gyms lack the serious attitude and personal attention needed to attain and maintain an optimal level of fitness," said Neal. "Athletic Nation's philosophy of a back to basics workout is exactly what the fitness industry needs and is what attracted me to them in the first place. As I start to ponder life after football, my time will be well spent endorsing Athletic Nation." Other sports figures that are involved in the Athletic Nation franchise include the father/son strong man team of Roger & Travis Ortmayer. Travis is the two-time champion of the IFSA strong man competition, while the elder Roger holds the over 50 amateur title. Both Ortmayers are owners of an Athletic Nation franchise in the Houston suburb of Cypress, Texas.

You do not have to be a professional athlete or weight lifter to become an Athletic Nation franchisee. To learn more about this in demand, low-cost, turn-key business opportunity and the Athletic Nation owners that cross all walks of life, visit: http://www.athleticnation.com/franchise.asp

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