PJ Braun reveals he cannot own or work for Blackstone Labs post-prison… and quite possibly not in the supplement industry at all
The second episode of A Conversation With PJ Braun, hosted by Vlad Yudin, delves deeper into the complexities and challenges faced by PJ Braun, the former owner of Blackstone Labs. Following his release from prison in July 2024, Braun shares insights into how his company navigated his absence, his hopes for the future, and his ongoing passion for the bodybuilding and supplement industry. Most notably, PJ Braun details how he may never be able to work at Blackstone Labs again – and perhaps not in supplements at all for the remainder of his life.
This episode provides a candid look at the struggles and resilience required to maintain a business under intense legal scrutiny and personal setbacks. PJ Braun holds nothing back now that he is able to be more candid about the case, prison, and the details surrounding both.
PJ Braun’s entire life has been working in supplements. And despite being now released from his prison sentence, his probation forbids him from working at Blackstone Lab or in any capacity within the supplement industry at all. Will this ban be lifted after his probation? Or will he have to give up his entire life and passion within the world of supplements? Let’s dive into the conversation.
Making Guy Cisternino Interim President
The episode opens with Vlad Yudin asking PJ Braun about the decision to appoint Guy Cisternino as the interim president of Blackstone Labs during his incarceration. PJ reveals that the announcement of Cisternino taking over was more of a humorous stunt intended to troll audiences online.
Despite the lighthearted nature of the announcement, Guy Cisternino did genuinely want to help and became quite involved in the company’s operations. However, PJ notes that the company suffered in his absence due to a lack of decisive leadership. The team left in charge often second-guessed their decisions regarding products and marketing, leading to procrastination and inefficiency.
In hindsight, PJ admits that he would have preferred his partner Jared Wheat to take over the reins during his imprisonment. Wheat’s involvement might have provided the confident decision-making needed to keep the company running smoothly.
Blackstone Labs: Surviving Without PJ Braun At The Helm
Vlad Yudin inquires about how Blackstone Labs managed to continue operating despite the financial strain caused by the legal defense and blocked bank accounts. PJ explains that he transferred all his ownership to Jared Wheat, who was not implicated in the indictment.
This move allowed Wheat to legally continue running the business and maintaining cash flow. Although this arrangement angered the government, Braun consistently had to prove that he was not involved in the business operations from prison. Despite the government’s attempts to accuse him of illegal involvement, Braun’s partner’s legitimate management ensured the company’s survival.
Will PJ Braun Be Able To Work In Supplements At All?
As of July 2024, PJ Braun is still prohibited from being part of Blackstone Labs. However, he expresses hope that he will be able to rejoin the company one day. During his probation period, he worked at a car shop, with strict guidelines on what he could and could not do, including owning or operating a business and working in the dietary supplements industry.
PJ Braun describes how he sought legal permission to work in the dietary supplement space, arguing that his entire career and passion are rooted in this industry. Unfortunately, his motion was rejected, leaving his future uncertain. Despite these setbacks, PJ remains optimistic about finding a way to contribute to the industry. He plans to re-establish his presence on social media, engaging with the bodybuilding community and sharing his insights.
The Impact of PJ’s Absence on Blackstone Labs
Vlad Yudin expresses surprise that Blackstone Labs managed to survive without PJ Braun, highlighting how his personal brand significantly promoted the company and connected with customers. PJ acknowledges that the company had to downsize significantly to stay afloat. He admits that some decisions made during his absence were not what he would have chosen, but he recognizes that the team did their best under challenging circumstances.
Interestingly, PJ Braun notes that the mere news of his release from prison has already boosted the company’s revenue, indicating the strong connection between his personal brand and Blackstone Labs.
Despite these improvements, Blackstone Labs experienced a significant loss, with over 50% of its revenue declining during PJ’s imprisonment. His probation period lasts for three years, and PJ hopes that once it ends, he can rejoin the company and help restore its former glory.
Hope For The Future
Despite these challenges, PJ Braun remains hopeful for the future of Blackstone Labs. He believes in the high quality of their products and feels that the brand has a loyal customer base that can help it recover and thrive. PJ is confident that by positioning and promoting themselves as the best in the market, Blackstone Labs can build on its core fanbase and overcome the current challenges.
On a personal note, PJ Braun has many product ideas he hopes to implement if he can return to Blackstone Labs, particularly in the longevity health space. Although he knows he could find success as a coach or by starting a coaching business, his passion for supplements and bodybuilding drives him to focus on finding a way to re-enter the industry.
Wrap Up
The second episode of A Conversation With PJ Braun provides a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations faced by PJ Braun and Blackstone Labs during his imprisonment. It highlights Braun’s resilience and determination to overcome legal and operational challenges while maintaining his passion for the bodybuilding and supplement industry. As PJ navigates his probation period and explores potential future opportunities, his story serves as a testament to his enduring commitment to his career and the industry he loves.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
