Natural Contest Promoter Profiles
Featuring the those individuals who work so hard promoting Natural Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness competitions and who share our enthusiasm and dedication to drug-free bodybuilding and fitness.

Laura J Tourtellot/ L J Turtle Promotions

Promoter Name: Laura J Tourtellot/ L J Turtle Promotions

Show(s) Promoted

Since 1991 I have promoted NH's premier Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships, through the AAU, ANBC and now the NGA. Our 15th Annual Granite State Open will be held Saturday, October 31st in Dover, NH...it is always on Halloween weekend.

Which Organizations have you promoted with?

Since 2003, the National Gym Association

Why do you choose to work with this organization?

The NGA has a long standing reputation of focusing on the athletes first and has been around longer than any other Natural organization. Promoters throughout the country have a strong sense of ethics and produce credible drug free, quality contests.

How do you feel about the number of shows and different organizations that currently make up Natural Bodybuilding?

The organizations and their leadership vary in expectations of athletes, protocols, and service. I have had the opportunity to work with man and support them regionally.

Do you ever see a day when all of the major organizations will work together?

Not at all, too many politics and players.

Do you think the variety of organizations is good or bad for the athlete

Like any school of knowledge or competition, the variety provides an opportunity for individuals to rise to their best within an organization of their choosing.

What is your background in Bodybuilding and Fitness?

10 years top quality competitor, 19 years head judge and promoter, 20 years Pro Masters Personal Trainer

How did you get started in promoting shows?

I was invited to by the National Committee of Physique.

What made you decide to become a promoter?

New England was the first branch of the AAU to establish a drug testing protocol, that enabled the very non natural sport to evolve to a tested forum. We brought this to the National level. I have been proud to represent NH, New England and National endeavors in establishing drug free bodybuilding in our areas. With the "voice" I have earned and the request of the heads of a variety of organizations, I have stayed involved.

Tell us a little bit about the history of your shows, when it first started, how it has grown?

Bodybuilding in New Hampshire has been a fine institution for, now 40 years. I have the records back to 1969 with title holders for the state title consistently vying for their status to move up the AAU ladder. The ultimate Mr. America claim to fame was the ideal focus. Many made it to the qualifying rounds and the seacoast area lavished and branded Masters titles as well as class earnings for many, many years. When we went to drug testing and natural titles and eventually changed organizations, The Granite State Open continued to bring National Qualifiers to the Pro Circuit. This continues today.

Who were your mentors, if any, when you started promoting shows and how did they help you?

I was proud to serve on the National Committee of Physique and was part of the wonderful boards of ethics, women's committees, New England Promoters and served as a National judge with the very best of the best throughout the country. I have always looked up to Dave Davis, Bob and Yolanda Crist, Jack and Faye King, Harry Silas, Ted Karnezis, Steve McAdams, Fred Yale, Dave Massuco, Kevin Greathouse, and many more. These are the decision makers, protocol and ethics chairs who laid the groundwork for Natural Bodybuilding.

What are some of the challenges you have had to deal with as a promoter?

Putting a venue together is one thing, but organizing athletes and their use of a facility is really the bigger challenge. There is a great deal of behind the scenes organizing and communicating that occurs in producing a good event. We always do our best to integrate everyone involved.

What makes your show different from the others and why should competitors choose your show?

We are New Hampshire's Premier drug free competition...the show that honors athletes first. We take time to drug screen all athletes, provide quick responses to inquiries, offer amenities beyond what one normally sees and we have a team of expeditors and officials that are top notch!

What are some of the most memorable moments from your show?

I like our medallion presentation for all athletes, and am always provoked to do my signature pose...lifting the overall winner.....this was created out of sheer enthusiasm my first year promoting when I grabbed the winner and scooped him into my arms for a hoorrrahh shot...I love it!

What are some of the funniest moments from your show?

It's gotta be the creative routines that emerge, especially as we are a Halloween venue.

If you could do it all over again...what, if anything, would you do differently? [Turtle] Ask for more help early on .What do you wish that you knew then that you know now?[Turtle] It takes a village to raise a bodybuilding show!

How do you drug test at your show? Polygraph or urinalysis? All competitors, class winners or random.

Mandatory, all athletes, by appointment, interviews, poly and written.

Is your show judged by weight class or by height class. Why did you choose the method you use?

Weight classes per NGA by-laws.

How do you select your judging panel? What qualifies someone to be a judge at your show?

We chose accredited, experienced officials who are unbiased to the particular athletes in our contest. We draw from out of the area and from a variety of organizations as well as national NGA officials.

What advice do you have for competitors getting ready for the show, on the day of the show and after the show is over?

That is an extensive query. As a promoter, I ask them to register early, get their NGA card early, sign up and show up for drug testing as scheduled and be prepared to have a personal best day. Post venue, relax and check in with their trainers on how to regroup for the off season or next competition. It all goes by fast!

What the your contact info and website for your show?

L J Turtle Promotions
12 C Sleepy Hollow
Newmarket, NH 03857
Phone: (603) 659-2288
Email - gsobodybuild@comcast.net
Website - www.granitestateopen.com 

What new ideas do you have for your upcoming shows?

New vendors, fund raising to send our overalls to the Pro Universe and "Dress up to Pose Down" for individual routines as this years GSO falls ON Halloween!

When is your next show?

Saturday, October 31st, Dover High School Auditorium, Dover, NH

Who are the folks you would like to thank for supporting your show?

YOU! (Joe Agostinelli), Andy Bostinto and the NGA, Sean Sullivan and the OCB, Kevin Topka and the BLNPA, Nancy Andrews and Robert Fulton with the INBF.