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.

Stephanie Foley

Promoter Name: Stephanie Foley

Show(s) Promoted

Cardinal Classic Pro Qualifer / Struthers , OH ( Youngstown ) / Sept 26, 2009

Which Organizations have you promoted with?

INBF

Why do you choose to work with this organization?

I started off competing in this organization, and earned my pro card w/ the WNBF. I respect their strict ‘drug free’ standards and policies!

How do you feel about the number of shows and different organizations that currently make up Natural Bodybuilding? Do you ever see a day when all of the major organizations will work together? Do you think the variety of organizations is good or bad for the athletes?

I think it would be beneficial to all natural competitors to compete under one roof. This would allow a more competitive show as well as more shows which will be closer to competitors homes. This would not only cut down on expenses, but would allow for more spectators to be able to support their friends/family members!


What is your background in Bodybuilding and Fitness?

I started bodybuilding in 2004, and did the Karen Miller Klassic in Youngstown , OH . I won the overall, but it was not a qualifier at that time. I continued to learn, grown and compete in the INBF till 2006 when I won my Pro Card in Buffalo , NY . I began judging in 2006 @ the Cardinal Classic and finally promoting it in 2007! And love being on this side of the stage as well.

How did you get started in promoting shows? What made you decide to become a promoter?

Karen Miller was looking to compete herself and felt the show would have been a little too much while preparing for a show, so she asked my partner George Hudzik and me to take over. We were excited to do so!!

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

The Karen Miller Cardinal Klassic started in September 2004. It was held at Fitch High School and showed about 25-30 competitors. This was my first show, but since it was its first year, it was not a Pro Qualifier. I won the overall at the show. Two years later I helped judge the show and was asked to promote it with my partner George Hudzik. George is a well known trainer in the area and gained the support of many local businesses that were thrilled to be part of growing the idea of natural health and bodybuilding in our area. Today, we show approximately 45-55 competitors and house 300 spectators! Our vendors include Vitamin Shoppe, Juice Plus, Nick Mays photography and Bronz Bodz Tanning!

Who were your mentor(s), if any when you started promoting shows and how did they help you?

George Hudzik was my mentor and supporter, as well as trainer and friend throughout my career of natural bodybuilding. All who know us as a team know that we offer a special dedication and commitment to the sport of bodybuilding and thrive to grow it even more.

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

 Our biggest challenge is finding the time to incorporate many more gyms and companies to take part in this event. We are successful at growing by merely word of mouth, but I am sure we could accomplish more if we both had more time in life to visit and talk about our event.

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

Our competitors are FIRST and foremost in our show. We take the time with each and every competitor months out from the show to encourage, motivate and inform them of exactly all they will need and want for show time.

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

We had a local competitor Brent propose to his girlfriend on stage after the show! It was quite romantic and sincere!!!

What are some of the funniest moments from your show(s)?

The funniest and best time was had in 2008 when the Overall men posedown took it to the audience. People in the audience were flexing next to these guys laughing and having a good time!

If you could do it all over again...what, if anything, would you do differently?

What do you wish that you knew then that you know now? Every year we learn new things and acquire ideas to make the show stronger and better! I wish our venue would allow us to bring food in for competitors for back stage, I would load them up with pizza, candy and cookies to reward for their hard training season!

How do you drug test at your show? Polygraph or urinalysis?

All competitors, class winners or random. All competitors are polygraphed, and overall winners are urinalysis.

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

We judge by weight class for bodybuilders and height for figure. We judge this way because it’s the standard for INBF, but we have thought of changing the guidelines for our show. We are willing to accommodate any suggestions.

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

We choose our judges panel by their knowledge and experience in the bodybuilding world. We want to be sure that our judges know the rules and what is expected of them before they are even considered a judge. Most are WNBF Pros and/or personal trainers who have been in the environment for awhile.

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

The standard rule goes, stay focused and committed to the goal on stage. You cannot control anyone else, or the judges, but you can control yourself to be the best you can be! And...after the show, if your choice is to splurge, keep in mind that after that splurge drink LOTS of water and go back to a healthy eating routine so as not to keep the extra weight that seems to pile on so fast!

What is the your contact info and website for your show?

Stephanie Foley 330.559.1595 / George Hudzik 330.519.6840
Srg9598@hotmail.com / physiquestnga@hotmail.com
www.ytowncardinalclassic.com

What new ideas do you have for your upcoming shows? We like to give the audience something back so we offer small giveaways and audience recognition during the show as well. We are thinking of bringing in some local teen talent to demonstrate their comedian and/or singing talents as well.

When is your next show?

September 26, 2009

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

We would like to thank Al and Robin Santiago and George Hudzik of Physiques by TNGA in Canfield,OH, David Betras and Susan Maruca, attorneys at law in Canfield, OH, Jim Hlinka @ Body Shop Total Fitness in Austintown, OH, Patrick @ Vitamin Shoppe in Boardman, OH and our many past competitors who have spread the word of our show in efforts to grow it in the future!!!