Stuart Kam is the founder and genius mind behind ATH Sports Nutrition based out of Honolulu,Hawai’i, who manufactures organic supplements for athletes and active individuals. He grew up surfing and started training jiu jitsu at the age of 15 with Relson Gracie Black Belt Shane Agena. As a young entrepreneur, all he wanted to do was train Brazilian jiu jitsu, surf, and help other guys be able to train full time. He realized his passion could actually become a thriving business on a mission to make a difference in Hawai’i.
I was able to connect with Stuart during his busy schedule to ask him a few questions about the start of his business and shares how ATH embraces their kuleana of building a stronger Hawai’i through spreading the word of a healthy lifestyle and environmental issues.
Aipa: How did the idea of ATH Organics come to be?
Stuart Kam: ATH started off as way to recover from training BJJ, Surfing, and MMA. I was buying my own protein powders in bulk and mixing them for myself after my training sessions. Other guys saw what I was doing and wanted to buy some from me. I ended up realizing that I could start a company, train full time, and influence issues I was concerned with.
A: On your site, you mentioned your first protein batches were hand made in the garage to help recover from jiu jitsu, what made you think of making your own when there’s so much products already out there?
SK: I wanted a product that was specifically designed for the niche sports I was participating in (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Surfing, Mixed Martial Arts). I wasn’t interested in bulking up so much as I was interested in helping my body recover with natural ingredients. At the time, all the products were loaded with artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors. So really there weren’t too many products on the market focused on that.
A: You support a lot of local fighters and athletes who represent the brand, can you name a few and share what they do?
SK: We have a ton of ambassadors who help represent the brand. Guys & gals like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters: Sinistro Iturralde, Cobrinha, and Hunter Ewald, UFC fighters: Max Holloway, Yancy Medeiros, Brad Tavares, Kailin Curran and Pro Surfers such as Kala Alexander, Zeke Lau, Keanu Asing and Dustin Barca. We really have so many that it’s hard to give credit to everyone. I envisioned it being as a co-op, meaning that the athletes were really a part of the brand.
A: What sets your products apart from the rest found in stores like Vitamin Shoppe and GNC?
SK: We try to use the highest quality natural & organic ingredients to design products that we use ourselves. There aren’t a lot of companies that focus on niche sports such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, and Surfing.
A: It’s awesome that ATH is based in Hawai’i and products are made from start to finish in the USA, where do you get your ingredients from?
SK: We source all of our ingredients from various sources within the USA. One of our main goals was to be able to account for all of our ingredients to make sure that they are ethically sourced, meaning they take into account the environment, community, and farmer.
A: What are the benefits of Hemp protein (Hemp Gold)?
SK: Hemp protein is arguably one of the best plant proteins out there. It has a complete profile of amino acids as well as beneficial healthy fats. Plus, it tastes amazing.
A: What role has ATH played in the environmental issues in Hawai’i?
SK: A big thing that we’d like to be able to do in the future is to start to tackle environmental issues head on in Hawaii. Right now we’re doing pieces on conservation, especially related to our oceans. Our environment needing protection is one thing we can all agree on, especially on an island such as Oahu.
A: Where do you see ATH in 5 years?
SK: In 5 years I’d like to be able to see ATH being a sustainable company that is making a difference in our communities similar to a company like Patagonia.
A: At the Kū Project, we focus on building a stronger Hawai’i one person at a time. How does ATH build a stronger Hawaii?
SK: We’re using ATH as a medium to build a stronger Hawai’i by spreading healthy lifestyles and tackling environmental issues. Just this weekend we are sponsoring a grass roots surf contest called The King of The Tree put on by Dustin Barca on Kauai.
A: Anything else you want to share the The Kū Project? How can they purchase, connect, follow, etc.
SK: Check us out online at athorganics.com – We’re also on Facebook, Twitter (@athorganics), and Instagram (@athorganics).
It’s always great coming across a young Hawaiian entrepreneur with a big vision and using his passion as a vehicle to making a difference and building a stronger Hawaii.
Learning the story behind the brand and the mission can show the core values they built their foundation on.
After connecting with Braddah Stuart Kam, The Kū Project definitely believes ATH Organics is Kū Certified. He was also gracious enough to offer Team Kū, a discount code LIVEKU for your next purchase with them.
One Response
Thanks for the support KU!