York student entrepreneur creates new sport protein supplement
York University’s sports clubs are benefiting from the business acumen of one York undergraduate, John Quentin; a 2nd year History and Economics student has successfully launched his own sports nutritional company funded with his student loan.
The company, called Q-Sports, is solely owned and run by Quentin and is now making profit, after only 11 months trading should see a turn over of £6000 for the next academic year. The student entrepreneur’s business has already sponsored the University Rowing Club £200 and will be an official sponsor of York University Rugby Club next season.
The company’s first product, Q-Extreme, is a protein supplement designed by Quentin to enhance recovery after exercise. The product which can be mixed with water or milk is sold in the flavours of strawberry, banana and chocolate and costs £30 for two kilo’s, including student discount.
In a recent interview Quentin described how after his first season playing for York University Rugby Club he became “disgusted at how much protein supplements were costing, and at how awful they were”. Quentin went onto to describe how over the summer between his first and second year he used his personal contact in the sports industry and spent over 100 hours in the laboratory to create Q-Extreme
John Quentin is not alone as a young entrepreneur starting a business whilst at university. A study by the London School of Economics illustrates that more young people than every before are launching business ventures whilst at university. By 2004, 2.3% of students ran their own business. Quentin seems to have a relaxed view on the matter, he says, “it’s a part time job…but one with a lot of potential, I’ve had interest from a sports product distributor who is keen to get hold of the product, which is potentially really big…I’d have to do very little work and also that’s a massive increase in the volume”. Q-Sports he argues is more than just protein supplements, products such high energy drinks are planned.
Quentin who plays Rugby for York University 1sts and 2nds as well as being the current Rugby Club Treasurers admits that “the business is as much time as I give it”, and he is “very careful to keep it in balance with the rest of my life”, saying “I’m at university for a degree and to also enjoy student life, playing sport and socializing”.
Whilst Quentin has acknowledged that “Q-Sports has no brand recognition” he has managed to build up a solid customer base in York and from his website. As well as the Rugby Club and Rowing Club other students who box, run or play cricket have used the product according to Quentin. Even the Pole Exercise Society has apparently expressed interest. Perhaps as Quentin suggests, it is because the product “isn’t about bulking up,” but is “meant to help your recovery after exercise”.
Quentin had funded his exercise with his student loan and a part-time job but is unconcerned about building up debts; “student loans are the best loans you could be offered in your life, they just run at the rate of inflation… so even if the whole thing folds I’ve got the best repayment plan possible”. However the business made back all its development costs in its first run of 70 kilos and the consumer base is expanding.
Glenn Reschke
I suppose Mr. Quentin’s protein product will be a great product, but it’s going to have to go against some heavy competition. Nutritional Supplements are common here in the States but it’s very, very competitive. If it is a good product, though, he might be able to make some headway here as a good protein product can catch on like wildfire for bodybuilders and athletes, not to mention the Weekend Warrior is always looking for the next great supplement.