Founded in Glasgow in the the spring of 2021, Factory Weights capitalised on the boom of at-home workouts and online training programmes during the pandemic. The following year, co-founders Tom Russell and Craig Guthrie opened a 40,000 sq ft headquarters in the Gallowgate, employing many members of the local community to help supply gym equipment to both trade and retail customers. We posed some key questions to Russell to find out more about him… What five words would colleagues use to describe you? Compassionate, driven, laid back, approachable and forgetful. If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy board members and why? Elon Musk, because I fancy a go in a space ship. Marissa Mayer, to make sure we get up with the latest technology. Philip Knights, as I think he’s the best at branding in history. Jeff Bezos, because he’s the best at selling stuff online – gotta be worth some insight. What is your favourite way to unwind during time off? I find it hard to stop thinking about business, but I do love spending time with family and kids, good food, a few drinks and the gym. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? When I was around 18 and told the barber that I was opening a business, she said “I am the busiest barber around here, the most expensive and probably not the best, but I am nice to everyone so I get away with it”. I have always remembered that and try and treat our customers like I would treat me friends and they usually come back. If you were in charge of Scotland, what would you change and why? I’d heavily invest in public transport, as it would increase social mobility, I’d improve the economy and save the public time and money. The Low Emissions Zone needs scrapped, oh and from a parenting perspective, reduce class sizes. What sports are you interested in? Football, Formula 1 and the gym. What was the first record you bought? Probably Now something, but the first album I couldn’t turn off was You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby by Fatboy Slim. Describe a perfect day or weekend? At work – Lots of sale and no dramas at work (seems rare). Weekend – seeing friends and family with some good food and nice drinks. What is your most embarrassing moment? Going to the inflatables (loads of blow up slides in a pool) at the Allander Sports Centre for the first time without my parents. 100+ kids from school were there and my ‘mate’ Ross, as soon as we got out of the changing rooms, pulled my shorts down and pushed me in the pool. That one lives in my memory forever. Who would play you in the film of your life? Will go with someone Scottish – let’s say Ewan McGregor. What is your signature dish to cook? I am a vegetarian, so halloumi souvlaki. What is your go-to karaoke song? I can’t sing, but if I could, The Gambler by Kenny Rogers What is your favourite place in Scotland? Achmelvich beach and the west end of Glasgow Don’t miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter – sign up here for free.
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