Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Valdes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started with Nutrition Depot in 2008 as a part-time employee. In 2012, I became the manager of the Pasadena, Texas location. After years of dedication and growth within the company, I purchased the Pasadena store in 2021 and expanded further by acquiring the Clear Lake location in 2024. Today, I proudly own and operate two Nutrition Depot storefronts
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I faced many struggles throughout my career journey. One of the biggest challenges was staying with the company for as long as I did while still being uncertain about my long-term career path. There were several times I considered leaving — not because I disliked the work, but because I was searching for a career that felt more stable and meaningful to me.
At one point, I decided to pursue a career as a firefighter and enrolled in the fire academy. After successfully completing the program, Nutrition Depot offered me a higher-paying position and promoted me to manager. That opportunity ultimately influenced my decision to remain with the company and continue building my career there.
Like many businesses, COVID-19 created another major challenge. The business experienced a downturn initially, but the pandemic also increased public awareness around health, wellness, and supplements. As a result, interest in fitness and gym culture grew significantly in the years that followed.
Purchasing the business was another difficult process. Securing an SBA loan required extensive paperwork, a 10% down payment, and even using my house as collateral. It was a stressful experience, but ultimately it was worth the risk and hard work.
Now, as a business owner, I face new challenges every day. Maintaining sales, managing expenses, balancing finances, and overseeing daily operations requires constant attention and discipline. Entrepreneurship has taught me that success is a continuous learning process that requires adaptability, persistence, and commitment.
As you know, we’re big fans of Nutrition Depot. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At our supplement store, we take pride in offering the industry’s top brands alongside trusted local companies because supporting our community is at the core of who we are. More than just a supplement shop, we are committed to providing every customer with expert knowledge, honest guidance, and exceptional service.
Our team’s experience truly sets us apart. Most of our staff members have been with us for over three years, and our second-in-command has been part of the team for more than a decade. Over the years, we’ve seen it all, heard it all, and helped customers from every fitness level and background achieve their goals. In our humble opinion, we have some of the most knowledgeable supplement professionals in all of Houston.
We proudly carry many of the industry’s leading brands, including Transparent Labs, RAW Nutrition, Black Market Labs, NutraBio, ALLMAX Nutrition, 1st Phorm, Axe & Sledge Supplements, GHOST, Bucked up and RYSE along with many more.
In addition to supplements, we stock one of the largest selections of energy drinks, protein shakes, bars, snacks, and even protein ice cream. To further support our customers’ health and fitness goals, we’ve partnered with Power Fit Meals to provide high-quality meal prep options with great macros, affordable pricing, and most importantly, incredible taste.
Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned athlete, our mission is simple: provide the best products, the best advice, and the best customer experience in Houston.
What’s next?
The next step in our growth is launching our eCommerce website. While it’s something we may be a little late to, we believe better late than never. We’re excited about what’s ahead. Expanding online will allow us to serve even more customers throughout the Houston area, across Texas, and eventually nationwide.
Our goal is to bring the same high-level customer service, expert advice, and top-tier product selection that we’re known for in-store to customers everywhere in the U.S. This is a major milestone for our company, and we look forward to continuing to grow while staying true to the community-focused values that built our brand.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiondepot_pasadena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NutritionDepot.Pasadena
