We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Working for myself and being a leader in the athletic performance industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an International coach with USA Weightlifting which is the governing body that runs weightlifting throughout the country. We have a strong team going into this years Olympic Games in Paris. We should bring back 1 gold and a few other medals for sure. I have been coaching for 26 years or so. In that time I have been blessed enough to learn from former head coaches of very successful teams such as South Korea and Poland. I have been involved in coaching 2 olympians and 14 national champions in weightlifting as well as a handful of pro athletes such as former NFL running back Samkon Gado. While it is my job to develop lifters and athletes physically I also emphasize character and maturing as a person. I’ve learned that most importantly the impact a coach can have can save lives. Mr. Sorin certainly helped save mine. When someone has pulled me aside and confided in me that my influence has helped them it changed me profoundly. Coaching isn’t just a job. It’s investing in people and caring about them outside of the gym.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would definitely eat at Motor Supply company for steaks. Their bacon infused vodka they use to make bloody Mary’s is so good. For drinks we would go to Columbia Craft or Bourbon. I also would go to midwood smokehouse for Bbq. Drip coffee to brainstorm and Scoopy Doo for their great gelato. I would also check out the local music scene and see who’s playing. If the weathers nice spend an afternoon at River Front Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Richard Sorin and his son Bert who runs the company he founded Sorinex which furnishes professional and collegiate weight rooms with custom built strength & conditioning equipment. Richard was my first weightlifting coach in the early 90’s and a mentor through my life.

Website: palmettoweightlifting@gmail.com

Instagram: powmongo

Youtube: palmetto Weightlifting

Image Credits
Photo with Olympic Medalist Cheryl Haworth with me bottom photo a promo for her documentary Strong!

Right photo taken at Sorinex Summer Strong 17 spotting Christian Rivers an athlete I coach who squatted 705 lbs at 17 years old. May 18th 2024.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.