Branch
spent a big part of his youth working his family’s large cattle
ranch, attending school, and participating in sports. West Texas
school sports included Rodeo Bull Riding, football, and track. At
age 15, Branch and his parents moved from West Texas to Dallas
where he could receive a better education. Branch went from a
class of 30 to a class size of 650. It was quite an adjustment.
“Sports were a vehicle for me to
make new friends,” said Warren. “I loved football and I
especially admired Hall of Famer and defensive tackle Randy White
of the Dallas Cowboys. Joe Montana, San Francisco’s world famous
quarterback was another big favorite.”
“Arnold Schwarzenegger was my
biggest idol - even in high school,” said Branch. “I admired
that Arnold came here with nothing – no money – just his goals
and achieved so much in such a short period of time. He’s gone
from athlete to actor to Governor. I admire his stamina in
everything he has done.”
“I remember when I first saw
Arnold in the bodybuilding magazines. There was a picture of
Arnold and Tom Platz when I was about 14. I thought – Wow! I
would love to look like that. I started working out at an area
gym. I couldn’t really afford a membership. My friend was able
to so he joined. He would go in and then open the back door for me
and we’d work-out.”
“At that time I would spend 2-3
hours at the gym every day. One day we met a big bodybuilder who
weighed about 260 lbs. He would tell us what to do. Eventually he
started training us. Later this same man turned out to be Ronnie
Coleman’s training partner.”
“At about age 17, I started
going with him to the Metro Flex. He saw that I had potential and
he kind of took me under his wing. He took me to Metro Flex. The
deal was I got to work out with them as long as I racked the
weights. Ronnie wasn’t even a pro back then. I was so
fortunate….I was able to train with the best. Metro Flex is now
one of the most written about and famous gyms anywhere in the
world. It is in Arlington, Texas and is owned by the legendary
Brian Dobson.”
“My wife Trish and I met when I
was about 19. She was a student at the University of North Texas
and she came to Metro Flex and started to train. The first time I
saw her I walked up to her and said, “I’m going to marry
you.” I scared her to death. Shortly after that I started
helping her out and the rest is history. She’s amazing.”
“Sports have given me
everything. Bodybuilding has given me the drive, the organization,
the mental toughness, and self discipline that is an outcome of
all the dieting and training. I met my wife through sports. I
think all kids need to learn at a very early age to get involved
in sports. So many young people have poor diets and with that and
due to lack of exercise, they are overweight. Nutrition is the #1
thing. It is fundamental to good health.”
“I apply the discipline I
learned in sports to business. Trish and I have a company called
Maximum Logistics. We consult with companies and help
organizations get their products delivered to overseas markets
throughout North America, Asia, and Europe.”
“Thanks to the Arnold Classic,
we were able to get started and build our own company. We used all
my initial prize money and launched Maximum Logistics as a freight
forwarding company. Trish used to work in the industry and now we
are able to work together. We work with all types of companies,
small and large and even work with some supplement companies. I
like to stay busy, because the busier I am the more organized I
feel. I schedule my workouts just like a business appointment. At
one time I trained others, now I just focus on training myself and
I give Trish advice if she asks. She knows what to do. For myself,
my No. 1 goal is to take #1 at the Olympia and win the Arnold
Classic. “
In 2008 and 2009 Branch Warren
mesmerized the full house audience at the Veterans Memorial
Auditorium with his massive and sculpted physique. 1st place
can’t be far away.
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