10 Questions for Nutrishop Owner Jon Starrett

Nutrishop, 15466 Los Gatos Blvd., Suite 108, in Los Gatos, is one of more than 100 sports nutrition and weight-loss stores in the country helping customers find alternatives to a healthy lifestyle. The business carries brands such as Nu-tek, Kat-a-lyst, Myogenix, Met-RX, FRS, and others. Its hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday; and 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Starrett: As a kid I dreamed of being a professional soccer player. I was a very competitive athlete and I was pushed to the limits by coaches and myself. I learned at a young age the value of hard work, fitness and nutrition as well as how interrelated these things are when it comes to peak performance and health.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Starrett: I have always had a desire to excel in whatever it is I do. I have also always had the desire to help those around me to excel. I believe that being of service to those around me is the most rewarding aspect of the business I am in. 

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Starrett: Through college I studied music, but always worked as a personal trainer and a sports nutritionist. I loved this work and loved bringing positive changes into the lives of my clients. Working as a trainer, I came to realize the importance of proper supplementation and diet to help my clients realize their goals. I was always making recommendations of supplements and writing meal plans. Those who took my advise always made progress faster than those that did not. I decided to open a store where people could get real information, and recommendations personalized to their individual needs.

Patch: What inspired you?

Starrett: When I graduated I decided I wanted to fully focus on the nutritional aspect of training. I had spent years going into supplement shops, talking to employees who knew nothing about the supplements they were selling, wasting money on products of poor quality and not getting the results I wanted.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town
of Los Gatos?

Starrett: I grew up in Los Gatos. Graduated from Los Gatos High School in 2000, and had always wanted to come back. I chose to open my store in Los Gatos. It's a wonderful, health conscious community in the most beautiful part of California, in my opinion. I love this town and the people. 

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Starrett:  I spend a lot of time in the store because I like to be there for my customers. However, when I am not there, I have a small staff of exceptionally well informed and friendly guys to deliver the same quality customer service. 

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Starrett: The individualized customer service in my business is what really sets us apart.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Starrett: We take the time with each customer to really talk to them and get a feel for what their goals are, what they've tried and what they may be willing to try to make real progress toward their goals. We write meal plans and exercise programs for our customers at no charge. We sample every product before purchase to ensure customer satisfaction.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Starrett: My favorite place in town is Jones Trail, where you can find me every Saturday morning.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Starrett: The one thing that should be known about my business is that I carry the very best products I've found on the market. I match Internet pricing on everything and my customers ALWAYS get results.