SC: Thanks for the interview Franco. Can you please give us a description of yourself?

FP: I am strongly committed and have outstanding will-power to be on a competitive edge all year round... what I mean is, making the right food choices and working out have always been my lifestyle and not only for a 12 week diet before a competition. I have a reputation of being a health fanatic.

SC: How long have you been into bodybuilding / weight training?

FP: I have been bodybuilding/weight training since 1983 (nautilus training) and free weights since 1984.

SC: Tell us about how you got into bodybuilding?

FP: Well all my cousins on my father’s side are naturally large in structure so, being more of an ectomorph, their look appealed to me. I wanted to be more mesomorphic.

SC: What or who inspired you to compete?

FP: First guy that I looked up to was Frank Maturi and his brother Victor.

SC: How did it feel winning the Overall at the IDFA CC III and being awarded the IDFA Pro Card?

FP: The feellng took a while to sink in but later that night I said to myself finally all the hard work paid off and the dream is fulfilled.

SC: What is your favourite bodypart to train?

FP: All of them... but if I really have to choose, it would be legs.

SC: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to compete for their first time?

FP: Hire a coach who’s been through the competition path. Not all coaches know what they are doing. Research their resume. ie. have they won any awards?

SC: Do you train on your own or do you have a training partner?

FP: I’ve trained with the Maturi brothers for several years at the beginning and then my cousin Rob Grano for about ten years, but lately weekends only due to our busy schedules; I also train with Danny Cicchirillo and Pirooz Verasteh part-time.

SC: What about supplements? What are your favourites?

FP: I do take multivitamins but as far as powders I only try in the off season but I don’t use any in the weeks of competing except glutamine.

SC: Any big shows coming up?

FP: The Ontario’s in June.

SC: As you know we are holding our very first PRO Show (IDFA PRO Classic) on November 3, 2007. We will see you there. Right?

FP: Yes, ring side.

SC: Any final words?

FP: If you don’t have it, don’t hit it.

SC: Thanks for the interview Franco.