Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregg Earnhart.
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 began as a Fitness Fanatic for 17 years, and 2 years ago, I found competitive shooting: It was love at first sight with competitive shooting, and I asked myself, “How can I help these people?”. They are overnourished and undernourished, and struggling with hydration and energy supplementation. There was nothing commercially available but some sugary products with filler that tasted like seawater, which only addressed part of the problem. Make Ready Nutrition for the 2A community was born on a return trip from the Dragons Cup shooting match in Odessa, TX, where I saw many competitors suffering greatly with heat incidents and dehydration, and has branched to many other extreme sports since that June day in 2022. In the high-stakes world of competitive shooting, where split-second decisions and unyielding focus can mean the difference between victory and defeat, Gregg Earnhart found himself at a crossroads. A dedicated health enthusiast with 17 years of grinding it out in the gym—lifting weights, pushing limits, and chasing that elusive peak performance—Gregg had always prioritized his body’s needs. But when he dove into competitive shooting just two years ago, joining the ranks of USPSA, IDPA, and PCSL athletes, he encountered a glaring void: the sport lacked tailored nutrition and natural supplements to support its unique demands.
“I immediately noticed the lack of nutrition and natural supplements in the sport,” Gregg recalls, his voice carrying the weight of someone who’s been there, sweat-soaked and adrenaline-fueled, on the range. As a husband, father, and believer from Plano, Texas—where he balances family life with his passions—Gregg’s entry into competitive shooting wasn’t just a hobby; it was a revelation. The extreme mental and physical toll of local, state, and regional matches, with their relentless demands for stability, stamina, and razor-sharp concentration, took a heavy toll on him. “You’re out there under harsh conditions, heart pounding, muscles screaming, and your mind has to stay locked in,” he says. Drawing on his fitness background, where he’d honed his body through disciplined training and nutrition, Gregg began researching and formulating supplements specifically designed for shooting athletes.
This personal quest gave birth to Make Ready Nutrition in June 2023, a company rooted in Gregg’s core values: recognizing God’s hand in all things, serving the community, gratitude, trust, the Golden Rule, and accountability. By January 2024, the online web store launched with the 2Alpha product line, offering clean, practical solutions to the athletes who needed them most. “It started with competitive shooters like me,” Gregg explains, “but soon we were hearing from golfers battling the mental grind of 18 holes, gym enthusiasts pushing through plateaus, NPC bodybuilders sculpting for the stage, MMA fighters enduring brutal rounds, marathon runners fighting the wall, and so many others.”
At the heart of 2Alpha products are two flagship products that embody Gregg’s heartfelt mission to help others “be their own hero.” The 2Alpha Advanced Hydration—affectionately dubbed “2Alpha Ammunition”—is a powder packed with essentials like Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium, D-Ribose, Magnesium, and Zinc. Formulated for hydration under duress, it supports ATP production for sustained energy, stamina, muscle recovery, and immune health. “Mix one serving in your water bottle during activity,” Gregg advises, “and you’ll feel the difference: more clean energy, fewer aches, and the endurance to keep going.” It’s crafted for those harsh conditions on the range or trail, providing antioxidants for overall wellness, bone support, and muscle function without the crash.
Complementing it is 2Alpha Energy with Nootropics, a ready-to-drink option in flavors like Grape, Lemon Lime, and Mixed Berry Blast. Zero sugar, low carb, and with 150mg of clean caffeine, it’s enhanced by Alpha-GPC—a proven nootropic for sharper focus and enhanced memory—and L-Theanine for calm, sustained mental clarity. “Have one before your match or workout,” Gregg suggests, “and experience guilt-free energy that powers your mind and body without jitters, headaches, or crash.” These aren’t just supplements; they’re Gregg’s way of giving back, born from his own struggles and triumphs.
Gregg’s dedication to the sports community runs deep. As an instructor at Make Ready Defense and a Cleburne High School alum who’s called Texas home his whole life, he’s not just building a business—he’s fostering connections. He has channeled his inner champions in private training sessions, shared raw moments of “mental errors and the need for practice” on social media, and participated in benefit matches, such as the one at Mission 160 Range, supporting Operation Underground Railroad’s anti-trafficking efforts. “Squads, stages, staff—it was amazing,” he posted after one such event, highlighting the camaraderie that fuels him. In podcasts like “Behind the Lens,” Gregg opens up about the world of competitive shooting, sharing insights with industry leaders and top athletes, all while emphasizing service and positive contributions.
What makes Gregg’s story so heartfelt is its authenticity. A family man who weaves faith into his daily life—whether in the gym, on the range, or at home—he’s transparent about the journey. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide quality products,” he says, echoing his company’s ethos. From his early days as a fitness devotee to becoming a competitive shooter who’s “run and gun” through courses, pulling it all together, Gregg has turned personal passion into a lifeline for others. Make Ready Nutrition isn’t about hype; it’s about real results, real people, and a genuine commitment to elevating performance across sports.
As athletes from all walks continue to discover 2Alpha, Gregg’s vision expands. “Your mileage may vary,” he humbly notes, “but we promise you’ll have more stamina and focus.” In a world where demands never cease, Gregg Earnhart is proof that one person’s insight can fuel a movement—helping everyone aim higher, one sip at a time.
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?
Launching Make Ready Nutrition wasn’t just a business venture for Gregg Earnhart—it was a test of resilience forged in the fires of personal adversity, economic uncertainty, and a cutthroat industry. As a 17-year veteran of the fitness world and a competitive shooter navigating the grueling demands of USPSA, IDPA, and PCSL matches, Gregg identified a niche: clean, targeted supplements for athletes who require sustained energy and focus without the unnecessary additives. But turning that insight into a thriving company in 2023 meant bootstrapping everything from his own pocket, a bold move in an oversaturated supplement market where giants like GNC and emerging brands vie for shelf space with sugar-laden, filler-packed products. His 2Alpha line—featuring Advanced Hydration for electrolyte balance and stamina, and Energy with Nootropics for jitter-free mental clarity—stood out for its commitment to zero sugar, low carbs, and natural ingredients like Alpha-GPC and L-Theanine. Yet, convincing a skeptical market took time, as early adopters trickled in from the shooting community before word spread to golfers, bodybuilders, and runners.
Funding the dream solo added immense pressure. Without investors or loans, every dollar came from Gregg’s savings, a risky gamble in a supplement sector plagued by supply chain disruptions, rising ingredient costs, and stringent FDA regulations on labeling and claims. The industry, projected to grow to $179 billion by 2030, faced quality control scandals and consumer wariness over misidentified ingredients, making it harder for newcomers like Make Ready to build trust. Gregg poured resources into R&D, formulating prototypes in his spare time while adhering to tight product deadlines—testing flavors, sourcing clean caffeine, and ensuring efficacy under real-world stress, such as multi-stage shooting matches. “It was about creating something authentic,” he shared in a podcast appearance, emphasizing his dedication despite the hurdles.
Compounding these challenges was the turbulent U.S. economy during the 2024-2025 transition from Democratic to Republican leadership. With inflation lingering from the post-pandemic recovery and policy shifts, such as proposed tariffs, potentially increasing import costs for raw materials, small businesses like Gregg’s felt the squeeze. Republicans grew optimistic about growth under the new administration, but Democrats’ pessimism reflected broader uncertainty, creating a mixed environment where consumer spending on non-essential items, such as supplements, wavered. Gregg timed the January 2024 release carefully, launching the online store amid this flux, hoping his unique offerings would cut through the noise. But market recognition was slow; while competitors flooded shelves with flashy, additive-heavy energy drinks, 2Alpha’s clean profile appealed to a discerning crowd that discovered it organically—through range recommendations and social shares—rather than big marketing budgets.
Behind the scenes, Gregg waged a silent war with his health. In 2024, he underwent not one, but two major back surgeries: a 360-degree lumbar fusion on June 29, followed by a second procedure on December 6 to fuse additional levels, leaving him with hardware from L2 to L5-S1—a transformation he humorously dubbed turning into “Iron Man.” These weren’t minor setbacks; chronic back pain from years of intense training and shooting had escalated, forcing him to manage recovery while refusing to let it derail his vision. “I had to have my 2nd back surgery Dec 6th,” he posted openly on Instagram, sharing raw updates from his @big_poppa_texas account to connect with followers on vulnerability and perseverance. Yet, even bedridden, Gregg coordinated operations, drawing strength from his faith, family, and 2A community in Plano, Texas.
Juggling it all seemed superhuman. By day, he maintained a demanding full-time role in cybersecurity, safeguarding digital infrastructures—a field as high-pressure as the range. Evenings and weekends, running Make Ready Nutrition, from packing orders to formulating batches. And he never forgot his roots, sponsoring shooting events like the Area 4 Staccato Championship. Benefit matches for causes like Operation Underground Railroad, giving back to the community that inspired him. “Squads, stages, staff—it was amazing,” he reflected after one event, embodying his values of service and accountability.
The pinnacle of expansion came with the launch of 2Alpha on Amazon in late 2024, a move that exposed his products to millions but required navigating the platform’s algorithms, reviews, and competition from established brands. It was a leap—optimizing listings for Cherry Limeade Hydration and Mixed Berry Energy drinks while recovering from surgery—but it paid off, broadening reach beyond the niche shooting world.
Gregg’s story is one of quiet grit: a family man, believer, and athlete who turned pain into purpose. “We’re grateful for the opportunity,” he often says, a mantra that carried him through surgeries, economic headwinds, and the grind of self-funding. Today, as athletes swear by 2Alpha’s clean boost, Gregg’s challenges underscore a heartfelt truth—true innovation thrives not despite obstacles, but because of the resolve to overcome them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In the ever-evolving battlefield of digital threats, where hackers lurk in the shadows and data breaches can cripple empires, Gregg Earnhart has stood as a steadfast guardian for over two decades. His journey in cybersecurity isn’t just a career—it’s a calling, one that mirrors the discipline and precision he brings to competitive shooting and his supplement empire, Make Ready Nutrition. Balancing the high-stakes world of protecting people, places, and businesses from cyber attacks with his entrepreneurial pursuits and personal health battles, Gregg’s story in this field reveals a man whose expertise is as hard-earned as it is essential.
Gregg’s foray into cybersecurity began in an era when the industry was still finding its footing. “It was the wild, wild West,” he reflected in a discussion on the booming job market for cybersecurity specialists, recalling a time when roles like “cybersecurity manager” were virtually nonexistent. Back then, the field was reactive, scrambling to counter emerging threats with rudimentary tools. Over the years, Gregg has evolved alongside it, honing skills that now position him as a senior security sales engineer at Kudelski Security, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions. Based in Allen, Texas, he leverages his deep knowledge to advise on cutting-edge protections, drawing from a career that spans multiple roles and companies.
Prior to Kudelski, Gregg served as a senior cybersecurity sales engineer at Next DLP, where he contributed to revolutionizing data loss prevention through innovative integrations. His work there involved not just selling solutions but educating clients on the escalating threats in a post-pandemic world, where cyberattacks have surged, fueling demand for experts like him. Gregg’s insights have even taken him to the stage, where he has spoken at events like the FutureCon Dallas Cybersecurity Conference, discussing topics such as “AI for Security” alongside industry peers from PepsiCo and Unitrends. These appearances underscore his thought leadership, as he shares hard-won lessons from the trenches.
His credentials speak volumes about his commitment to excellence. Certified as a McAfee Professional and a Tenable Certified Security Center Continuous View Engineer, Gregg has mastered tools for vulnerability management and endpoint protection—skills honed through rigorous training and real-world application. He’s also completed coursework in Computer Science and holds a USCCA certification, blending technical prowess with practical security knowledge that extends beyond the digital realm. While full details of his educational background remain private on his LinkedIn profile, these certifications highlight a foundation built on continuous learning in an industry that demands it.
What truly sets Gregg apart, however, is his service-oriented ethos, evident in his over 20 years as a Road Captain for the American Red Cross, where he has been involved in disaster and humanitarian relief. This volunteer role, often involving coordinating motorcycle escorts or rapid response in crises, parallels his cybersecurity work: both require quick thinking, risk assessment, and a dedication to safeguarding others. “It’s about protecting what’s important,” Gregg has shared, a philosophy that weaves through his professional life.
Peers in the industry hold him in high regard. His collaborations—such as appearing on podcasts like “Topping Talks” alongside fellow cybersecurity engineer Mitch Chapman—reveal a respected figure who bridges technical expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. In these discussions, Gregg opens up about the parallels between the high-pressure demands of cybersecurity and the mental fortitude required in competitive shooting or running a business like Make Ready Nutrition.
Even amid his 2024 health struggles—two major back surgeries that tested his limits—Gregg never wavered in his cybersecurity duties. Juggling recovery with full-time work at Kudelski, sponsoring shooting events, and expanding 2Alpha products on Amazon, he embodies resilience. “Cyber threats don’t pause for personal setbacks,” he might say, channeling the same grit that fueled his supplement formulations for sustained energy and focus.
Gregg’s cybersecurity career isn’t just a backdrop to his other ventures; it’s the forge that shaped his unyielding drive. In a world where digital defenses are as critical as physical ones, he not only protects assets but also inspires a new generation of specialists. As the industry booms—projected to add hundreds of thousands of jobs amid rising attacks—Gregg Earnhart remains at the vanguard, proving that true protection starts with passion and perseverance.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Based on the details from his background in fitness, competitive shooting, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity, Gregg Earnhart has demonstrated remarkable resilience in navigating a series of personal, professional, and financial risks. These challenges, drawn from his journey founding Make Ready Nutrition while managing health issues and a demanding career, highlight his ability to push forward despite significant obstacles. Below, I outline the key apparent risks I’ve taken and how grateful I am to have overcome them:
Financial Risk in Bootstrapping a Business: Gregg self-funded Make Ready Nutrition entirely out of pocket starting in June 2023, without investors or external capital, in a highly competitive supplement industry valued at billions but rife with quality scandals and market saturation. This exposed him to potential personal financial loss if the venture failed. He overcame this by meticulously researching and formulating the 2Alpha line, launching the online store in January 2024, and expanding to Amazon later that year, which broadened reach and built a customer base across shooting, golf, MMA, and other sports—turning slow initial adoption into sustained growth.
Health and Physical Risks from Surgeries Amid High Demands: In 2024, Gregg underwent two major back surgeries—a 360-degree lumbar fusion in June and a second fusion in December—stemming from years of intense fitness training and competitive shooting stresses. This risked derailing his mobility, business operations, and career, especially while recovering bedridden. He overcame it through sheer determination, sharing transparent updates on social media, drawing on his faith and family support, and continuing to manage the company remotely. By maintaining productivity during recovery, he ensured the business thrived, even sponsoring shooting events like the Area 4 Staccato Championship.
Market and Timing Risks in a Volatile Economy: Launching products during the 2024-2025 U.S. political transition from Democratic to Republican leadership brought economic uncertainty, including inflation, policy shifts, and fluctuating consumer spending on supplements. Gregg’s unique clean offerings (zero sugar, no fillers) faced slow market recognition compared to competitors’ additive-heavy products. He overcame this by adhering to strict product deadlines, focusing on niche needs in shooting sports, and leveraging organic word-of-mouth from athletes, which expanded adoption to diverse groups like marathon runners and bodybuilders.
Professional Risk of Balancing Multiple High-Stress Roles: For over two decades in cybersecurity—a field with constantly evolving threats and high pressure—Gregg has held senior roles (e.g., at Kudelski Security and Next DLP) while simultaneously building his business, competing in USPSA/IDPA/PCSL matches, instructing at Make Ready Defense, and volunteering as a Road Captain for the American Red Cross in disaster relief. This multitasking risked burnout or performance dips in any area. He overcame it by applying his disciplined fitness mindset, earning certifications like McAfee Professional and Tenable Engineer, speaking at conferences, and integrating lessons from cybersecurity (e.g., risk assessment) into his entrepreneurial efforts, all while prioritizing family and community service.
Personal Risk in Entering Competitive Sports Later in Life: After 17 years as a fitness enthusiast, Gregg took up competitive shooting only two years ago, exposing himself to its extreme physical and mental demands, which contributed to his back issues. This shift risked injury or failure in a precision-based sport. He overcame it by channeling the experience into innovation—spotting the nutrition gap and creating 2Alpha products tailored for such demands—while continuing to participate in, sponsoring events, and sharing insights on podcasts like “Behind the Lens,” fostering community connections.
Overall, Gregg’s story is one of calculated risks rooted in passion and values like accountability and gratitude. These challenges haven’t just been survived; they’ve fueled his growth, from a Plano, Texas family man to a multifaceted leader inspiring others in sports, business, and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makereadynutrition.com
- Instagram: @makereadynutrition
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggearnhart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@makereadynutrition
Image Credits
Brickwall Media
