FIM: Including your bodyweight what are your measurements on and off season?
Off Season: 170, Contest: 160, Measurements: Haven’t measured yet

FIM: Where and when were you born?
May 25 1979 in Abington, PA

FIM: Who are your parents?
Benjamin and Evelyn Serrano, they were both born in Puerto Rico.  My dad is 48,  and my mom is 47.  My dad used to be a professional boxer so I guess that’s  where I get my athleticism from.

FIM: Do you have sisters or brothers?
Two sisters 24 and 18 and one brother who is 21.

FIM: If so which number are you?
I am the oldest.

FIM: Are the other siblings athletically inclined?
Yes, all three of them are.

FIM: Tell me about your life growing up in school elementary, middle, high school, and college? (Sports and other clubs you belonged to)
In Elementary school, I was quite introverted socially but strong academically. I always enjoyed gym class because it was something I was good at, I was strong and fast for being one of the smaller ones in my class.

In Middle school, I began to come out of my shell, with the help of wrestling and track. I found that I was very good in both sports.  It is also important to note that I maintained good academic standing.

In High School, I continued to excel with my academics, preparing for college.  I had an unfortunate accident my freshman year and  injured my lower back during a wrestling match  and was forced to make the painful decision of  stopping the sport for fear of doing more harm to my body. It was at this time that I really began experimenting with weight lifting. I should note that my back injury still causes me chronic pain to this day.

I attended Penn State University and found that I really enjoyed working out in their fitness center. I really started to hit the weights hard and I went from 135 pounds to 160 in a few short months. I graduated with a degree in psychology and social sciences.

I am currently obtaining my masters degree at Philadelphia Biblical University. I continue to dedicate my time to my studies but have truly found a passion for bodybuilding and work out religiously. 

FIM: Are you available or is there a significant other?
I got married to my college sweetheart on August 21, 2004.  She has been an amazing source of support.

FIM: Do you have any children?   If so what are their Names?
My wife and I have a 14 month old son named Nathan.  He is the light of our lives.  He continues to amaze us with his intellect, physical development and good humored personality.

FIM: How did you get involved in bodybuilding?
Well, I took a weightlifting class in high school to fulfill a physical education requirement.  From the first time I felt the pump, I’ve never stopped.  It became a mission to get as strong and as big as I could.  Early in my undergraduate years, I worked as a personal trainer for Bally Total Fitness.  I ran into some other trainers who suggested I try to enter a bodybuilding contest but I thought they were just being nice; I didn’t think I had what it took to be a competitive bodybuilder.  Quite a number of years later, my wife and I were having dinner at our friend’s house and talking about watching an upcoming contest (Mr. and Ms. Natural Philadelphia in Horsham, Pa May 2006).  We talked so much about it that our wives finally said, why don’t you guys just enter it, so we did.  That was my first show.  I entered as a novice middleweight and won 1^st place in the weight class and overall novice.  I’ve competed in three other shows and placed 1^st in all of them.  I’m hooked! 

FIM: Describe your goals (long and short term) and aspirations in the sport of Physique?
My short term goals are to continue to bring up my weak points as there is always room for improvement.  My long term goal, is to continue to enter competitions and become a professional bodybuilder. 

FIM: Where do you see yourself in three years in the sport?
God willing, a pro natural bodybuilder and having a great time competing.

Who has been a role model for you in the sport?
My role model is someone who has the total package which is: natural, great stage presence, perfect symmetry and mass, entertaining posing style and most importantly feels passionate about bodybuilding and reflects that in their lives.

At the moment, I can’t pinpoint an individual who encompasses all of these characteristics.  Therefore, I tend to take bits and pieces from all competitors and try to incorporate that into my approach to the sport.

FIM: Tell me why you would be a good ambassador for the sport? 

The lifestyle of a natural bodybuilder is a demanding one.  Sometimes, we can forget what’s important in the pursuit of a dream or goal.  I would be a good “ambassador” for the sport, because I have found the balance between family, work and competition.  I train 4-5 days a week for one to two hours and I maintain a healthy diet- eating 6 meals a day.  I teach health and physical education.  In class, I show my students how to be physically and mentally fit.  I continue to learn about the sport through research and constant reading, which exercises my mind. It is hard to be a true ambassador because that entails mastering something- which I don’t believe I have. I have simply succeeded in fulfilling my goal of living a life that I am proud of.

Reverend Doctor Richard Brown III