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Red Deer entrepreneur enters Dragon’s Den

Will pitch his fitness clothing business

A Red Deer entrepreneur will enter CBC’s Dragon’s Den this season looking for a deal.

Tommy Hamdan, who owns Red Deer’s MuscleRich Apparel, will be one of the suitors going up against the dragons on the popular show. The 11th season premiere aired on Wednesday night on CBC.

An air date has not yet been announced for Hamdan’s episode.

Hamdan will be familiar to many locally as an owner of Jugo Juice in Bower Place mall.

He founded MuscleRich in 2014 as a company to supply bodybuilding and fitness apparel at competitive events. He is expanding throughout Canada and his clothing is also sold in Germany, Australia, Norway, U.K., and the U.S.

Proud sister Amy Charafeddine said her brother taped his Dragon’s Den appearance several months ago but the success of his pitch has been a closely guarded secret.

Hamdan was travelling on business on Wednesday and texted he was still waiting to hear when his appearance would air.

Charafeddine said her brother grew up in the restaurant business and has always been good with customers.

“He’s really good at it. He built a really solid business in the mall.”

He brought the same enthusiasm to his new venture, which he is building up slowly.

“He’s really deep into it. It’s his passion.”

The dragons for the 11th season are Jim Treliving, Michael Wekerle, Michele Romanow, Joe Mimran and Manjit Minhas.

Hamdan is one of six brothers and sisters, who graduated from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. Five of the six have become entrepreneurs, said Amy, who runs Red City Donair at 4949 49th St. in downtown Red Deer. Two other siblings run Cleopatras Donair and Pita at 7110 50th Ave.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com