Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie Carter.
Hi Reggie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up on a farm in Mississippi, where I learned the value of hard work, self-reliance, and the connection between quality ingredients and quality living. Those lessons stayed with me as I moved through different stages of life, becoming an entrepreneur, fitness professional, and lifelong student of personal growth.
My entrepreneurial journey led me to create Must Be Ruff, a Minnesota-based pet brand focused on small-batch dog treats and pet products made with quality ingredients. What started as a simple idea grew into a business that has allowed me to connect with pet owners across Minnesota through farmers markets, retail partnerships, community events, and the Minnesota State Fair.
At the same time, I became increasingly passionate about health, movement, and human performance. My own fitness journey transformed the way I viewed nutrition, recovery, and longevity. That pursuit eventually led me to Pilates, which felt like discovering a language my body had been waiting to learn. Pilates challenged me in ways traditional fitness never had and helped me develop a deeper understanding of movement, posture, control, and athletic performance.
Today, I wear several hats. I’m the founder of Must Be Ruff, a fitness professional, a certified Pilates instructor, and the creator of Iron Temple, a philosophy centered around building strength, resilience, health, and purpose from the inside out. Whether I’m helping people improve their movement, building a business, or creating products for pets, my goal remains the same: to help others live healthier, stronger, and more intentional lives.
The common thread through everything I do is growth. I’m constantly learning, refining, and looking for ways to become a better entrepreneur, coach, husband, father, and human being. That pursuit of continual improvement is what has brought me to where I am today, and it’s what continues to drive me forward.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most entrepreneurs, my journey has been anything but a smooth road.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to wear so many different hats. When you’re building a small business, you’re not just the owner, you’re often the marketer, manufacturer, salesperson, customer service department, bookkeeper, and problem solver all at the same time. There were many moments where I felt stretched thin trying to balance business, family, fitness, and personal growth.
Building Must Be Ruff taught me that passion alone isn’t enough. I had to learn about branding, product development, retail relationships, events, regulations, and countless other aspects of running a business that I never anticipated when I started. There were setbacks, slow periods, long days at events, and plenty of trial and error.
On a personal level, I’ve also learned that success isn’t just about working harder. For years, I approached fitness and life with a “push harder” mentality. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that longevity, recovery, and sustainability are just as important as effort. That lesson ultimately led me to Pilates and helped shape my Iron Temple philosophy.
Perhaps the biggest challenge has been becoming comfortable with evolving. Sometimes people expect you to stay in the lane where they first met you. I’ve learned that growth often means stepping into new roles, learning new skills, and being willing to reinvent yourself while staying true to your values.
Looking back, the obstacles were often the greatest teachers. They forced me to become more resilient, adaptable, and patient, and those lessons continue to influence both my business and my life today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of my work is helping people and pets live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Most people know me as the founder of Must Be Ruff, a Minnesota-based pet brand that creates small-batch dog treats and pet products made with quality ingredients. Building the company has allowed me to connect with thousands of pet owners through farmers markets, community events, retail partnerships, and the Minnesota State Fair.
Beyond entrepreneurship, I’m also a fitness professional and certified Pilates instructor. Over time, I became fascinated by the connection between movement, health, discipline, and personal growth. That journey eventually led me to develop Iron Temple, a philosophy centered around building strength, resilience, and longevity through consistent daily habits.
What I’m most proud of is creating things that have a positive impact on others. Whether it’s a customer finding products they trust for their dog or helping someone move, feel, and perform better, I enjoy being part of that transformation.
What sets me apart is that I see business, fitness, and wellness as deeply connected. The same qualities that build a successful business, discipline, patience, consistency, and continual learning, are the same qualities that build a strong body and a meaningful life.
What does success mean to you?
My definition of success has changed over the years.
When I was younger, I probably would have measured success by money, accomplishments, or how busy I was. Today, I see it differently.
Success is becoming the person you’re capable of becoming while helping others along the way. It’s having the freedom to spend time with your family, maintaining your health, continuing to learn and grow, and creating something that positively impacts the lives of others.
To me, success isn’t a destination or a number in a bank account. It’s waking up each day with purpose, staying aligned with your values, and making consistent progress in the areas of life that matter most.
If I can be a better husband, father, entrepreneur, coach, and human being than I was yesterday, I consider that a successful day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irontempledad
