Maxx Chewning is a popular American entrepreneur, fitness influencer, and YouTuber known for his passion for strength training and powerlifting. Born on September 9, 1989, he rose to fame by sharing authentic workout videos, nutrition tips, and lifestyle content with his growing online audience.
He is also the founder of Sour Strips, a candy brand sold to Hershey, and owns Ever Forward Apparel, a fitness clothing line. Maxx combines his love for fitness with smart business ventures, inspiring thousands to achieve their strength and health goals.
Quick Facts About Maxx Chewning Net Worth
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Maxx Chewning |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Net Worth (2026) | $10 million – $15 million |
| Primary Occupations | Entrepreneur, YouTuber, Fitness Influencer, Powerlifter |
| Career Span | 2011–present |
| Ventures | Sour Strips (sold to Hershey), Ever Forward Apparel, YouTube, Don’t Be Sour Podcast |
Wrestling Background in High School
Maxx Chewning was actively involved in wrestling during his high school years, competing in the 112-pound weight class. Despite being an athlete, he showed little interest in gym workouts or fitness training outside of wrestling practice. Maxx preferred spending his free time playing video games, eating candy, and hanging out with friends rather than hitting the gym.
Even though he avoided regular fitness routines, wrestling helped him develop discipline, focus, and a competitive mindset. These traits would later become crucial when he fully committed to strength training and fitness. His early experiences in wrestling laid the foundation for his athletic journey, even if he didn’t realize it at the time.
College Years and First Gym Experience
Maxx attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. During college, his roommates constantly encouraged him to join them at the gym, but Maxx resisted their efforts for years. He only agreed to try the gym at the age of 21, marking his first real experience with structured fitness training.
Once he started training, Maxx immediately noticed how different gym workouts were compared to his wrestling background. The exposure to strength exercises and weightlifting opened a new world for him. This first experience was the turning point that shifted his mindset toward fitness and self-improvement.
Discovering Passion for Strength Training
After attending the gym regularly, Maxx experienced rapid gains in both strength and muscle size. These results surprised him and sparked a newfound passion for fitness. Maxx quickly became motivated to challenge himself further, chasing personal records and learning about proper training techniques.
The early progress also boosted his confidence, giving him a sense of accomplishment he hadn’t felt before. The combination of visible results and personal growth ignited a deep love for strength training, setting him on the path to becoming a fitness influencer and powerlifter.
Building Impressive Deadlift Numbers
Within just one year of consistent training, Maxx achieved a personal record deadlift of 420 pounds while weighing only 160 pounds. He continued to push his limits and eventually reached an extraordinary 600-pound deadlift at around 170 pounds body weight. His exceptional strength earned him the nickname “Deadlift Brah” among his growing fanbase.
These achievements not only demonstrated Maxx’s natural talent and dedication but also inspired thousands of followers who admired his training discipline. His focus on compound lifts, especially the deadlift, became a defining feature of his workout philosophy and social media content.
Starting YouTube Channel in 2011
In August 2011, Maxx Chewning launched his YouTube channel to share his fitness journey and personal record attempts. He uploaded videos of full workouts, PR lifts, and training tips that showcased his dedication and authenticity. The channel quickly attracted viewers who appreciated his transparent and relatable approach to fitness.
As his audience grew, Maxx used YouTube as a platform to educate others on strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. The channel became a key tool for building his personal brand, allowing him to connect with fitness enthusiasts worldwide and lay the foundation for future business ventures.
Expanding Content Beyond Workouts
Over time, Maxx expanded his content beyond just workouts and lifting videos. He began sharing full “day of eating” videos, nutrition tips, and lifestyle advice that helped his audience understand the full scope of a fitness-focused life. This diversification allowed him to appeal to a wider audience interested in health, performance, and self-improvement.
By combining entertaining visuals with informative content, Maxx strengthened his reputation as an approachable and knowledgeable fitness influencer. His genuine personality and willingness to share both successes and struggles helped him maintain a loyal following and grow his influence across multiple platforms.
Founding Sour Strips Candy Company
In 2015, Maxx founded Sour Strips, a unique candy company that quickly gained traction with its fun slogan, “sour candy that doesn’t suck.” Starting with minimal resources, he grew the brand to sell 7,000 retail units and managed distribution through major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target. Social media marketing played a major role in the brand’s rapid growth.
By 2024, Maxx’s innovative approach and strong personal brand attracted the attention of Hershey, who acquired Sour Strips for an undisclosed amount. The sale not only solidified Maxx’s status as a successful entrepreneur but also provided him with significant financial resources to pursue other ventures, including Ever Forward Apparel and his YouTube and podcast projects.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Handle / Link |
| YouTube | @maxxchewning |
| @maxxchewning | |
| TikTok | @maxxchewning |
| @maxxc |
Building Social Media Following
Maxx Chewning leveraged social media to grow both his personal brand and his business ventures. By sharing authentic content that showcased his fitness journey, training sessions, and everyday life, he built a strong connection with his audience. His genuine approach attracted thousands of followers who trusted his advice and supported his endeavors.
For Sour Strips, Maxx applied innovative marketing strategies on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to engage younger consumers. The brand amassed over 400,000 followers across platforms, turning social media presence into a major asset. His ability to combine personal branding with business promotion played a crucial role in the rapid growth of both his channel and candy company.
Hershey Acquisition in 2024
In November 2024, Hershey acquired Sour Strips, recognizing its potential in the growing sour candy market. The acquisition allowed Hershey to expand its product offerings and reach a younger audience, while Maxx continued to oversee marketing and innovation for the brand. The sale represented a major milestone in his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his ability to scale a business from a small startup to a high-value acquisition.
The deal provided Maxx with significant financial resources and credibility in the business world. It also enabled him to focus on other ventures, such as his apparel brand and content creation, while continuing to influence the fitness and business communities. The acquisition showcased his strategic thinking and ability to turn creative ideas into profitable ventures.
Ever Forward Apparel Brand
Maxx Chewning founded Ever Forward Apparel to complement his fitness and lifestyle brand. The international clothing line focuses on high-quality activewear that resonates with fitness enthusiasts and his existing audience. The brand’s growth demonstrates Maxx’s ability to diversify his income streams and maintain relevance beyond the candy industry.
Ever Forward Apparel also serves as a platform for Maxx to share his personal philosophy of perseverance and hard work. By integrating motivational messaging with stylish fitness apparel, he created a product line that aligns perfectly with his brand identity and continues to generate steady revenue.
Launching Don’t Be Sour Podcast
In 2022, Maxx Chewning launched the Don’t Be Sour Podcast, featuring guests from the fitness, business, and entrepreneurial worlds. The podcast provides listeners with insights, motivation, and real-life strategies from successful individuals, helping Maxx expand his influence beyond social media and YouTube.
To reach a wider audience, he also created the Don’t Be Sour Clips channel, which shares short highlights from podcast episodes. This strategy allows Maxx to engage followers who prefer quick, digestible content, further strengthening his brand and increasing visibility in the fitness and entrepreneurial communities.
YouTube Revenue Streams
Maxx Chewning’s YouTube channel has been a major part of his brand since its launch in 2011. By sharing authentic content such as PR lifts, full workouts, and training tips, he has attracted a loyal audience of fitness enthusiasts. The channel not only educates and inspires viewers but also generates a consistent income through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and sponsorships.
His monthly earnings from YouTube are estimated between $174 and $380, translating to roughly $60,000–$80,000 annually from advertising alone. Beyond direct income, the platform also serves as a marketing tool for his other ventures, including Ever Forward Apparel and the Don’t Be Sour podcast, amplifying his overall brand visibility and business success.
Relationship With Taylor Kessler
Maxx Chewning is engaged to Taylor Leigh Kessler, who earned the title of Miss Texas USA in 2020. Taylor has built her own social media presence and works as an influencer, creating a strong personal brand that complements Maxx’s entrepreneurial and fitness-focused career.
The couple has been together for several years and shares a deep connection rooted in mutual support and shared goals. Their engagement highlights a personal milestone in Maxx’s life, demonstrating that alongside his professional accomplishments, he values relationships and family.
Family and Father’s Military Service
Maxx Chewning grew up with a strong family influence, including his father, Charles D. Chewning, who served as a U.S. Army SFC before passing away in 2005 at age 43. Maxx’s younger brother, Chase Chewning, is also a successful entrepreneur, podcaster, and certified health coach, reflecting the family’s dedication to service and achievement.
The military discipline and values instilled by his father played a subtle but important role in shaping Maxx’s work ethic and resilience. This background provided him with a foundation for leadership, focus, and commitment, qualities that have supported his fitness and business endeavors.
Training Philosophy and Methods
Maxx Chewning follows a strength-focused training philosophy, emphasizing the three main powerlifting movements: deadlift, squat, and bench press. His workouts include a combination of max-effort and dynamic training days, often six days per week with optional active recovery sessions.
This structured approach allows Maxx to consistently improve his strength while minimizing the risk of injury. By prioritizing progressive overload and technique, he has built impressive powerlifting numbers and continues to inspire followers with his disciplined yet relatable training style.
Flexible Dieting Approach
Maxx follows the IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) approach, tracking daily macronutrients rather than restricting specific foods. This flexible diet strategy allows him to enjoy a variety of foods while still fueling his rigorous training sessions effectively.
By focusing on balance instead of extreme dieting, Maxx maintains high energy levels for strength training and recovery. His approach demonstrates that disciplined nutrition does not require sacrificing enjoyment, making it both practical and sustainable for long-term fitness goals.
Physical Stats and Measurements
Maxx Chewning stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and maintains a body weight between 165 and 175 pounds. His lean, muscular physique reflects years of consistent training, proper nutrition, and dedication to strength-focused programming.
Beyond aesthetics, Maxx’s physical stats demonstrate functional strength, particularly in powerlifting. His exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, combined with a disciplined lifestyle, sets an example for aspiring fitness enthusiasts and powerlifters worldwide.
Current Business Focus
As of 2026, Maxx continues running Ever Forward Apparel while collaborating with Hershey on the growth of Sour Strips. Alongside these ventures, he manages his YouTube channel and Don’t Be Sour podcast, creating multiple revenue streams that provide financial stability.
Maxx’s business strategy emphasizes diversification, allowing him to focus on long-term brand growth while maintaining personal engagement with his audience. By balancing content creation, entrepreneurship, and product development, he has established a sustainable career beyond fitness alone.
Maxx Chewning Income Sources
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Earnings | Years Active |
| Sour Strips Sale to Hershey | $8M – $12M (one-time) | 2024 |
| Ever Forward Apparel | $500K – $1M | 2015–present |
| YouTube Ad Revenue | $60K – $80K | 2011–present |
| Don’t Be Sour Podcast | $50K – $100K | 2022–present |
| Brand Sponsorships | $100K – $200K | 2015–present |
| Supplement Endorsements | $50K – $100K | 2015–present |
Maxx Chewning’s diverse income sources demonstrate his entrepreneurial mindset and ability to leverage multiple platforms. From digital content to physical products, each stream contributes to his overall financial success and long-term stability.
Net Worth Comparison: Fitness YouTubers and Entrepreneurs
| Name | Net Worth | Primary Business | YouTube Subscribers |
| Maxx Chewning | $10M – $15M | Sour Strips, Ever Forward Apparel | 386K |
| Christian Guzman | $3M – $5M | Alphalete Athletics | 1.1M |
| Steve Cook | $2M – $3M | Fitness modeling, supplements | 1.5M |
| Bradley Martyn | $2M – $4M | Zoo Culture Gym, supplements | 3.8M |
This comparison highlights Maxx Chewning’s success relative to other fitness entrepreneurs and YouTubers. Despite having fewer subscribers than some peers, his diversified business ventures and strategic investments have resulted in a significantly higher net worth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Maxx Chewning worth?
As of 2026, Maxx Chewning’s net worth is estimated between $10 million and $15 million, earned through his business ventures, YouTube channel, podcast, and brand sponsorships.
How much did Hershey pay for Sour Strips?
The exact amount Hershey paid for Sour Strips in 2024 has not been publicly disclosed, but the acquisition was a major milestone in Maxx’s entrepreneurial journey.
How old is Maxx Chewning?
Maxx Chewning was born on September 9, 1989, which makes him 36 years old in 2026.
Is Maxx Chewning married?
Maxx is engaged to Taylor Leigh Kessler, Miss Texas USA 2020, and they are planning their wedding.
How much can Maxx Chewning deadlift?
Maxx Chewning has achieved a personal record deadlift of 600 pounds at around 170 pounds body weight, earning him the nickname “Deadlift Brah.”
How much does Maxx Chewning make from YouTube?
His YouTube channel generates $60,000 to $80,000 annually from ad revenue, with monthly earnings varying between $174 and $380 depending on views and engagement.
What happened to Sour Strips?
Sour Strips, Maxx’s candy company founded in 2015, was acquired by Hershey in November 2024. Maxx continues to oversee marketing and innovation for the brand under Hershey’s ownership.
Conclusion
Maxx Chewning has built a remarkable career as a fitness influencer, entrepreneur, and YouTuber, earning a net worth of $10–$15 million. From his early days as a high school wrestler to founding Sour Strips and Ever Forward Apparel, he turned his passion into multiple successful ventures.
Today, Maxx continues to inspire thousands through his workout videos, podcasts, and social media presence. His dedication to strength training, smart business decisions, and authentic content make him a leading figure in the fitness and entrepreneurial world.
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