Maxx Chewning Net Worth
Maxx Chewning built an estimated net worth between $10 million and $15 million through his candy company Sour Strips, fitness apparel brand, and YouTube channel. The 35 year old entrepreneur sold Sour Strips to Hershey in November 2024 for an undisclosed amount after growing the brand from a small room operation in 2015 to 7,000 retail units.
He also runs Ever Forward Apparel, hosts the Don’t Be Sour podcast, and maintains a YouTube channel with over 386,000 subscribers and 125 million views.
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 (2025) | $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 competed in wrestling during his high school years in the 112 pound weight class. He had no interest in fitness or gym training during this time despite being involved in athletics. Maxx preferred eating candy all day, playing video games, and avoiding physical training outside of wrestling practice.
College Years and First Gym Experience
Chewning attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. His college roommates repeatedly tried to convince him to work out with them but he resisted. At age 21, he finally agreed to go to the gym for the first time with his friends.
Discovering Passion for Strength Training
After his first gym sessions, Maxx noticed rapid increases in his strength and muscle size that completely changed his perspective. He became passionate about fitness and felt like he could “take on the world” after seeing his transformation. The initial newbie gains made him addicted to chasing bigger numbers in the gym.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Link / Handle |
|---|---|
| YouTube | @maxxchewning |
| @maxxchewning | |
| TikTok | @maxxchewning |
| @maxxc |
Building Impressive Deadlift Numbers
Within one year of training, Maxx set a personal record deadlift of 420 pounds while weighing only 160 pounds. He continued focusing on strength training and eventually achieved a 600 pound deadlift at around 170 pounds of body weight. His followers gave him the nickname “Deadlift Brah” because of his exceptional pulling strength.
Starting YouTube Channel in 2011
Maxx launched his YouTube channel in August 2011 to share his passion for fitness and his personal record attempts. He uploaded videos showing his PR lifts, entire workout sessions, and training programs. The authentic content attracted thousands of new followers every month as viewers connected with his genuine approach.
Expanding Content Beyond Workouts
Chewning expanded his YouTube content to cover all aspects of fitness including nutrition and lifestyle topics. He started creating full day of eating videos that showed exactly what he consumed to fuel his training. This diverse content strategy helped him grow his channel to over 386,000 subscribers and 125 million total views.
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Founding Sour Strips Candy Company
Maxx founded Sour Strips in 2015, starting the candy business in a small room with minimal resources. The brand used the slogan “sour candy that doesn’t suck” and targeted young consumers through social media marketing. He grew the company to 7,000 retail units with a 63,000 square foot warehouse and distribution through Walmart, Amazon, and Target.
Building Social Media Following
Sour Strips amassed more than 400,000 followers across all social media platforms through Maxx’s innovative marketing strategies. His personal connection with young consumers and authentic social media presence drove the brand’s growth. The powerful social media presence became a key asset that attracted Hershey’s interest in acquiring the company.
Hershey Acquisition in 2024
Hershey purchased Sour Strips in November 2024 for an undisclosed amount to expand its sour candy offerings. The acquisition allowed Hershey to tap into the growing sour candy market expected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030. Maxx continues to lead marketing and innovation efforts for the brand under Hershey’s ownership.
Ever Forward Apparel Brand
Chewning owns Ever Forward Apparel, an international clothing brand that has gained recognition worldwide. The fitness apparel company aligns with his personal brand and connects with his fitness focused audience. The clothing line provides ongoing revenue independent of his other business ventures.
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Launching Don’t Be Sour Podcast
Maxx started the Don’t Be Sour podcast in 2022 featuring a variety of guests from the fitness and business worlds. Notable guests have included Heidi Somers, Alex Hormozi, Christian Guzman, and his brother Chase Chewning. He also created Don’t Be Sour Clips channel to share short video highlights and expand his reach.
YouTube Revenue Streams
His YouTube channel generates monthly earnings that vary between $174 and $380 based on views and engagement. Annual YouTube revenue is estimated around $69,594 from advertising alone. The channel serves as both an income source and a marketing platform for his other business ventures.
Relationship With Taylor Kessler
Maxx is engaged to his longtime girlfriend Taylor Leigh Kessler who was crowned Miss Texas USA in 2020. Taylor has built her own social media presence and works as a prominent influencer. The couple has been together for several years and is looking forward to their upcoming wedding.
Family and Father’s Military Service
Maxx’s father Charles D. Chewning served as a U.S. Army SFC before passing away on January 22, 2005 at age 43. He grew up with his younger brother Chase Chewning who became a successful podcaster and host of Ever Forward Radio. Chase is also an Army veteran, certified health coach, trainer, and entrepreneur.
Training Philosophy and Methods
Chewning follows a strength oriented training approach focusing on the three main powerlifting movements. His workouts revolve around improving the deadlift, squat, and bench press with max effort and dynamic training days. He trains six days per week with optional active recovery sessions built into his program.
Flexible Dieting Approach
Maxx follows an IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) approach to nutrition allowing him to eat any foods he wants. He tracks his daily macronutrient allowance rather than restricting specific foods or eating only clean options. This flexible approach provides the energy he needs for his heavy strength training sessions.
Physical Stats and Measurements
Chewning stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and maintains a body weight between 165 and 175 pounds. His lean and muscular physique reflects years of dedicated training and proper nutrition. He built significant strength relative to his body weight through consistent powerlifting focused programming.
Current Business Focus
As of 2025, Maxx continues running Ever Forward Apparel while working with Hershey on Sour Strips growth. He maintains his YouTube channel and podcast alongside his business responsibilities. His diverse income streams provide financial stability beyond any single venture.
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Maxx Chewning Income Sources
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Earnings | Years Active |
| Sour Strips Sale to Hershey | $8 million – $12 million (one time) | 2024 |
| Ever Forward Apparel | $500,000 – $1 million | 2015–present |
| YouTube Ad Revenue | $60,000 – $80,000 | 2011–present |
| Don’t Be Sour Podcast | $50,000 – $100,000 | 2022–present |
| Brand Sponsorships | $100,000 – $200,000 | 2015–present |
| Supplement Endorsements | $50,000 – $100,000 | 2015–present |
Net Worth Comparison: Fitness YouTubers and Entrepreneurs
| Name | Net Worth | Primary Business | YouTube Subscribers |
| Maxx Chewning | $10 million – $15 million | Sour Strips (sold to Hershey), Ever Forward Apparel | 386,000 |
| Christian Guzman | $3 million – $5 million | Alphalete Athletics | 1.1 million |
| Steve Cook | $2 million – $3 million | Fitness modeling, supplement endorsements | 1.5 million |
| Bradley Martyn | $2 million – $4 million | Zoo Culture Gym, supplements | 3.8 million |
FAQs
Conclusion
Maxx Chewning built his $10 million to $15 million net worth through smart business decisions, starting with a candy company in a small room and selling it to Hershey. He continues earning through his apparel brand, YouTube channel, and podcast while inspiring others through his fitness content. His journey from a 112 pound high school wrestler to successful entrepreneur shows the power of discovering your passion and turning it into multiple income streams.
