He had no previous experience with magazine publishing and MuscleMag would not turn a profit for 15 years, forcing Kennedy to dodge creditors and even sell his home and his car to finance it.
In addition to MuscleMag International, Kennedy has also written 53 books, including several New York Times bestsellers; Hardcore Bodybuilding, Reps!, RockHard!, Beef It!, and Pumping Up!
Most of the stores were eventually closed, while the clothing and supplement line was sold or discontinued to concentrate on the core business of book and magazine publishing.
Kennedy is further credited with discovering and helping launch the careers of numerous fitness models, bodybuilders, actors and wrestlers, including Trish Stratus, Victoria Pratt, Torrie Wilson, Cory Everson, Roland Kickinger, Larry Vinette and Ronnie Coleman.
[4][5] His collection, which included over 250 contemporary original acrylic and oil paintings, passed to the care and management of Kennedy's family since his death.
[7] Kennedy was also an avid photographer, known to travel yearly to Santa Monica to shoot the bodybuilding greats.
Kennedy was thrown from the car but Braden suffered severe brain damage and would require round-the-clock care (until his death in March 2011).
He tried alternative cancer treatments, such as high-dose intravenous infusions of vitamin C and B12, while also following a diet loaded with nutrients, healthy fats and protein.