"I still remember the first time I received an article from Ron Fernando. It was the summer of 1980, and he had without my urging him ,written  and mailed in an article on an old fashioned  IBM Selectric Typewriter  about Hiro Isagawa, the great Japanese bantamweight lifter-who incidentally is still competing Internationally-and even then I could see his raw talent in weaving a story together.Ron has, over the years  shown a consistent and deep knowledge of the Sport and together with his brilliant writing skills  will make this , his first novel an utterly fascinating read. Lifters and non lifters alike will enjoy the diverse characters, the historical references, suspense and yes, the terrific lifting sequences that you will find in The Iron Factory"

Mike Lambert
Publisher and Founder
POWERLIFTING USA Magazine
Camarillo, CA

"A great read and a very authentic one about the Ukraine. I loved the character of "The Coach"- reminded me of my original trainer. Ron knows as much as any American about the Ukraine, its people and lifters. Great Job"

Olexandr Martynyuk
World Bench Press Champion/Record Holder
formerly of the Ukraine now representing the USA