Corey Hilton

A few years ago, the stylistic and polarizing director, Michael Bay, released a film on the big screen starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne The Rock Johnson called Pain and Gain. The movie, based on a true story, is a dramatic—albeit loose—retelling of the exploits of The Sun Gym Gang in Florida in the 1990s. That particular gang was a group of body builders, who went down a path of outrageousness, barely believable hijinks, mischief, and activities outside of the law. Their actions did little to contradict the stereotypes Florida has regarding the behaviours of its residents. After reading Take it Off, the first thing that comes to my mind is that Pain and Gain hit closer to home for more people than we might realize; Corey Hilton’s life could place itself right in with those characters like a perfectly fit bow tie. ​ I have known Corey for more than a decade, and I must begin by telling you that no matter what thoughts might come into your mind while reading this nearly unbelievable autobiographical tale of Corey’s colorful life, this is a true story that is not embellished. But, please don’t get me wrong, I am not just talking about the scandalous, delicious moments that Corey experienced in the years he spent—beginning well before he was legal—in the exotic entertainment field. The other true story in this volume is about a man who ultimately wants to help people, impact their lives, and desperately, almost obsessively, desires to lift others to personal clarity, causing them to take action and make decisions to improve their lives. ​ Corey’s past vocation came up the very first day I met him. Not being exposed—no pun intended—to such things, I instantly had MANY questions, intriguing questions I think most people would have, encountering someone with such an exotic past.