Quinlan began a strict workout regimen in the Fall of 1993 during his first year while playing baseball at Saint Leo University. In the Spring of 1994, he quit baseball to focus more on weight training, bodybuilding, and fitness. In the Fall of 1994, Quinlan transferred to Springfield College in Massachusetts where he engaged in powerlifting and sports nutrition. In the Spring of 1997, Quinlan trained several members of the student body for the 1st Annual Springfield College Bodybuilding Show. WWE professional wrestler John Cena and Quinlan's training partner Matt Janke are also Springfield College alumni and were both there during this time. He graduated from Springfield in 1997 with a degree in Movement in Sports Studies.
In 1998, Quinlan competed in the NABF. In October of that year, Quinlan placed 1st in the Junior Class and 4th in the Men's Open Light Heavyweight division at the NABF Tri-State Pro-Am. He swept the Junior Class and earned a 3rd place finish in the Men's Open Light Heavyweight Division two weeks later at the NABF USA Junior Nationals. During this time Quinlan was coached by Jeff Walsh, Billy Conserva and Lawrence Cuzzi along with the assistance of Jim Cinelli, Manuel "Manny" Catalano Jr. and John Georgopolous. He was sponsored by Scott and Eric Kenworthy, owners of World Gym, Lynnfield, Massachusetts and Pumphouse Nutrition. On November 7, 1998, at the NABF Pro-Am America Nationals & Fitness Expo held in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, Rhode Island, Quinlan finished finished 2nd Overall in the Junior Class.
In 1998, Quinlan competed in the NABF. In October of that year, Quinlan placed 1st in the Junior Class and 4th in the Men's Open Light Heavyweight division at the NABF Tri-State Pro-Am. He swept the Junior Class and earned a 3rd place finish in the Men's Open Light Heavyweight Division two weeks later at the NABF USA Junior Nationals. During this time Quinlan was coached by Jeff Walsh, Billy Conserva and Lawrence Cuzzi along with the assistance of Jim Cinelli, Manuel "Manny" Catalano Jr. and John Georgopolous. He was sponsored by Scott and Eric Kenworthy, owners of World Gym, Lynnfield, Massachusetts and Pumphouse Nutrition. On November 7, 1998, at the NABF Pro-Am America Nationals & Fitness Expo held in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, Rhode Island, Quinlan finished finished 2nd Overall in the Junior Class.