Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dave Pechersky, Founder of Movemints, located in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Movemints LLC is a business determined to refresh a stale industry. While the last 25 years have brought about superior plastics and digital technologies in aligner orthodontics, the patients' experience is mostly an afterthought. Movemints® are sugar-free breath mints designed and formulated to be eaten while wearing clear aligners. All other accessories are reusable, unsanitary, and made from - you guessed it - PLASTIC.

Our mints are the first ever edible accessory for clear aligners. If you want to stay on track with your treatment and build healthy habits, Movemints are for you. If you like fresh breath and care about your teeth, Movemints are for you. If you're a dentist who values your patients' experience, Movemints are the perfect fit for your practice!

Movemints are more than just a mint. Our patented shape keeps aligner wearers on track with their progress and helps remediate pain and discomfort. Movemints' sugar-free formulation utilizes xylitol to protect teeth from cavities and deliver Delicious Progress™ all day long.

Tell us about yourself

Before 2013 I would answer - I am a husband, father, and orthodontist who loves bringing smiles to my patients. I am still all those things today, but the last 9 years of being an entrepreneur have influenced every aspect of my life. This adventure began while treating myself with Invisalign in 2013. For years, I had been telling my patients to chew on these rubber sticks to help keep them on track. It was time for me to chew on the stick and game over.

The lack of options available to patients was shocking. Colleagues were cutting up plastic surgical suction tips or telling their patients to chew on the end of their plastic toothbrushes while I was giving my patients a product that I found to be dirty and gross. As an orthodontist focused on providing the best patient experience, I refused to accept there was not a better alternative. I went into my lab committed to finding the answer, and Movemints, The Mint That Fits®, was born.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It is humbling to witness institutions, associations, and corporations embrace my idea and support Movemints. However, watching my patients and other providers fall in love with our mint is the best part of this journey… so far. Knowing there have been over 14 million Movemints consumed in over 40 countries around the world is probably a close second.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Learning to balance yourself through the ups and downs while remaining optimistically steady. This is a grind. It takes time away from your family and friends and demands your focus and energy every day. I was told early to keep my head up, to stay hydrated, and to celebrate the small victories when they present themselves.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. You will be married to your startup business. Make sure you absolutely love it.
  2. Determine a startup budget you will need to survive, then double or triple it.
  3. Build a team with the skills, expertise, and abilities you don't have, and never stop learning.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Success is relative, and the rollercoaster of emotions is wild. There will be times in the startup journey where you think, "Wow - we've done it!" followed by times that feel like a failure. This is why it is so important to be passionate about the work that you do!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.dentalmovemints.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movemints
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentalmovemints/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/movemints

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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