Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Peck, Founder of Remedy Products, located in Darien, CT, USA.

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

Remedy+ is a plant-based performance and recovery brand focused on active lifestyles. Our products are designed to support the optimal function of your body and ensure peak performance in everything you do. Our customers mainly want to 'punch above their weight and below their age. We're committed to your success in your personal and professional life by offering pure, effective, hemp-based compounds and other performance-focused natural ingredients.

Tell us about yourself

I thrive on building businesses with friends in areas I'm passionate about. For about 20 years, that passion was helping mid-sized companies control their healthcare costs and increase their employee engagement. I had two great partners in that business, and we had a successful exit. Then five years ago, I suffered a herniated disc in my lower back which caused me to hit the pause button. And figure out a more holistic approach to my physical and mental well-being. I tried many different products and couldn't find a brand with which I felt a connection or that offered great products. During that time, I met my current business partner, Tom Kurz. We both saw the opportunity to build a brand in this nascent industry. We saw a demand for a healthy line of natural, plant-based products that could offer consumers a pathway to maintaining and improving physical and mental capabilities necessary to excel in the office, on the playing fields, and in everyday life. The positive feedback drives me I get from friends and customers. It's one thing to spend time and money developing our formulas and products with multiple manufacturers. And enjoy using my products daily (i.e., the DROP and SHOT in the mornings, the CAP at night, and the BAR and RUB as needed). However, it's more meaningful and fulfilling when someone shares our product's positive impact on them. Whether helping someone complete their marathon training, get back on the golf course, or get through a hectic work week. I know we've developed something special with Remedy+ and look forward to introducing new and exciting products as we grow.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Aside from getting friends to invest while we were still in the concept phase, I would say our biggest accomplishment thus far is the recent distribution partnership we've established with Greenhouse Ventures. They will be bringing our products into 5000 convenience stores over the next 18-24 months. This deal will give us the scale and exposure for further growth acceleration.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is that I'm putting my reputation on the line. And that extends to friends, family, investors, business partners, vendors, and customers. The fear of letting any of those people down keeps me up at night.

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

  1. Make sure it's a product or service that people care enough about spending their money on. Anyone will take a free sample or offer, but will they make a purchase?
  2. Have a specific go-to-market strategy and alternate strategies if the primary one fails. And then bounce that strategy off your inner circle of trusted advisors (potential investors, friends, old colleagues) who you know will be honest with you.
  3. Raise more money than you think you'll need. Not everything is going to go according to your master plan. You're going to make mistakes, and that's okay. Just learn quickly from them and keep moving forward.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you're going to start a business, plan on your exit from Day 1. Whether ownership is eventually transferred to family, management, or outside parties, you need to think about creating value from the day you start. I strongly recommend cultivating relationships with potential investors, advisors, and acquirers. You don't always know when you'll need them, and you don't want to scramble when the time comes.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://myremedyproducts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myremedyproducts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myremedyproducts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispeck74/

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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