Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Steve Prescott, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Operations of Synbiotic Health, located in Lincoln, NE, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
By taking an entirely different approach to microbiome discovery, we are able to identify groundbreaking synbiotic combinations of pre and probiotics that will disrupt the category. Our extensive, cutting-edge research proves that strains that are native to you are the most effective way to positively impact our microbial system. Our unique approach uses nature to identify just the right strains- that come from you and then intelligently pair them with prebiotics to produce ecologically advanced ingredients that provide superior performance and better lifelong health.
Our revolutionary mindset and superior science have generated meaningful discoveries and amazing solutions. However, our journey is far from over. With new ideas and new products always in the pipeline, we are a leader committed to the continual advancement of lifelong health for everyone far into the future.
Tell us about yourself
I had worked in the pharmaceutical industry for ten years and became tired of the slow pace of innovation, and became intrigued with the growth of the nutraceutical market. The idea that so many companies were launching products to keep people healthy rather than treat symptoms was also very appealing. Then I had the chance to join DuPont Nutrition and Heath and run their probiotic business. I jumped at the change. Now with Synbiotic Health, I have a chance to be part of a great team that is changing microbiome science and making people healthier.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Launching Synbiotic Health's first product (B. adolescentis iVS-1(R)) this year is the culmination of 13 years of research by our founders. It has been a great accomplishment to take all their hard work and bring the product to market with a story the consumer will embrace. Very few new probiotics ever make it to market, and iVS-1(R) is just the first of many in our pipeline that will be released in the next 12 months.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding balance is very hard. The balance between work and family or between the different areas of the business. You are always being pulled in another direction, and there is always something that needs attention. When you are starting and building a company, everything justifies 100% of your time. It takes discipline to prioritize what needs attention and when good is enough.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Initial ideas are great but be flexible and responsive to the market. If everyone you talk to is telling you your idea is good, but it needs a change, you should evaluate making the change unless you can justify not. Just because it was not part of your original vision is not good enough.
- In any business, you have to make choices, and as a small start-up, you will have to make a trade-off all of the time. Don't be afraid to decide as most of the time; it is not between the right choice and the wrong choice. It is just between two different options.
- Make sure you are well capitalized. It almost always takes a bit longer and a bit more money than planned.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://synbiotichealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-prescott-492aa74/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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