Category Archives: Podcast Episodes

Ep. 136 – Alan and Mark Baumgarten of PRO-Hydro Beverages, Part 5

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-5Starting a business is always tricky. Launching a company in a completely new market niche is even trickier. But starting a business with family? That can be one of the riskiest moves of all. Unless you’re the Baumgarten brothers. Even before they launched PRO-Hydro Beverages, Mark and Alan have been looking for a way to work together.

In this final interview installment, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks to the Baumgarten brothers about anticipating the competition, managing their brand, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 135 – Alan and Mark Baumgarten of PRO-Hydro Beverages, Part 4

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-2Breaking into the health market is one thing, but could a company like PRO-Hydro Beverages actually find customers in Coca-Cola’s demographic? With generational shifts away from carbonated, sugary beverages and vitamin-enhanced flavored water drinks on the rise, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. What is the H2Pro go-to-market strategy, and how will their soon-to-launch “2.0” distribution model expand their market reach”

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks to the Baumgarten brothers about the perils and appeal of today’s fizzy drinks, their take on the lean startup approach, and the lessons learned from Dollar Shave Club’s market disruption. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 134 – Alan and Mark Baumgarten of PRO-Hydro Beverages, Part 3

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h2pro-box-paired-smWith established players already staking out their turf in the probiotics market, a small startup like PRO-Hydro Beverages needs an edge to establish their niche. What’s their unfair advantage over the mainstream pill-makers and national brand yogurt peddlers? Expertise and reputation. Not only is company founder Dr. Alan Baumgarten an established family doctor, he also began his career as a public health nutritionist and registered dietitian.

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks to the Baumgarten brothers about the ways consumers will use their products, as well as competitive landscape H2Pro has become a part of. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 133 – Alan and Mark Baumgarten of PRO-Hydro Beverages, Part 2

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-4Running as business wasn’t an entirely foreign experience for Dr. Alan Baumgarten. As a managing partner at a family medical practice, he had a solid grasp on the basics of running a successful company. Or at least he thought he did. As it turns out, building a new, consumer-product focused involves plenty of unexpected roadblocks and challenges.

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks to the Baumgarten brothers about the challenges of building a health-focused startup from the ground up. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 132 – Alan and Mark Baumgarten of PRO-Hydro Beverages, Part 1

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Dr. Alan Baumgarten

Dr. Alan Baumgarten

As a managing partner at his family medicine practice, Dr. Alan Baumgarten didn’t exactly need a second job. As a strong advocate for probiotics, however, he found the lack of quality products on the market frustrating. Not only was there an opportunity to help people become healthier, there was also a great niche for a new business. Together with his brother Mark, Dr. Baumgarten founded PRO-Hydro Beverages, makers of the H2Pro line of probiotics and vitamin supplements. They’re also members of the Kauffman Foundation Entrepreneur In Residence program.

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks to the Baumgarten brothers about their backgrounds and the origin of the PRO-Hydro concept. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 131 – Frequently Asked Questions From Investors (and What They Mean) Part 1

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-1Now that you’ve delivered a knock-out power pitch to investors, you might think that the hard part of the job is done. Not quite. Now it’s time for your would-be investors to put your business plans to the test. Are you ready for the Q&A section of the presentation?

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks about the most common questions potential investors will ask following your pitch. He’s joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles, and special guest (and podcast editor) Natalie Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 130 – Presentation Do’s and Don’ts With Special Guest Natalie Pyles

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SIB-Blog-1It’s Friday, and that means it’s time to have a little fun. On the heels of the last episode about rocking the pitch presentation, host Tom Ryan presents his list of presentation “Do’s and Don’ts.” Expect some handy tips, and some entertaining stories, in this freewheeling episode.

Listeners are also in for a special treat, as guest Natalie Pyles also joins in on the conversation. In addition to being producer Jason Pyles’s wife, Natalie works behind the scenes as the show’s audio editor. Continue reading →

Ep. 129 – The Business Power Pitch Deconstructed: Part 12 – Rocking Your Business Power Pitch

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-5Now that you’ve created a rock-solid power pitch for your business, there’s only one question left to answer: How do you rock this thing? As well prepared as you are, you still have to stick the landing when it comes to the pitch itself. It’s time for a few pointers on connecting with your audience of potential investors.

In this final “finish line” episode of the Power Pitch series, host and business coach Tom Ryan explains the rookie mistakes many entrepreneurs make when pitching, and some simple tips to help you avoid them. As always, Tom is joined by producer and co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 128 – The Business Power Pitch Deconstructed: Part 11 – The Investment and Use of Funding

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-4You’ve presented all the key points about your business, you’ve told your story and you’ve shown that you’re ready to take things to the next level. The crescendo of your power pitch is about to happen. All the groundwork has been laid, now it’s time to talk money. It’s time to tell them how much money you need, and what you will do with if they give it to you.

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan takes us into the home stretch of delivering a truly masterful business pitch. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 127 – The Business Power Pitch Deconstructed: Part 10 – Financials, Part 2

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-3When it comes to your financials, investors want details. A great business idea or innovative strategy can only go so far. If they’re going to buy in, they want to see the sales numbers, the customer data, and every report they can get their hands on.

In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan continues his exploration of the must-have reports every entrepreneur needs to have handy when pitching their business. As always, Tom is joined by producer and co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading →