Ryan Chen’s life changed in an instant at 19 after a devastating snowboarding accident left him paralyzed. But what followed wasn’t just about recovery, it became an incredible journey of resilience, friendship, and building a $100 million business with Kent Yoshimura.
The journey from rock bottom to remarkable success wasn’t linear. It began with a dark period of depression and self-doubt, where Ryan questioned if life was worth living. But it was the power of friendship and unwavering support that transformed his perspective from viewing himself as a burden to recognizing his unlimited potential.
Finding Purpose Through Innovation
The entrepreneurial spark ignited during Ryan’s training for the Paralympic team, alongside his college best friend Kent, who was training with the Olympic judo team in Japan. Their shared passion for fitness and performance enhancement led them to experiment with various supplement formulations in Kent’s dorm room.
A seemingly ordinary scuba diving certification trip became the catalyst for their groundbreaking idea. What if they could make supplementation more accessible and approachable by transforming pills into gum? This simple question would eventually birth their company, Neuro.
Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap
The path from idea to execution required significant sacrifice. Both Ryan and Kent held corporate jobs at Hulu and Sony Music respectively, but their entrepreneurial dream kept pulling at them. In a bold move that many would consider reckless, Ryan cashed out his 401k to fund their initial research and development.
The early days were far from glamorous:
- Their first warehouse was Kent’s downtown LA apartment
- They shipped 4,000 pounds of gum through USPS daily
- Neither took a salary for years
- They survived on credit card points and minimal company funds
Overcoming Critical Challenges
Success didn’t come easily. The business faced numerous obstacles, from inventory challenges to border delays. The most threatening challenge came in the form of a trademark lawsuit that nearly bankrupted the company. It was during this crisis that an unexpected alliance formed with Shark Tank judge Daniel Lubetzky, who stepped in to defend the company despite them not accepting his investment offer on the show.
This experience demonstrates a crucial lesson: sometimes the most valuable business relationships aren’t about immediate financial transactions but about building genuine connections that can provide support when you need it most.
Scaling to Success
The company’s growth trajectory has been remarkable:
- Year 1: $100,000 in revenue
- Year 2: $750,000 in revenue
- Current: Nearly $10 million monthly revenue
This success story is particularly compelling because it extends beyond financial metrics. The company maintains a 96% employee satisfaction rate, demonstrating that commercial success and organizational health can coexist.
“Success is defined by how high you bounce back from rock bottom.” – Ryan’s Father
This story isn’t just about building a successful company – it’s about the human spirit’s capacity to transform adversity into opportunity. Ryan’s journey from a life-altering accident to building a $100 million company proves that we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles with determination, support, and the right mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Ryan overcome his initial depression after the accident?
Ryan credits his support system of family and friends for helping him overcome depression. A pivotal moment came when his friend Marcus invited him on a road trip, which helped him realize he could still travel and live a full life. This experience shifted his mindset from feeling limited to seeing new possibilities.
Q: What was the initial investment needed to start Neuro?
The initial investment came primarily from Ryan’s 401k withdrawal, which they used for R&D samples and legal fees to form the company. They also raised about $30,000 through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to help launch the product.
Q: How long did it take for Neuro to become profitable?
It took approximately seven years before the founders could take substantial salaries from the business. The first five years were particularly challenging, with the founders living off credit card points and minimal company funds for basic expenses.
Q: What role did Shark Tank play in Neuro’s success?
While Ryan and Kent didn’t accept any offers on Shark Tank, the exposure provided significant marketing value. More importantly, it connected them with Daniel Lubetzky, who later helped them overcome a potentially devastating trademark lawsuit.
Q: What marketing strategies helped Neuro grow?
Organic earned media and celebrity endorsements have largely driven Neuro’s growth. The company has benefited from unpaid mentions by celebrities like Joe Rogan, Ashley Graham, and Steve Aoki, plus viral content on platforms like TikTok Shop, where they’re now a top 10 brand.
