Welcome to Ready For Launch, the show about how founders of early-stage companies launched their businesses into the world.

This week, Ian Black talks to Patrick Manning, the founder of Alio, an allergy-friendly protein bar company, who shares his journey from medical school to entrepreneurship. He saw a need for a protein bar free from the top nine food allergens and high in protein, and decided to create it himself. He shares his perspective on overcoming doubts and challenges as a founder and the unique lessons he has learned through entrepreneurship.

Website

https://livealio.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/livealionow

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/livealio

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Identifying the Need for Allergy-Friendly Protein Bars

Transition from Medical School to Entrepreneurship

Finding a Mentor and Overcoming Fear

Lessons Learned from Starting a Business

Challenges in Recipe Development and Manufacturing

Rebranding and Refining the Product

Market Response to the Relaunch of Allio

Importance of Customer Feedback and Launch Strategy

Delegating and Bringing in Experts

Building a Team and Seeking External Funding

Organic Marketing Strategies

Effective Sales Tactics through Engagment with Facebook Groups

Sales Channels and Retail Expansion

Profitability and Margin Refinement

Shelf Life and Expiry Dates

Daily Operations and Balancing Work

Future Team Expansion

Overcoming Doubts and Challenges

Advice for Founders and Dealing with Doubt

Setting Goals and Managing Friction

Product Expansion and New Flavors

Challenges in Scaling and Retail Expansion

The Power of Creation and Overcoming Challenges

Where to Find Alio

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Host: Ian Black

Intro Music:

https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life License code: 9TQ4MEAPMU4WJWZ4

044 - Launching a New Era of Coffee Convenience, with Zach Frantz, Founder of Wildland Coffee