Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Manderino. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chris, appreciate you joining us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.
As the founder of LyfeFuel, I am deeply passionate about the impact we can make beyond just providing quality products. Our commitment to giving back is rooted in a profound belief that businesses have a responsibility to the planet and its people. We understand that every action we take has a ripple effect on the environment and communities around us. By donating a percentage of our sales to charitable organizations that plant forests, remove plastic from the ocean, and offset carbon, we are not only expressing our dedication to sustainability but also empowering our consumers to be a force for positive change. Together, we can create a world where every purchase becomes a conscious act of healing and restoration. With LyfeFuel, it’s not just about selling products; it’s about cultivating a sustainable lifestyle that leaves a lasting, positive impact on the planet we call home. We chose these organizations because protecting our natural landscapes are not just important for the environment but they are also critical to our survivability as a business. The more we can do to restore our planet, the healthier, happier, and better we’ll all be as a result.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into the nutrition industry started with a passion for health and wellness fueled by my success as an athlete and combined with a deep concern for the environment. I have always believed that businesses should play a significant role in addressing environmental challenges, and that belief led me to create LyfeFuel.
At LyfeFuel, we provide a range of products and services centered around sustainable nutrition and holistic wellness. Our core offerings include plant-based, organic superfood blends, protein powders, and functional snacks that are not only delicious but also support your well-being and the planet. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to giving back and our dedication to helping people transform their lives through functional nutrition and healthy lifestyle principles.
Our mission is to be more than just a brand; we aim to be a catalyst for positive change. By choosing LyfeFuel, our clients become active participants in healing the Earth and making a difference in the lives of others. We believe that small choices can have a significant impact, and through our products and initiatives, we encourage individuals to take meaningful steps toward a sustainable lifestyle.
I am most proud of the community we have built around LyfeFuel. Our clients, followers, and fans are not just customers; they are like-minded individuals who share our vision for a better world. Their support drives us to continuously innovate and find new ways to be more sustainable and impactful.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that LyfeFuel is more than just a brand; we are a movement. We invite you to join us on this journey to create a healthier, more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Together, let’s make a positive social and environmental impact that resonates far beyond our products. Thank you for being a part of our mission to nourish the body, mind, and planet.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
The story of how we put together the initial capital to start LyfeFuel is one of determination and a belief in the vision we had for the company. When we first set out to create a sustainable nutrition brand, we knew that we needed to invest in our dream. However, like many aspiring entrepreneurs, securing external funding wasn’t an option in the beginning.
So, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We pooled our personal savings and used every available resource to scrape together the funds we needed. This included using our own money, dipping into our savings accounts, and even maxing out our credit cards. It was a risky move, but we believed so strongly in the potential of LyfeFuel and its mission that we were willing to take the leap.
With this initial capital, we began the process of bringing LyfeFuel to life. We carefully curated our product offerings, focusing on sourcing the highest quality organic ingredients and sustainable packaging. We also invested in building a strong online presence and connecting with like-minded individuals who resonated with our vision.
The early days were challenging, but our dedication and passion fueled our progress. As the business gained traction and started generating revenue, we were able to reinvest profits back into the company, gradually reducing our reliance on personal funds and credit cards.
Looking back, using our own money and credit cards to get LyfeFuel off the ground was a bold decision. It required sacrifices and sleepless nights, but it was a risk worth taking. It instilled in us a sense of responsibility and determination, knowing that our own hard-earned money was on the line. It also reinforced our commitment to making LyfeFuel a success and proving that a sustainable-minded business could thrive.
Today, as we continue to grow and expand our impact, we are grateful for the initial leap of faith we took. It taught us valuable lessons about financial responsibility and the power of believing in one’s own vision. It is a story that exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and the drive to turn a dream into reality, no matter the obstacles along the way.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the moments that truly showcases my resilience was when I embarked on the journey of starting the “Uber for Boats” service in Newport. As an ambitious entrepreneur, I knew that building a business from the ground up would take time, but I was determined not to let financial limitations hold me back.
During the early stages of launching the boat service, I quickly realized that I needed additional income to sustain myself and invest back into the business. Instead of seeking external funding or giving up on my dream, I embraced a resourceful approach.
First, I decided to rent out my apartment while I lived abroad in countries with a lower cost of living. This way, I could earn extra income from my property while significantly reducing my living expenses. It was an adventure in itself, immersing myself in diverse cultures and gaining new perspectives.
But my entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. Alongside renting out my apartment and living abroad, I took the bold step of starting various side hustles to make ends meet. Leveraging my skills and creativity, I took on freelance projects, provided consulting services, and even sold other products online.
My days were filled with juggling different roles – managing the boat service, handling customer inquiries, fulfilling side gig commitments, and exploring new places. It was undoubtedly a challenging period, often requiring long hours and sacrifices, but my unwavering resilience kept me going.
As time went on, my determination and hard work began to pay off. The boat service started gaining traction, and revenue slowly started to increase. With each milestone, I reinvested back into the business, constantly refining and improving the service to meet customer needs.
Eventually, my tenacity and dedication paid off. My side hustles and living abroad were enough to get me through the most challenging times of growing our business, and I was able to transition away from relying on side hustles to paying myself a living salary from LyfeFuel. This was not only a testament to my resilience but also a testament to my strategic decision-making and perseverance in the face of challenges.
I hope that my journey from starting multiple side hustles to creating a thriving business while living abroad serves as an inspiring example for others of what can be achieved with unwavering resilience and a relentless pursuit of our dreams. It reminds me that with determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to adapt, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals, no matter how ambitious they may seem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lyfefuel.com
- Instagram: @lyfefuel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismanderino/
- Other: https://chrismanderino.com