Million Dollar Biz: Xlear Inc.
Entrepreneur:
Nathan Jones was deeply involved in underwater welding when a breathtaking opportunity brought him quickly back to the surface.
Jones’ father, a family physician, had invented a xylitol-enhanced nasal wash in a desperate attempt to cure his patients’ recurring ear infections.
A naturally occurring sweetener, xylitol had primarily been known in Finland for its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. The nasal wash brought relief to his father’s patients–and inspired a new direction in Nathan’s own life.
In 2000, armed with $40,000 startup capital from a friend, Jones purchased the rights from his father, founded Xlear Inc. and started manufacturing a line of xylitol products that now includes dental products, candy and even a recently launched xylitol gel-filled pacifier.
Being an early xylitol player required educating the public about its benefits. “Four years ago when I started going to dental conventions, they didn’t even know what [xylitol] was,” says Jones.
But regularly attending […]
Original post by Rich and software by Elliott Back