Creating a Company Amidst Global Turmoil
In a year full of uncertainty and unpredictability, Mark Modlin was sure of one thing. He was going to follow through with creating his own nutrition brand dubbed ‘Rare Nutrition’. Starting in November 2019, Modlin began the process of creating his company.
Modlin was on his own journey of fitness and nutrition when he quickly realized that many of the health-food options on the market did not fit his dietary needs or wants.
“Rare Nutrition came about simply because when I looked at the health food market, I realized that I could create something that not only tasted better, but had better nutritional value than other things I was seeing on store shelves,” said Modlin.
After some thinking, Modlin decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. With a knack for baking and a team of classmates from the business school at Missouri Western State University, Modlin began a new journey. The making of Rare Nutrition.
Modlin (Founder and CEO) was soon joined by Matthew Dougherty (Chief Operating Officer) and Clayton Speltz (Chairman of the Board). They worked tirelessly, transitioning from in person meetings and baking trials to zoom meetings and broadcasted baking sessions amidst the global pandemic. After nearly 3,000 tries, they had perfected their recipe.
“I am a perfectionist, so we were going to work that recipe until it was exactly where we needed it to be. It took time, but the outcome was more than worth it,” said Modlin.
While the world shut down, the team continued refining every aspect of their brand in order to make this dream become a reality. After months of working together through a computer screen and in-person when possible, Modlin and his team were elated. On October 5th, 2020, Rare Nutrition became incorporated. This was one really big leap for the company, Modlin admitted.
“That was a defining moment for us, it felt like all the work was paying off and we were beginning to reap the benefits of the countless hours we dedicated to this idea,” said Modlin.
Rare Nutrition did not follow its original path, as many ideas don’t. At first, the team had prepared for Rare Nutrition to hit the consumer market, but they saw a different industry that was needing their help.
Healthcare providers began seeing what Rare Nutrition had to offer. So, Modlin and his team pivoted. Products of Rare Nutrition will soon be found in hospitals around the United States.
“That was not our original plan, no, but the opportunity arose so we took it and ran with it. I think we’re all glad we did because we can see the difference our products are making,” said Dougherty.
Due to the nutritional value of Rare Nutrition products, patients in healthcare facilities can see a rapid recovery rate while enjoying a meal that tastes good. Currently, Rare Nutrition offers pancakes, muffins, chocolate cake and frosted donuts. Each of these products are made with a low calorie, low sugar and high protein content. They are making a noticeable impact among their competition, too.
The average patient meal at a healthcare facility costs the facility $3.00 (Soriant Solutions, 2019). Rare Nutrition products start at just $0.55 per serving, making them one of the lowest priced options in the industry and incredibly accessible to these facilities.
“We wanted Rare Nutrition to be for everyone, because everyone deserves an option that tastes good while doing good for your body too,” said Dougherty.
In the future, Rare Nutrition is looking to potentially expand their products and reach more people. They look to dive directly into the consumer market, to long-term care facilities and to educational facilities.
“Nothing about this year has been easy, but it allowed me the time to put my full attention into this company and for that I am grateful. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for my team and I as things continue to get better,” said Modlin.
Though 2020 was an unusual year, it was a year of achievements and progress for Modlin and his team.
