Live your best life with BEAM supplements. At the age of 27, BEAM co-founder Michael Yewdell was rushed into treatment for stage II Hodgkin’s lymphoma with a 90% chance of survival. His treatment went on to save his life and since then, he has created his own brand that manufactures everything from farm to shaker. I had the pleasure to sit down with Yewdell to learn more about his journey and remarkable products.
Could you please elaborate more on your background and why you decided to start your own supplement business?
It all dates back 12 years ago to when Russell and I started our first business out of our dorm room at Indiana University. We created a retail platform for sports nutrition marketed for college students. Think GNC or Vitamin Shoppe for college kids. We sold a lot of brands and really got to immerse ourselves in the industry. This is where we noticed a lot wrong with the space. We were aware of this and hoped to one day right those wrongs, which is the foundation of BEAM. In 2017, we set out to start the company, but I developed a cough. This cough, which I thought was harmless, ended up being one of the most pivotal moments in my life. I went into an x-ray thinking it was pneumonia but found out quickly that I had 3 malignant tumors growing in my chest. On July 27th, I heard the words “you have cancer” and my life came to a complete halt. I entered into an 18-month battle, failing multiple treatments and even having to switch hospitals. My odds went from 90% all the way down to 30%, but I am so thankful that I was able to find a treatment to save my life. The chemo or the acronym of that chemotherapy that saved my life was named: B.E.A.M. and this is where our name comes from!
What is the significance of your company’s name and does it have an even greater personal meaning?
The name BEAM stands for Be Amazing and this is what we want to embody in our messaging and our brand forever. When you become part of BEAM, we want you to find your personal amazing and help you become a better version of yourself.
How do your products stand out from other brands?
Our brand is different due to our three pillars: our story, our products, and our philanthropic impact as we grow. Our products are unique because of our “farm to shaker” process. We control 100% of the process, from sourcing top-of-the-line ingredients to manufacturing our own product. This eliminates any middlemen and allows us to put 100% into our formulas. Best part is that we can compete with anyone price-wise and have superior formulas. On top of this, we have nothing to hide and everything to prove, which is why we test premix, post production and are third party verified.
You are a cancer survivor, and your story is inspiring. How did you stay positive during that period of your life?
I truly believe that challenges happen for a reason, otherwise what is the point? I was inspired by that mindset but also that life happens for you, not to you. I wanted to use this adversity to make me better. I had lost friends previous to my diagnosis so my waking up every morning was one more day than they hadn’t had, which enabled me to stay present and stay positive.
How has your work-life balance changed over time?
I was able to pack up my life in NY and move to Nashville, which drastically changed my work-life balance along with me being able to take up a former childhood passion: golf. I love to work but now that I have my whole life ahead of me, I really like to prioritize my personal life when the work stops. The funny thing is that since I have gotten older and work fewer hours, I am actually more efficient.
Working in the wellness industry do you have any health tips or habits that you swear by?
Always try to be better. Try to be self-aware and find places in your life where you can improve. Whether it’s taking an extra walk, choosing the stairs over the elevator, adding a greens supplement into your routine, or improving any other aspect of your life… do it. Make sure you do it in small increments so that you can actually see the growth.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
Ever since getting sick, legacy has been a massive aspect of my life. I truly get inspired by the fact that our decisions now can affect so much down the road. I personally and professionally try to leave a positive impact on this world and hope to bring as many people on my journey as possible. Take control of your health and go to https://youcanbeam.com/
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