Today we’d like to introduce you to James Bascharon.
James, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started off my career as a veterinarian, following in my father’s footsteps. The plan was to work with my dad (and sister who is also a vet) and eventually take over one of my father’s veterinary practices. I quickly realized after vet school although I enjoyed being a vet, my true passion was as an entrepreneur. After waiting many years without dad willing to hand over the reins, I decided it was time to take some big risks and pave my own path. My first business was XpectaVet, a Chicago veterinary house call service. The business did well as I focused on providing personalized veterinary service in peoples’ home including at-home euthanasia.
I then realized that I had what it took for even larger ambitions. I wanted to grow a national scale business and was thinking of my next step. It was practicing as a veterinarian and seeing patients with anal gland problems every day that I realized there needed to be a solution for this very common (and frustrating) problem. It was at that moment that I came up with the idea for Glandex®. Glandex is an all-natural patented supplement that addresses anal gland problems in dogs and cats. I spent a year developing my formula before officially launching.
The first few years were slow and challenging, especially since I was boot strapping every penny needed to try and launch a new brand of product in the pet supplement space. I continued to work as a vet; with my dad, extra ER shifts at a local clinic, and running my vet house call business. It was a huge undertaking to say the least.
Now 5-years later Glandex® is carried at all 1,400 PetSmart stores nationwide, all Pet Supplies Plus stores, available from all major online pet retailers, and thousands of veterinary clinics worldwide (20 countries). I was recently named Pet Age Magazine’s Top 40 Under Forty leaders in the pet industry and my company continues to grow. We just recently acquired a pet brush company and will be releasing a new brand of probiotics in the coming months.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenges were financing the business. Cash flow has been a challenge especially early on when I couldn’t find a bank to help loan me money.
The constant rejection was also a struggle as in the early days we were turned down a lot.
Vetnique Labs (Glandex®) – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We manufacture and distribute our proprietary pet supplement line Glandex®. Our core mission is to produce unique pet products that improve the health and well-being of animals while making the lives of pet owners easier.
I am very proud of how fast and efficiently we work, outpacing companies ten times our size.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Receiving Pet Age Magazines Top 40 Under Forty award was very humbling. I am also very proud that our products have made onto the shelves at PetSmart.
Pricing:
- Glandex® 60 count Soft Chews for Dogs – $32.99
- Glandex® 75 ct Anal Gland Wipes – $12.99
- Glandex® 2.5 oz Powder for Dogs & Cats – $17.99
Contact Info:
- Address: Vetnique Labs
1864 High Grove Lane #112
Naperville, IL 60540 - Website: www.glandex.com
- Phone: 800-643-7558
- Email: support@glandex.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glandex
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/glandexforpets
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/GlandexForPets
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
