Million Dollar Biz: Xlear Inc.
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 trade shows and dental conventions paid off, helping Xlear secure shelf space at more than 6,000 retailers nationwide and in parts of Europe, with even broader distribution expected by next year.
Photo by Xlear Inc..
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