Immerse Yourself: Cold Plunging for Energy, Focus, & Mental Health with Plunge Co-Founder Ryan Duey

Added: Jun 5, 2024

Personal Transformation and Inspiration

Ryan's journey began with a life-altering accident in Thailand, leading him to seek spiritual growth and self-discovery. This eventually led him to explore the benefits of float tanks and cold therapy. Similarly, his partner Mike had his own transformative experiences, including a trip to the Amazon rainforest to work with ayahuasca. Their shared passion for wellness and self-improvement laid the foundation for their partnership in Plunge.

Starting Plunge During the Pandemic

With their float tank businesses closed due to the pandemic, Ryan and Mike saw an opportunity in the growing interest in cold plunging. They decided to launch Plunge, focusing on making cold therapy more accessible and affordable. Starting in a garage, they began building their first cold plunge units using off-the-shelf parts and white acrylic tubs sourced locally.

Building the Business

Despite limited resources, Ryan and Mike adopted a founder-forward approach, personally delivering the first units to customers and building relationships with influencers like Aubrey Marcus and Rich Roll. This hands-on approach helped them gain traction and visibility in the market. They also leveraged their experience in brick-and-mortar businesses to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction.

Product Development and Expansion

As demand for their cold plunge units grew, Ryan and Mike invested in in-house engineering to improve their product offerings. They collected feedback from customers to design a range of cold plunge options to suit different needs and budgets. The evolution of their product line was driven by data and customer input, leading to the development of their current portfolio of cold plunge units.

Ryan mentions that Mike was initially designing and prototyping the cold plunge units. They later brought in experts from established companies to help with the design and engineering process. By hiring experienced professionals, they were able to build their internal team and navigate the complexities of compliance and regulations in the commercial space. This transition to in-house manufacturing was a significant step for the company and allowed them to expand their product portfolio.

Marketing and Branding

Plunge's success was also attributed to their strong branding and marketing efforts. Their sleek and modern product animations, created by their marketing team led by Ben, helped showcase the product's features and benefits online. The visual appeal of their marketing materials played a crucial role in attracting customers and building brand recognition.

Future Growth and Innovation

Looking ahead, Ryan and Mike are focused on continued innovation and expansion in the cold plunge industry. They aim to make cold therapy accessible to a wider audience and continue to refine their product offerings based on customer feedback and market trends. By staying true to their mission of promoting wellness and self-care, Plunge is poised for further growth and success in the future.

Expansion into Gyms and Workout Recovery

Ryan discusses the growing market segment for cold plunging, particularly in gyms and workout recovery. He mentions that workout recovery is a key focus for many customers, as cold plunging can help with muscle recovery and overall well-being. He emphasizes the mental health benefits of cold plunging and how it can improve mood and energy levels. He also talks about the potential for cold plunging to aid in weight loss and metabolism, citing anecdotal evidence and potential benefits for insulin sensitivity.

Customer Feedback and Data Analysis

Ryan mentions that the company receives data on workout recovery, mood improvement, and energy levels from their customers. He shares anecdotal stories of customers experiencing relief from migraines and autoimmune disorders after using cold plunging. He emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and finding the right temperature and duration that works for each individual. Ryan also mentions that women tend to prefer slightly warmer temperatures compared to men.

Optimal Cold Plunging Practices

Ryan recommends starting with a temperature that takes your breath away but allows you to regulate your breathing within 45 to 60 seconds. He suggests finding a temperature and duration that works for you and not overcomplicating the process. He advises against pushing yourself too hard and emphasizes the importance of relaxation and self-discovery in cold plunging. He mentions that the company is in talks with major institutes to conduct studies on the benefits of cold plunging and hopes to quantify the impact it has on different individuals.

Future of Cold Plunging

Ryan expresses excitement about the future of cold plunging and the accessibility of the practice to more people. He mentions the recent release of a new series of cold plunge units that offer a wide range of price options for consumers. He highlights the company's goal of making cold plunging more accessible and affordable for everyone. He discusses the potential for advancements in cold plunging technology and the integration of artificial intelligence to analyze data and improve the user experience. He envisions a future where cold plunging becomes a mainstream wellness practice with widespread benefits for physical and mental health.

Building a Culture-Driven Company

Ryan emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees. He highlights the significance of hiring the right people who align with the company's values and mission. By focusing on creating a positive work environment, Ryan aims to ensure that employees feel motivated and engaged in their roles.

Launch of Sauna Products

Ryan discusses the recent launch of their sauna products, which came as a response to customer demand. The saunas are designed to be ergonomic and multi-functional, allowing users to work out while enjoying the benefits of heat therapy. Additionally, Plunge has focused on improving filtration systems in their products to ensure water cleanliness and efficiency.

Maintaining Gratitude and Humility

Throughout the podcast, Ryan emphasizes the importance of gratitude and humility in his personal and professional life. He believes in being grateful for what one has while also striving for self-transformation and growth. His commitment to gratitude and humility has shaped the culture of Plunge and influenced the company's approach to business and relationships.

The Ultimate Human

When asked about what it means to be an ultimate human, Ryan reflects on the concept of gratitude and self-transformation. He believes that being an ultimate human involves being grateful for one's current circumstances while also being motivated to improve and grow. His philosophy centers around the idea of "all boats rise," emphasizing the importance of creating win-win relationships and uplifting others in the process.