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For Ryan, the journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t an obvious one. With a background in the U.S. Air Force Special Warfare as a Pararescueman (PJ), he was no stranger to overcoming challenges. However, diving into the world of business was a different kind of leap.
Ryan credits his wife Alicia for being the driving force behind their entrepreneurial venture. Their idea for Scrub-Dub, an antimicrobial scalp and body scrubber, was born in the shower—a fitting origin for a product that now transforms people’s skincare routines.
“Inspiration struck when I saw an avocado in our fruit basket,” Ryan recalls. “Its shape felt ergonomic and perfect for what we were envisioning. We molded a playdough prototype at our kitchen table, and that was the beginning of Scrub-Dub.”
Ryan and Alicia were motivated by the lack of hygienic alternatives to traditional loofahs. “We started hearing more and more about how germ-filled and unhygienic loofahs really are,” Alicia explains. “A quick search confirmed it, and it became clear there was a gap in the market for something better.”
The Scrub-Dub Secret: A Simple Tool Solving Big Problems
The Scrub-Dub body scrubber was designed with functionality and hygiene at its core. With large shampoo spikes on one side for scalp massage and long bristles on the other for body exfoliation, it provides a refreshing clean without yesterday’s germs.
“Scrub-Dub is all about making something simple—like showering—better and healthier,” Alicia says.
What sets Scrub-Dub apart is its built-in antimicrobial treatment, which ensures mold, fungus, and bacteria don’t stand a chance. “We wanted to create a product that wasn’t just effective but also addressed real health concerns,” Ryan adds.
Compact, quick-drying, and made in the USA, Scrub-Dub is a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their skincare routine. “Our customers love it for its versatility,” says Alicia. “Whether it’s reducing body acne, tackling dandruff, or simply giving yourself a luxurious scalp massage, Scrub-Dub has become a staple for so many people.”
From Kitchen Table Prototypes to a Made-in-USA Success Story
Ryan and Alicia tackled every aspect of creating Scrub-Dub themselves, from designing the product using CAD software to managing manufacturing.
“Designing our first prototype was a mix of trial and error,” Ryan shares. “I remembered just enough from my high school engineering classes to give it a go. I’ll never forget emailing the CAD designs we made on our home computer to a manufacturer and crossing my fingers that it would work!”
Their hard work paid off when Scrub-Dub finally launched. Seeing the first 5-star reviews roll in—like one from a customer who found relief from itchy scalp issues—solidified their belief in the product.
“One review sticks with me,” Ryan says. “‘This little item gives me relief like nothing else I’ve tried, and doesn’t cause more problems.’ It reminds us why we’re doing this.”
Learning to Scale Smarter: Scrub-Dub’s Key to Sustainable Growth
Scrub-Dub’s growth hasn’t been without challenges. Ryan and Alicia admit they made early mistakes by trying to scale too quickly.
“We tried to follow a ‘pay-to-play’ mentality in the beginning,” Ryan explains. “We spent on things we thought were essential but weren’t actually sustainable. Scaling back and managing more in-house has made all the difference for our margins.”
Partnering with The Grommet was a turning point. “Being featured on Grommet allowed us to reach an audience who truly understood our product’s value. It was like finding our tribe,” Alicia says. “The relief of seeing sales come in without overwhelming ad spend was incredible.”
Changing Lives, One Shower at a Time With Antimicrobial Innovation
Scrub-Dub isn’t just a product—it’s a solution to common problems. With benefits like reducing breakouts, improving blood flow to the scalp, and promoting healthy hair growth, it’s become a tool people rely on daily.
“Our mission is simple: to help people feel confident in their skin,” says Ryan. “Whether it’s through a better shower experience or healthier hair, we want to make a difference.”
Scrub-Dub’s antimicrobial features also offer peace of mind to users. “We’ve all seen what happens when a loofah sits in the shower too long,” Alicia says. “Our goal was to create something that eliminates that problem entirely.”
Advice From the Trenches: How Ryan and Alicia Built a People-Driven Business
When asked for advice, Ryan emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people over profit. “Invest in your customers, employees, and partners,” he says. “That’s where real success comes from.”
He also swears by time-management strategies like the Eisenhower Matrix to juggle his business, military career, online studies, and family life.
“If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to partner with platforms like Grommet earlier,” Ryan says. “The right audience can make all the difference.”
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