Episode 14: Jack McNamara - Founder & CEO of Tru, Inc.

Today’s guest, Jack McNamara, Founder and CEO of Tru, Inc., is someone who’s stepped back quite a bit in order to leap forward and get to where he is today. Before embarking full time on entrepreneurship, Jack decided to drop a Division I hockey scholarship in order to play pro hockey over in Europe. It was while in Europe, surrounded by elite athletes putting unhealthy stuff into their bodies when it became time to perform, that he got the inspiration to start TruEnergy. In what actually originated as a product aimed at innovating the liquor industry is now a company that creates all-natural, functional beverages to optimize human performance from the elite athlete to the weekend warrior. In this interview, we first discuss the impact the current Pandemic situation has had on his business, the genesis of TruEnergy and how it’s evolved over time, his pro hockey days in Europe, and the sacrifices one makes and has to embrace while diving head first into entrepreneurship.

Timestamps

00:02:40 Pandemic's impact on his business

00:07:07 When did his entrepreneurial journey start

00:10:42 Software sales for 2.5 weeks and what he learned

00:20:16 Genesis of Tru, Inc.

00:33:27 Why he sleeps well at night with investors' money

00:37:37 Building a mentor network

00:41:32 Customer feedback

00:44:03 Most common critique from investors

00:46:16 Lifeguard Ad for Tru

00:48:06 Pro hockey in Europe while getting a degree

00:55:15 New perspectives gained from living in Europe

00:58:55 Embracing sacrifice as an entrepreneur

01:05:20 Managing stress as an entrepreneur

01:07:00 Working out of the basement of a jiu-jitsu facility

01:11:36 How much of a motivation is money for him

01:13:15 His daily routine

01:15:53 His driving force

01:17:24 What would he do if Tru doesn't succeed

01:19:49 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs