Jahaan Ansari: From College Dorm to Target Shelves. How he did it (and what to emulate). (S2:E3)

Business Unchained

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About Jahaan Ansari

Jahaan Ansari is the co-founder and CTO of Gainful, a company that personalizes nutrition to help people reach their fitness goals. Jahaan studied chemical engineering and computer science at UC Berkeley, where he co-founded Gainful as a college senior with his high school friend Eric Wu. With a passion for health and wellness, Jahaan integrates his technical expertise with innovative fitness solutions, focusing on personalization and science-backed strategies.

Reference Links:

• Linkedin
• Green Ridge Wealth Planning
• BobbyMascia.com
• Instagram - Bobby Mascia
• Instagram - Business Unchained

Jahaan Ansari Social Media

• LinkedIn - Jahaan Ansari
• TikTok - Jahaan Ansari
• Instagram - Jahaan Ansari
• Instagram - Gainful
• Gainful.com

Episode Highlights:

What does turning a dorm room idea into a nationwide success story take? How do you balance bold ambition with the wisdom to say “no” to distractions? And what role does trust—between co-founders, experts, and customers—play in building a brand that lasts?

In the latest episode of "Business Unchained," host Bobby Mascia sits down with Jahaan Ansari, the co-founder of Gainful, a personalized nutrition brand. Jahaan shares the journey of Gainful from its inception in a college dorm to partnering with major retailers like Target. The discussion covers the challenges and successes faced by the founders, the importance of solid partnerships, and the evolution of the business.

(13:49) I remember my friend saying, "You know what's going to be really funny is when you look back, and you have a billion-dollar company, and you look back at this moment," and I kind of got goosebumps just talking about that."-Jahaan Ansari

Gainful's journey began in a college dorm kitchen, where the co-founders, Jahaan and Eric Ji Sun Wu, handmade the first 50 orders. Despite the lack of FDA compliance in those early days, their determination to create a scientifically-backed product was unwavering.

(24:07)"I spent most of my 20s working on Gainful, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to step away and really focus on something else very important to me: finding that partner and someone to enjoy the rest of my life with."- Jahaan Ansari

A pivotal moment in Gainful’s journey was its partnership with Target, which allowed it to become the first nutrition brand to offer a personalized experience in retail.

This episode provides a rich exploration of the entrepreneurial experience, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, which recognizes strategic decision-making in the pursuit of success. Following Jahaan's insights and actionable advice allows aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate their journeys with greater confidence and clarity.

In this episode:

(00:01) Introduction

(05:26) Origin of Gainful

(10:00) First customer experience

(14:41) Key partnerships with Target

(18:29) Roles in the partnership

(21:00) Gainful as a passion project

(25:12) Investing in leadership

(28:47) Advice for entrepreneurs