Longtime friends Achal Patel and Russell Gong have turned their shared vision into a successful sustainable healthcare company called Cabinet Health. The company offers over-the-counter medicines and supplements in reusable glass bottles, aiming to reduce plastic waste in the healthcare industry.
Their journey started while Patel was working in consulting and Gong was in infantry officer school. Despite their hectic day jobs, they worked on Cabinet Health during their nights and weekends. The initial steps involved bootstrapping the business, bringing high-quality products to market, and selling them directly to consumers online.
Facing challenges of uncertainty and navigating a new career path, Gong adopted a “portfolio of life” mindset, shifting away from a linear career path mindset. The company saw early success, growing to over $1.5 million in online sales within the first year and projecting $20-$30 million in annual sales for 2024.
To transition from a side hustle to a full-time business, Patel and Gong forged a strong partnership, researched the market landscape, and developed innovative, sustainable packaging for their medicines. Cabinet Health now offers over 500 prescription medications and has expanded into national retail partnerships, including launching in over 500 Target stores nationwide.
The team at Cabinet Health, including both internal members and external partners, works together to provide sustainable healthcare solutions and serve their patient community. Patel and Gong’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay resilient, committed, and to start small but start. Passion, purpose, and a customer-centric approach are key to building a successful business with true meaning and resonance.