"Together Talks: feature #62 with Virun and CEO, Philip Bromley - Presented by KLS
KLS - Klimson Logistics Solutions
www.klimsonls.com --- 708-980-0920 --- [email protected]
Some Background on Virun
For today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the opportunity to interview Virun and CEO, Philip Bromley. You’re wondering how it works! To start, no matter the application, they can make it! Virun has over 100 patents and patent-pending technologies; which enables them to match your idea to a product that doesn’t compromise on flavor or efficacy.
With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, they can help you create the perfect finished food, beverage, supplement, and pharmaceutical products. Each of their technologies is backed by proven scientific research and analysis. Find out more about each of Virun's most prominent technologies!
Unaware starting a company
The company was founded in 2003, but incredibly as Philip shared, he didn't know he was even starting a business. He is a scientist by heart and was previously doing drug trials. His idea centered around Lactoferrin, a protein found in human breast milk, that absorbs iron and delivers to blood plasma. Philip wondered if the protein could be used for other applications like insulin for example, could it travel throughout the body and deliver insulin in the same way it does with iron. Ultimately he sold his IP to a company that would fund the start of Virun where they began focusing on drug development.
Philip told us this was around age 29 after college. He didn't have kids yet, he didn't have expectations or fear. He just jumped off the cliff and went for it.
Transition, Pivots
About five years after forming, they transitioned from drug manufacturing to dietary supplements. They had found that their IP really helped with flavors in this space. Virun has the ability to create savory flavors. They achieve removing the fishy flavors, by using nitrogen gas which displaces oxygen. Virun was also seeing that the market was demanding alternative "deliverables" outside of a soft gel. This became their opening to partner with some amazing companies to provide these unique and incredible flavors, while providing the maximum efficacy.
Philip took us through the journey, "I feel like we've started five businesses within this one company. My personality is loyal. I'm with the same company, same business partner, my wife for over 20 years. What I was creating at 29, we aren't making today. We have continued to pivot and evolve and it has been such a ride."
He shared with us that their company was way ahead of its time with their capacity. Philip said they have had the ability to do what they are doing now for the last 10-15 years, but not until recently has the market understood the options outside of hard or soft gel. The products they are helping create with their partners provide consumers the opportunity to be creative and create their own concoctions.
Philip explained that ideal companies for Virun have a synergy with them, "We want companies who will not only challenge us, but who want to be challenged as well. That is where our true creativity and innovation is unlocked." The core of its business focuses on impressionistic and innovative thinking that allows water-insoluble ingredients to be incorporated into new food, beverage, supplement or drug applications to market through safe and effective delivery technology. To date, Virun is responsible for developing over 50 product concentrates and over 100 commercialized products that allow difficult-to-dissolve, fortifiable ingredients into food and beverage applications that are associated with efficacious health claims.
Partner with KLS
KLS offers LTL and FTL for both dry and reefer transportation.
Our nationwide coverage provides companies a reliable, consistent, and dependable logistics partner to handle your trucking needs.
For more information on how we can help call our office today 708-980-0920 or reach us via our email quote request here!
Embrace the WEIRD
We asked Philip how the company markets the brand and solicits new partners. He informed us it is a 3 pronged approach.
1: LinkedIn - Philip's preferred choice of social media engagement. Not only him but his company are unapologetically themselves. They are transparent and open and inviting that their culture is true to who they are and what they believe in.
2: Networking - Philip said having over 20+ years in the industry he has developed many relationships over the years, (even used a fun old term, rolodex!). The rapport developed has transcended people leaving companies as they transition in their career, but usually end up getting Virun and opportunity at their next position as well.
3: Tradeshows - Philip explained these started in 2013. The company was in the red, didn't have a revenue yet so the budget was tight. He told us he remembered seeing these large corporations have these massive displays and he wondered how in the world could they make Virun stand out?
The first tradeshow of Virun, they decided to make a yellow submarine (with the Beatles playing of course!) that allowed visitors to walk through the submarine and look out. The company made it inhouse and truly just had fun with it. This was a pivotal moment as they realized they could be unique, different, rebellious, WEIRD, but mainly just have fun and create an experience.
In the following years they have had the following:
And this year they will have a carnival and circus, check the link here!
Philip told us that being different and standing out was not only fun, but imperative for them. They found ways to compete with the big players while not exceeding their budget. Their ROI was through the roof and they were creating memories by selling an experience at every tradeshow they attend.
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Turning a profit
Philip shared some insight with us about the company, but first he told me about a story of talking with a fellow CEO early in his career, "We were talking and he said, how long do you think it took for our company to turn a profit. I threw out a few years, he said nope, 17 years. In my head I'm thinking no way no me, it will be a few years." 15 was the magic number for Virun. But those hurdles just provided new opportunities as Philip mentioned that allowed the company to pivot, develop further, and evolve.
He credits the company's longevity and success to its commitment to their process and the people. He mentioned something that sets Virun apart is their quick lead time. Most companies are in the 3-4 month range, Virun is 2-3 WEEKS! Philip also applauded their versatility as a real game-changer in the industry. Their solutions provide very efficacious doses that are all natural, vegan, all organic while providing credibility as well.
The people and the culture was the part he was most excited to talk about. The company is constantly holding work functions. They have done multiple cruises where employees bring their family members with them. The culture is a representation of the people and the beliefs of the company. Philip was most proud telling us, "Many of our employees have been here over five years which I love, but they have told me this is the best company they have worked for. It means a lot because we don't try to make it that way, we just are who we are."
One more
During Covid, Virun faced the issues of supply chain like everyone else. They found a solution by opening a second location outside of Dublin, Ireland. It solves any possibly issues they may face again in supply chain. They also had a revelation. This serves as their bridge to the Europe market. Philip and certain team members travel once a month to the plant to meet with customers, check on operations, and just enjoy the culture. Recently Virun has started getting business in UAE and Indonesia and their plan is to open a third facility in Indonesia or Malaysia, "This would give us full access to serve across the world. We would have our three locations planted and how cool would that be?"
The remainder of 2023 the company hopes to continue expanding the Europe operation. Virun also plans to further automate production lines in both facilities featuring AI. And last they want to create more partnerships that allows them to continue to push the envelope and create new products, flavors, and deliverables.
Surreal
The entirety of our conversation with Philip he spent sitting on a desk in his office surrounded by what he called things from in his mind, a basketball hoop, a weight bench, music, space helmets (covering a fun liquid), and the craziest thing we have ever seen...bird cages hanging from the ceiling. Philip explained those, "In 2014, we brought on a board of directors. They like to talk money, I hate talking money. So when they would come to the office for board meetings I had an idea, install these bird cages with seats in them for our board members to sit in. They aren't very comfortable so they don't stay long, very effective." Crazy, but right on brand!
He told us how crazy it is he is sitting here talking with us over 20 years after starting this work. Philip told us he can't imagine not doing this, he loves his job, his company, and his work. He credits overcoming and doubts and fears to getting where he needed to by desperation and creativity. "I go back to the snowball cascade of our pivots. We create something that is successful, but over time it becomes obsolete so we improve and expand our capabilities." They may not always see what is coming on the horizon, but Virun continues to adapt and come out a better version as a company.
Getting to work with great people, create using his scientific mind, travel (his daughter is about to enroll in college in Ireland in addition to their facility there), Philip considers his opportunity priceless. He shared with us his piece of advice, "Steer clear of the cliche of 'anybody can do whatever they want'. Truth of the matter is work is hard, regardless of the job. No job will be easy. So all you can do is work hard and progress, but it gets better and easier over time, so long as you make your job fun. Then it will be worth it. Combine work with a culture and attitude that embodies fun and enjoyment and everything seems to work out better."
Which fits perfectly with their motto of "think like a kid".
Think more like a kid without any obstructions or doubts or hurdles.
Become more like a kid with an innocence, a belief, confidence and encouragement.
Innovate more as a result.
Interested in being featured with "Together Talks"?
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Contact us as we would love to learn your story and share it amongst our audience.
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In Closing
KLS wants to thank Philip Bromley, CEO, Virun for today's "Together Talks" feature. Keep up to date with Virun by following their blog on their website, check it out here. Follow along for the Virun journey with their social handles below!
Also check out where Virun recently featured on the "Power of Perseverance" podcast, here.