Achal Patel and Russell Gong, the founders of Cabinet Health, are longtime friends who share a passion for creating a mission-led company that integrates healthcare and sustainability. Their side hustle journey began while Patel was working in consulting and Gong was in infantry officer school, learning combat tactics. Despite their hectic day jobs, they dedicated their nights and weekends to building Cabinet Health, the world’s first sustainable healthcare company.
Inspiration struck Patel when he realized the white space opportunity to innovate in the healthcare market, drawing from his childhood experiences in his grandfather’s medicine factory. Starting as a small Amazon business, Cabinet Health quickly scaled, offering high-quality over-the-counter medicines and supplements in reusable glass bottles. The initial steps involved bringing a few products to market, cutting out the middleman, and selling directly to consumers online. This validation of their concept not only attracted initial investment but also provided valuable insights into customer needs and sustainability.
One of the biggest challenges they faced was the uncertainty of transitioning from a side hustle to a full-time business. Gong navigated this by adopting a “portfolio of life” mindset, viewing the startup as another item on his professional resume rather than a deviation from his career path. The journey from side hustle to full-time business involved forging a strong partnership, researching the market landscape, and developing innovative, sustainable packaging for their medicines.
Cabinet Health saw early success, reaching over $1.5 million in online sales within the first year. The COVID-19 pandemic further boosted their revenue, leading to projections of $20-$30 million in annual sales by 2024. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their product offerings, which include refillable glass bottles and compostable refill pouches. The company has expanded its footprint by launching in over 500 Target stores nationwide, becoming the first Target Zero-approved medicine brand.
The joy of running Cabinet Health comes from the dedicated team, including both internal members and external partners and customers. Their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay resilient, committed, and passionate. Starting small but taking actionable steps towards goals is key, along with a customer-centric approach and a focus on purpose and meaning in business.
In conclusion, the story of Achal Patel and Russell Gong’s journey with Cabinet Health is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and sustainability in building a successful side hustle into a thriving full-time business. Their commitment to reshaping the healthcare industry with eco-friendly practices serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
