Q: Can you guys remember what drove you to start your business in the first place?
Kevin S: (Laughs) Our wives had babies!
Keith G: There’s something really meaningful about having your own babies and the new sense of purpose.
KS: Seriously, with babies in your home you focus pretty fast on everything they touch and that touches them.
KG: So you clean your house and wash dishes and you wonder about the soap. You give them baths and wonder about the suds!
KS: We hunted around, read labels, looking for individual products we felt were safe but still did the job. A line of products that focused on babies but didn’t compromise on efficacy—it just wasn’t out there.
Q: So, you did it for the babies!
KS: Yeah, of course it’s for the babies but honestly, we’re really inspired by the people who love those babies– the parents!
KG: Believe me, we know how many things parents juggle, how crazy life gets. If we can take their concerns off their minds ( like, ‘Is it safe? Will it work? Is it too expensive?’) we’re thrilled!
Q: How did the two of you meet?
KS: We met on the soccer field in grade school. Keith worshiped me.
KG: (laughs) I think it was the other way around!
KS: We stayed friends and, really, teammates all these years.
Q: Speaking of team, what kind of qualities makes a BabyGanics team member?
KS: Well, obviously they need to love babies! But we also like people who can take their personal experiences (from their families or their past work) and use them to elevate our products and the company.
KG: We look for people who are smart, driven and compassionate.
KS: Much like yourself, Keith.
KG: Why thank you Kevin.
KS: We also look for a sense of humor.
KS: And humility.
Q: What's your favorite thing to do with your kids?
KS: The activity doesn’t matter, as long as we are engaged in dialogue. My kids are surrounded by TV, video games, sports, activities… but those moments when I can really connect with them, man, there’s nothing more rewarding!
KG: I love being outside with the kids--on the beach, playing soccer. But I also do love the dance parties with my daughter.
KS: Oh, and staring contests. Preferably in public.
KG: Building card houses with sweetener packets in restaurants!
Q: How would you define your parenting style?
KS: Tough but fair. But I’m probably the softie and it’s my wife who has learned how to discipline three kids! Also, I believe in leading by example.
KG: I’m a very hands-on father. Even when I travel I try to Skype every night. I coach my kids’ teams, and mealtime is a big part of our family culture. I also teach human values to my kids in their everyday lives.
Q: What's your favorite type of consumer feedback?
KS: We're always humbled when we hear a customer say they’ve made significant changes in other areas of their lives because of something they learned by using our products. It’s great to hear simple changes truly impact the overall wellness of their families.
KG: It’s always surprising to hear people say they’re using the products not just on their babies but on themselves. One woman wrote to say her husband uses our Non-Petroleum Protective Ointment to soothe and protect the skin around his prosthetic leg. Our whole team loves to hear about the individual lives that our work touches.
Q: Ok. Last question. How much weight did you gain during your wife's pregnancy?
KS: I was training for a marathon so (and don’t hate on me for this!) keeping weight on was my big struggle. I couldn’t eat enough calories. Drove my wife crazy.
KG: I’ve always had a sweet tooth so when my wife was pregnant, I gained 3-5 lbs. with each child because of all the sweets around the house. I’ve got a fast metabolism though. Kevin, are you going to finish that cookie?
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