In 2012, U.S. Olympian Nick Symmonds and his coach, Sam Lapras, created a caffeinated chewing gum for runners and other athletes looking to improve performance. The pair enlisted Hanson Dodge to help turn their entrepreneurial idea into a full-fledged brand.
HD’s strategy and ideation efforts yielded the name Run Gum, along with the new brand’s logo and packaging designs, and the tagline “The smarter caffeinated kick.” Run Gum was soon being sold in more than 100 specialty running stores across the country, as well as a growing number of chiropractic offices and convenience stores.
Fast forward to October of 2018, with Symmonds announcing Run Gum’s expansion into Target stores nationwide.
For all of us at HD, it’s a great thing to see an old friend hit new heights. HD and Symmonds made national headlines in 2011 when we won an eBay auction to sponsor Nick’s bid to qualify for the London Olympics. Shortly thereafter, we worked with Nick on his #OwnYourSkin crusade, which called out the U.S. Track and Field Association’s Draconian restrictions on how athletes market themselves.
“We’re delighted by Run Gum’s continued success, and proud of the role we played in helping Nick and Sam get their brand off the ground,” said HD CEO Tim Dodge, who secured our initial agreement with Symmonds in 2011.
Added Symmonds, “Launching a new brand is equal parts exciting and intimidating. There are so many things to consider when bringing a new product to market, and having great help is essential. We are very pleased with the work we did with Hanson Dodge. The results speak a ton to the quality of their work: Nationwide in Target!!”
On behalf of all of us at Hanson Dodge, congratulations to Nick, Sam, and the Run Gum team on your continued success!
About Nick Symmonds
Nick Symmonds is a two-time 800-meter U.S. Olympian from Eugene, Oregon. His relationship with HD began with a PR campaign to draw awareness to athletes’ sponsorship rights.
