Jeffrey Gross, M.D. turned down M.I.T. to study biochemistry and molecular cell biology at U.C. Berkeley. His research and medical journal publications have been cited over 800 times. After studying the complexities of the nervous system, and treating patients as neurosurgeon, he has returned to his roots in science by updating his training in regenerative medicine. He practices at the leading edge of the biological sciences in an effort to help others with less dependence on pharmaceuticals or surgery.
Where did the idea for ReCELLebrate come from?
ReCELLebrate came about when a few ideas converged: First, I looked back at over two decades of medical practice, and although I kept up on latest treatments, I was still working off of a 1990s-based traditional medical training, at least conceptually. Secondly, I had an unscratched itch to return to my educational roots in biochemistry and molecular biology. Third, I had been pursuing a treatment philosophy that always put surgery last (unless some urgency required otherwise). To prevent myself from professional stagnating, and to pursue what I found to be potentially a better and more efficient (and logical) method of approaching health and wellness, ReCELLebrate came to be.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Personally, I tend to get up early and work on my writing. I am working on a “how to” book for anti-aging, and I do my best writing each morning. Once I am in the office, I am focused on others, particularly caring for my patients. Most days then involve some type of exercise, followed by “me-time” in the evening. I have found keeping to a routine to be the best way of maintaining productivity and playing to my strengths.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I tend to be inspired and “figure things out” when I am exercising. I have to send myself a message so I can develop the idea when I am sitting at my desk. I like to pencil out the flow chart and the tools needed to make something work. I can do the research and then test it out practically. The hardest part is prioritizing which new idea to work on first!
What’s one trend that excites you?
Biotechnology is exploding in a positive direction towards health and wellness, and away from pharmaceuticals and what should be outdated treatments. Implementation of diet, supplements and lifestyle strategies overlap with our ever-improving scientific understanding of how to harness the power of our own cells. This is the core of regenerative stem cell medicine and has become my personal and professional pursuit.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Having a solid “routine” has allowed me to focus on my health and energy, which transfers into more successful accomplishment of my goals. My routine involves dietary timing and composition, specific exercises, breathing/relaxation, and restorative sleep. These are fairly straightforward ways to control epigenetic impact upon longevity and health-span.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Start lifestyle, diet and supplement, and sleep practices earlier. The earlier you start, the slower you age, and the longer you will live!
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
The tail wags the dog. Health insurance companies and big pharma have a control on the treatments available and encouraged. Indirectly, disease is fostered, as it is profitable to large corporations.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I believe in going against the grain and thinking out of the box to find and develop opportunities. Life and business are way more interesting the further away from the peak of the bell curve. Avoid stagnation and keep moving forward.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Providing the highest quality service in a sea of mediocrity – going the extra distance for patients and customers has always worked to create great word of mouth referrals.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I have had to do a lot of “trial and error” spending on getting my out-of-the box message out to people that need help. Part of that involves gave me a great lesson on what not to waste money on. Quantity is definitely not quality. Sometimes, thinking differently can be unpopular, but I will not play to mediocrity on any level.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I have been impressed by the “excess capacity” model popularized by Uber. It is a no-brainer for someone to do this with health professionals, including tele-health, house calls, and other health needs on demand in a sea of mediocre medical customer service/accessibility created by health insurance profiteerism. This idea is app-based. If you are sick and need a house call, or IV, then you connect with someone making that service available as a side-hustle.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Recently, I bought an electronic business card. It is the modern way to give someone your information without having to carry around traditional business cards. You simply tap someone’s smartphone, and they can accept your full contact.
Information, photo and all.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I am a big fan of Docusign (and similar services). I do not need to print much, and can have others sign documents with ease, even from a smart phone!
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss is one of my favorite business books. I apply and re-apply the tenets taught, but sadly I simply work too many “four hour blocks” in a week still! But I am able to accomplish quite a bit!
What is your favorite quote?
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
-Robert Frost
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.