As the former Director of Performance for the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, Mubarak has worked with some of the most elite players in the game. After noticing a trend of essential vitamin deficiencies amongst athletes, he created Barcode to boost performance and hydration.
Barcode is made with essential nutrients and vitamins along with mood-boosting adaptogens that aid in stress relief. This all-in-one wellness beverage targets both the body and the mind, resulting in a science-backed resource for professional athletes and leisurely joggers alike. With only 2 grams of sugar and 30 calories per bottle, Barcode is a plant-based sports drink that boosts recovery, immunity, and endurance.
Recently, we caught up with Mubarak to learn more about his journey and hear his advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Barcode?
I started the brand while working in the NBA because there weren't any healthy options available for the players I was training. I saw that most players were deficient in magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, and weren't taking any supplements to combat stress. So, I decided to "crack the code" and create my own…Barcode.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
The obstacles faced along the way were getting the price point down. We use premium ingredients, and sometimes that can lead to a higher price for consumers. We spent the last two years improving our cost of goods so that we could offer a premium product at a price that consumers feel comfortable paying for their everyday hydration needs. That takes a lot of work between co-packing and sourcing the right ingredients. If the volume demand isn't large enough, it can be difficult to get the price down and create bigger savings for consumers' pockets, so that definitely was an early obstacle.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Start small and create a great product first. Take the time to build a brand and hire the best people in the areas that you're weak at as the founder.
4. What’s on the horizon for Barcode?
We have some big celebrity partnerships being announced over the next couple of months and some big retail partners announcing in the Midwest later in the summer.
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
I have a one-year-old son and girlfriend at home, which forces me to put specific times on my calendar for work/life balance. I never had work/balance until we had a baby, so I'm grateful for the change of pace on the days and weekends that I get to spend with them. Those days usually include going for walks, visiting the park, and finding cool places to eat in Los Angeles.