About six months ago, we were joined by an individual who quickly set the bar high for our sales team. With the energy, enthusiasm, and aura of a go-getter, Brendan Cooke came in with a force that drives us all to accomplish more while helping those around us strive for more in every way. Many companies say it, but not many mean it—Makers Nutrition is a family, and Brendan is integral to our family.
Here is what our rising Product Specialist had to say during our one-on-one!
Q: You joined the Makers Nutrition team about six months ago. What was your first impression when you started, and how has your perspective changed since?
My career path has been an interesting journey. I graduated from Marist College in 2021 with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in finance. Right out of college, I was determined to build and run my own business. I started a black car transportation company, which lasted about two years. While the business was successful in its own right, I struggled to find true joy or fulfillment. That’s when I realized my passion was in health and wellness.
In 2023, I founded Sunday Swim, a wellness community built around the power of community, vitality, and change. After two years of balancing both businesses, I decided to step away from the transportation industry and find a new career path that aligned with my passion. My friend Ryan Donohue, who had been working at Makers Nutrition for years, spoke highly of the company, the industry, and the team’s success. When a job opportunity opened up, I jumped on it.
This role has been everything I was looking for. I’ve always loved entrepreneurship, and being surrounded by account executives and business leaders who are willing to share their knowledge has been invaluable. I love talking to entrepreneurs who are either launching their supplement business or looking to scale their current venture. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn, connect, and help someone build their vision. I’m incredibly grateful to Ryan and the entire team at Makers Nutrition for welcoming me and giving me the tools to grow.
Q: We know you have a vast background in holistic health and wellness. Has that knowledge helped you not only sell our services but engage in meaningful discussions with clients?
Absolutely. My background in health and wellness has helped me build real connections with potential clients. My goal when speaking to clients is to:
- Establish credibility—showing them that we’re experts in this space.
- Demonstrate why Makers Nutrition is their best choice for building a supplement line.
- Make them remember us.
Any chance I get, I talk about Sunday Swim, and many clients have followed us on social media. These conversations turn into real friendships. I want the process of creating their product to be easy, smooth, and enjoyable. Then, when Pat steps in, he does a fantastic job of reinforcing our expertise and continuing that positive relationship.
Q: What lessons have you learned in your six months working with our team and your clients?
- You’re selling yourself as much as you’re selling Makers Nutrition and your account executive.
- Be confident in your conversations. Sales is like a dance—know when to lead and when to listen.
- You won’t know everything at first, and that’s okay. Stay hungry, keep learning, and soak up as much knowledge as possible.
- I truly believe we’re the best manufacturing option out there. No one will care for our clients more than our team does.
Q: Which products are most popular right now among brand executives calling in? Any ingredients or innovative supplements on the rise?
The supplement industry is booming, and I see no signs of it slowing down. If you’re thinking about starting a supplement line, now is the time.
One trend that stands out is hydration products, which have gained massive traction in health and wellness communities. Our hydration formula is fantastic, and I highly recommend it to clients.
Another hot category is gummy supplements. Popular choices include:
- Irish sea moss gummies
- 5-mushroom blend gummies
Both of these have been big hits, and I personally enjoy recommending them to clients.
Q: Can you tell us about the amazing program you founded and how it connects to the work you do at Makers Nutrition?
Sunday Swim LLC isn’t just about cold plunges—it’s about transforming lives. Founded in January 2023, Sunday Swim is a health and wellness movement based on community, cold therapy, breathwork, and mindset. These elements drive personal and collective transformation, helping people lead happier, healthier, and more vital lives.
We host cold plunge events at Short Beach in Smithtown, creating a community that’s gaining traction in the health and wellness industry. We’ve been featured in The New York Times and Fox News, and we use this platform to support Sunrise Day Camp, which sends children with cancer (and their siblings) to summer camp for free.
Through Sunday Swim, I’ve built relationships with many supplement companies, and I hope to transition some of their manufacturing needs over to Makers Nutrition. Just last week, I was invited to teach breathwork at Promix Sweet Honey Farm—a connection that could lead to new opportunities for both Sunday Swim and Makers Nutrition.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a Product Specialist? Any perks of working at Makers that surprised you?
My favorite part? The opportunity for growth. I work alongside people I admire—people I know I can become if I put in the time, effort, and focus. I’m committed to building a real career here and contributing to the company’s long-term success.
Q: What advice would you give the next incoming Product Specialist as they begin their journey in sales?
If you believe in yourself and your ability to succeed, you’re in the right place. My advice:
- Ask questions.
- Show up on time.
- Be social.
- Strive to be great.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share about Makers Nutrition, your team, or your role?
The people I work with are more than colleagues. They’re true friends—the kind of people I work out with, share meals with, talk about faith with, and play basketball with.
These are the same people who:
- Took me to the hospital when I needed help.
- Showed up in 26-degree weather to support my Sunday Swim event and jump into freezing water.
That’s real. And that’s why I’d do anything for them.
A huge thank you to Ryan Donohue for bringing me into this company and to Jason Provenzano for being a leader who builds an incredible culture and truly supports his people.
We Will Win.