A decade ago, Zach Reitano found himself as the only one among a group of summer interns at Booz & Co. who didn’t secure a full-time job. Little did he know that this setback would become the catalyst for his journey toward founding Ro, a digital clinic revolutionizing healthcare.
Early Setbacks and Pivots
Reitano’s early life was marked by health challenges within his family. His parents’ health struggles, including his father’s stroke and multiple heart attacks, shaped his perspective on health and motivated his entrepreneurial endeavors. His first startup aimed at aiding his parents’ recovery, showcasing his determination to make a positive impact through innovation.
In 2013, Reitano interned at Booz & Co., where he struggled to conform to the traditional work structure. This misalignment led to his departure from the company, and in 2014, he embarked on his first significant entrepreneurial venture—Shout. The startup gained traction, securing $2 million in funding from the prestigious Y Combinator. However, life took an unexpected turn when Reitano’s sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor, prompting him to shut down Shout and redirect his focus to family.
The Turning Point
The closure of Shout brought financial challenges, leading Reitano to unconventional means of income—selling burritos from his apartment window. Despite facing adversity, he convinced his friend Greg Rosen to invest in his next venture—a direct-to-consumer healthcare startup, later known as Ro. Initially met with skepticism, Reitano’s vision and research on erectile dysfunction as a health indicator convinced investors of its potential.
Breaking Taboos and Building Ro
Reitano’s bold move to address erectile dysfunction through Ro’s platform garnered attention. With his then-girlfriend Cleo Abram appearing in advertisements discussing Reitano’s personal struggle with erectile dysfunction, Ro successfully destigmatized the issue. The company’s rapid growth, from zero to $1 million in sales within a month, showcased the effectiveness of Ro’s approach to addressing sensitive health topics.
As Ro expanded its services, Reitano faced criticism for his management style and the company’s ambitious goals. Acknowledging the need for improvement, he hired an executive coach to enhance his leadership skills. Learning to embrace feedback, Reitano transformed his approach to criticism, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within Ro. This evolution culminated in the establishment of new principles, emphasizing transparency and the company’s unique culture.
Zach Reitano’s journey from a rejected intern to the CEO of a $7 billion healthcare company is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to addressing healthcare challenges innovatively.
