"Together Talks" feature # 127: Ascentix Innovation Labs presented by KLS, freight company
Some Background on Ascentix Innovation Labs
For today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the privilege to interview Ascentix Innovation Labs and Founder, Trystin Nance. At Ascentix, they are revolutionizing the consumer experience with their innovative approach to product development. They are determined to break free from the monotony of the industry by introducing game-changing products and elevating existing ones with cutting-edge ingredients and formulas. Join them on their mission to disrupt the status quo and elevate the standard of consumer products.
Ascend - “to move or climb upward, to go up or to increase in level, intensity, or degree. It can also refer to achieving a higher status or position or advancing one's career or personal development.” Ascend to your full potential with Ascentix - rise above challenges and achieve true greatness in every aspect of your life.
When did the company begin?
I had an initial product that I did release in March of 2023. It was on market for a little bit, but I just wasn't really happy with it. I had started the company and I executed, so I was happy about that. However the product just wasn't where I wanted it to be. That product was branch chain amino acid and now we moved to essential amino acids, which will be launching soon.
Story of how it was created?
I started off with the branch chain amino acid gummies because I was looking for a snack that was going to be low calorie and provide just a little bit of benefits. I wanted it to taste good without all the added sugar. With what was out there I decided to go to the grocery store and buy sugar free jello. I started cooking up my own recipe at home that I enjoyed and started sharing with other people.
After that it took me eight months to find a manufacturer that I could utilize to do the small M.O.Q. I went through that whole process and went to market, but the dosage was just not where it needed to be. We were pushing 50 milligrams per serving of brand chain amino acids, which is nowhere near the recommended daily dosage. We were about four and a half grams off of the minimum. That made me reconsider the product.
Some of the branded ingredient suppliers that I was already looking at were using essential amino acids. I started to study that and decided a pivot was necessary. The issue was trying to put a large dose in a gummy. We had to go through that whole R&D process, outsource with a lot of consultants, different manufacturers,. We experienced trial and error for a couple months until we finally pivoted to the 6.7 grams of the essential amino acids. It is substantially more than what we originally had, and now I'm actually happy with the product.
That's why we're going to market with this revised product which is 4 gummies per serving.
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What have been the biggest challenges?
Easily R&D. i mentioned the eight months of testing. We're still technically doing it just because they're different timetables or different ways to execute gummies. Every time we scale up we're having to modify the process. It has been pretty difficult. Everything else I wouldn't say has been difficult, it's just been very time consuming.
Remaining patient during R&D?
Fortunately I have a good team behind me. I'm confident, because they are behind me. During R&D we were honest, but communicated. Ok these ones taste a little better, this batch aren't as chalky. We were getting there step by step and then getting confirmation that scientifically we know it'll work was a huge relief. From there we just needed to find the right mixture to finalize the taste. I remember saying, I guess we're just gonna go, we're gonna exhaust every single option until you guys tell me that it can't be done. That was my mindset, to see it through to the end. If we fail, we're going to fail and make sure that there's no way in the world that this can get done unless somebody does more gummies or a bigger size.
Goals for upcoming year + Next phase of the company?
The way that gummies are blowing up right now, we have unicorn goals. Trailing 12 months post-launch, I'd like to see us hit revenue of 1.2 million. Once we get rolling, that's the first goal. The second one is to build a dominant presence in the gummy space. Nobody has ever seen anything or done anything like our gummy. It is interesting to see the reaction, especially with how big other gummies are right now. Ours is the most efficacious. For consumers it will come down to do you want to powder or do you want to gummy for the same supplement.
Once we do that, I would like to extend the product line. potentially two products additionally. Internally, we've talked about a couple products that we would like to bring forth to a couple markets or demographics. Going from just one product to maybe two or three, and then just growing on that momentum, I think would be pretty interesting.
What were your concerns about making this transition?
I have a huge ego. I believed what was on the market, I could do better. But realistically I wanted to challenge myself. I was talking a big game, I wanted to be an entrepreneur, lets see if I can actually do this. Once you start, you get humbled and quickly. The first product humbled me, but it was a wake up call. But now we have that experience and know how to navigate it. The only thing a consumer can tell us is they don't like our gummies, which is fine. But what I set out to challenge myself with, we have achieved.
How have you learned to be the face of the company?
It's been very tricky because I have reputation management. For example, some stuff is triggering and you just want to fly off the wall. I have to remember it's not just my reputation on the line anymore. I have a team of advisors behind me. If I do something stupid, it includes them now.
At all times I have to make sure that I'm not damaging not only the brand, but my personal brand, and my advisor's brands. But this comes with the territory. I asked for this challenge and this comes with it. It is a process learning to control not only my thoughts, but what I act on as well.
How have you grown as a leader?
There is a correct way to hustle. However certain things require spending on. There's sometimes where you need to hire the professionals. The first product it was me and my friend, we built the whole website. We did all the product assets. did everything from start to finish. My initial startup for my very first product was the cost of a plane ticket and the inventory.
I was super happy we got it done. I loved everything about my first product. You could just tell it was done by two kids hustling versus our rebranded product set to debut soon. It was a realization if we want to be serious, then we need to be serious and do it professionally.
What do you need to work on as a leader?
I need to actually be more social. We're living in a founder first, creator type of society now. Those which are front and center, those brands seem to do the best. Admittedly, I'm not a big social media guy. I like LinkedIn because I feel that's more professional, I get to showcase my journey everything.
What aspect of entrepreneurship do you appreciate the most?
Putting people in positions to win. I still use my friends, for example the guy that did my packaging is one of my best friends. We went to college together and played soccer for a couple years. I feel like I'm putting my advisors in pretty visible positions. I'm aware that we've done anything yet, but even if we fail tomorrow, it's something cool to be able to put on your resume. We as a team created the only product like this on the market that anybody's ever seen, or at least the first.
Share a mistake and what you learned from that experience?
On the first product, I will say that my biggest mistake was not doing my quality control. Personally I didn't do enough research, which is why my initial gummies were under-dosed. Once I found out, I pulled them from the market. I don't want to keep pushing something that didn't bring true value. If you're selling something, you want to make sure that your customers are getting what they're paying for, and hopefully exceeding expectations.
Now when we go to market with what I have, you're getting more than what the daily recommendation is. It's clinically backed and the list of benefits is exponential versus our first product.
When was the first moment you felt like you could breathe?
We got the formula done the week of Expo West. I called my manufacturers and said I need you to push out 400 of these immediately. I actually got to pass some of those out to my ingredient suppliers and other people that I knew. The reception was great.
Do you have a moment that brings you the most joy?
Taking my father and my grandpa to go and meet one of my advisors. Those are always great moments. When you can actually showcase what you're doing and how you are building these relationships externally it is neat. Because a lot of people, especially family, don't understand what you're doing creating a business.
When I can take you to meet somebody who actually is optically and actually professionally, and your parents just sit there and wonder how I met this person. LinkedIn, when I told you I was working, this is what I was doing. I'm just showing the proof is in the pudding.
Piece of Advice
Steal free advice.
LinkedIn, that's my bread and butter. I'm on there all day analyzing. Think of how you would vet a vendor, friend, job, whatever, thank that same approach with information. you choose what you're looking for, and then you vet them just like you would vet a friend, a workplace.
For example, if you're going to be looking at supplements, you're probably going to want to follow some CEOs, some CROs, some Vice Presidents of well-known companies.
Pay attention to whenever those people post, because the people that they interact with are how you can expand your network and available information. Once you start it is essentially a snowball effect. Interacting, engaging, providing thoughtful responses garner reactions and connections. When you find someone who delivers something you like, test it for yourself. See how it transfers to your company, your goals, your messages. I'm always trying things I see and give it our own personal touch, but I'd say that is my advice use what you see.
Interested in being featured with "Together Talks"?
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Contact us as we would love to learn your story and share it amongst our audience.
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In Closing
KLS wants to thank Ascentix Innovation Labs and Founder, Trystin Nance for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for their journey with their social handles below!

Business Resources!
Look at our new page HERE designed to provide excellent opportunities that may be of interest to you. These are a compilation from our chats within our "Together Talks". If you have any suggestions please let us know as we would love to provide more valuable insight to our community!
Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX feature # XX
*Klimson Logistics Solutions is an Industry Leading Customer Service 3PL. Our focus and commitment to our clients has us striving to be the BEST customer service 3PL for LTL, FTL, Reefer, and Drayage in the country. KLS, freight company, is a 3PL providing nationwide logistics solutions. KLS shipping services include: LTL freight, FTL freight, Reefer LTL freight, Reefer FTL freight, and Drayage. Klimson Logistics Solutions thanks you for viewing our marketing campaign, "Together Talks". If you have any interest in being featured or questions regarding your freight operations please contact us today!
Why KLS?
Our precise and reliable effort.
We handle every shipment with the exact same process. It does not matter if you move one shipment a year or ten per day, you will receive the same level of customer service from us. When we started this company, we had one goal in mind, treat every shipment like it was our own. With our vast knowledge of the industry, we understood what a customer would want from a communication standpoint. We applied that process to be the standard here at KLS. Our reliability and being able to depend on our consistency is why we have such long-standing relationships with our clients.
Our Process?
Every shipment in our industry starts with a quote. We are firm believers that time is money, thus we strive to have quotes back in a 5-10 minute reply time for LTL and FTL, any FCL quotes are at the mercy of the carriers getting back to us. For LTL we have the flexibility to quote both off of NMFC and also Density depending on the carrier. Utilizing our services, you’re allowing us to use our expertise to class your freight accordingly to ensure we are providing the best rate we possibly can.
Once a quote has been submitted and a client chooses to proceed with KLS handling the arrangement of the shipment our full process begins. We create the BOL that will be used for the shipment. If it is a new location for our system, we will obtain all the important/special details (reference numbers, contact details, shipping hours, closed for lunch, dock/doors, etc.). We meticulously build every detail into our software for all future shipments involving that location. After we have both locations built and necessary reference numbers have been applied we will tender the shipment to the carrier. We use this method because it provides us a real time pickup number from the carrier to obtain updates prior to pickup. Our staff will either email the BOL directly to you or to the shipper (at your request) the minute after the tender has been accepted by the carrier. LTL carriers require a 2 hour window prior to close time in order to schedule it for a same-day pickup attempt.
The following morning you’ll receive an email from us. It will either provide the reason the pickup was missed (driver’s trailer filled up, driver missed the close time, truck broke down, shipper said no freight, etc.) or if the pickup was successful you will receive the PRO (tracking) number from us, along with the eta for delivery. Our staff will track it throughout the duration of transit and advise if anything happens that will alter the estimated delivery date. The day the shipment delivers we will email you with confirmation and the POD (Proof of Delivery), should you require it.
Your shipment has been quoted, scheduled, picked up, and delivered. The next step is waiting for the carrier to invoice us and make sure the rate matches up. If it does, we close out the invoice from the carrier in our system and automatically your invoice is created and sent to the requested party at your company. In the event the carrier has an additional charge on their invoice “Variance”, we will never send you an invoice with an additional charge without first identifying you of the charge.
Let us repeat, NEVER WILL WE JUST BILL OUT AN EXTRA CHARGE WITHOUT YOU BEING NOTIFIED.
You are our customer, we represent you. Should the carrier provide an extra charge on an invoice, “Lift gate, additional weight, reclass, detention, etc.) We notify you of the charge via email first. Second, within that email we identify what is required should you choose to dispute the charge. Again our goal is to honor your request, if you want to dispute, we will dispute. During a dispute we will provide you updates every step along the way. Once a dispute is closed out, whether it is approved or rejected, then we will invoice you as the invoice has been resolved.
For reference, our company only had 6.2% of all shipments go to dispute in 2022 and we successfully won 91% of those disputes on behalf of our customers.
This is our process for every single shipment you move with us. We don’t cut corners, we don’t hide from difficult situations. We believe in being available, honest, and transparent. We don’t ever want to tell you that a shipment is lost, damaged, misrouted, but it is our duty to notify you the second we find out something has gone wrong. We hate to present bad news, but it is part of the job. What you can guarantee is that we will work a shipment all the way through and turn over every stone until we get a resolution for our clients.
Services offered?
Our core business is LTL and FTL. Within these options we have options for both dry and refrigerated/frozen. We also offer FCL/Drayage options. Our company as a 3PL has nationwide options and services clients across the US.
Let’s breakdown our services more in-depth
LTL:
Standard and Guaranteed
CFS (Imports & Exports)
Tradeshows
Hazmat
Anything that is on a pallet can be moved LTL. Typically LTL is up to 10 pallets, but the sweet spot for a carrier is 6-8 pallets at most for an individual shipment. LTL quotes are good between 5-30 days depending on the carrier. LTL can be quoted either via NMFC or density to determine the class (we do this for you).
Volume:
Anything over 10-12’ of space in the truck is the technical rule for a volume shipment. When we run a quote for you we will determine if it qualifies for volume and provide you a rate if available. Volume moves allow you to get a reduced rate for larger shipments. The caveat to volume shipments it the quotes are only valid for 3-7 days and they move on capacity between terminals. If a terminal is backed up they will move their LTL freight first before the volume freight, which can lead to longer transit times for volume moves.
FTL/Dedicated/Expedited: 53’ Dry and Reefer 26’ Box trucks with lift gate Sprinter Van The main difference for FTL vs LTL is space and transit time. For standard pallets you can fit either 26 or 30 pallets in a 53’ dry van. The other main difference is transit time, for FTL each day counts in the transit time, whereas LTL does not count the day of pickup, weekends, or holidays in their transit time.
Reefer/Frozen:
LTL and FTL
We specialize working in the CPG space with food manufacturers. We regularly deliver to
the following locations:
Kehe
UNFI
Core Mark
DPI
Wegmans
Cugini
H.T. Hackney
Netrition
HEB
ALDI
Chambers and Owens
EBY Brown
Nassau Candy
Harris Teeter
Wakefern
NU INC
Long Distribution
What makes KLS different?
There are thousands of freight brokers and 3PL in our industry. Barrier to entry is rather easy and agents or owners will often hire sales people without any intention of properly training them. It results in high turnover for many freight companies and a forgettable experience for the client. We choose to operate differently through our consistency. We truly care about doing right by our clients and prospects too. While we would love to help provide our services to every company we speak with, that just isn’t realistic. We won’t always be the right fit for every company that moves freight and that is ok. Our authenticity as a shipping company sets us apart from the competition and that is backed up by our testimonials. We also run a marketing campaign bi-weekly called “Together Talks”. We interview, highlight, and promote two businesses every week. Our goal is to grow our network, make new connections, and learn something new with each collaboration. Check it out on our website and if you’re interested in being featured reach out.
Our company also runs a year long charity promotion. Book your first shipment through KLS and we donate to the charity of your choice in your name. Our way of thanking you for giving us an opportunity to show you the KLS way and what makes us one of a kind. This entire package is what we offer to every prospect and every client. Our goal is to help provide answers that customers may have when it comes to shipping. We want to always be available as a resource and will always offer a lending hand whenever we can.
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