Shannon Petteruti believes deeply in cellular health. As board-certified nurse practitioner who has devoted more than 20 years to patient-centered care, Petteruti is a strong functional medicine proponent. She believes that fueling your body with potent vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants is one of the best forms of self-care. By Jessica Jones

Shannon Petteruti believes deeply in cellular health. As board-certified nurse practitioner who has devoted more than 20 years to patient-centered care, Petteruti is a strong functional medicine proponent. She believes that fueling your body with potent vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants is one of the best forms of self-care. And as the CEO of the Rhode Island-based DRIPBaR, Petteruti supports her clients’ health with power packs of micronutrients and shields of zinc and vitamin B.

“Our cells are the building blocks of our bodies; if we can keep those healthy, then we can maintain better health,” the healthcare professional and entrepreneur noted. “By targeting the cells for rejuvenation, you’re supporting a long, healthy, vital lifespan that is resilient to disease. Preventative health begins at the cellular level.”

By skipping the gut and pumping these essential nutrients intravenously, Petteruti said IV therapy allows the body to absorb fundamental vitamins at a much higher percentage. It’s a concept she discovered while practicing functional medicine several years ago.

“We had a client who was undergoing cancer treatment. He was looking for high-dose vitamin C and mistletoe therapy – something he had researched and found to be beneficial for his particular type of cancer. It was a powerful concept that led to my education on IV therapy.”

After making the correlation between vitamin therapy and disease, Petteruti started learning about how cellular support would aid in the treatment of more common conditions, like aging and energy deficiency.

“IV therapy is all about how the body can heal and support itself,” Petteruti said. “We put together packs of essential vitamins to boost the immune system, support healthy arteries, skin, and brain function, and accelerate rehydration and recovery. The therapies became an instantaneous hit with our clients and the DRIPBaR was launched.”

Officially founded in 2016 and opened to franchising in 2019, the company has grown rapidly, with 15 new locations opening this quarter and another 220 openings in the pipeline. And the looming threat of COVID-19 has only increased DRIPBaR’s significance.

“People are trying to be proactive with health now more than ever,” Petteruti said. “We have this virus that we have no control over, so the most logical solution is to increase your immune system. As our world battles this global pandemic, potential franchisees are looking for recession-proof businesses, trying to invest in something that will withstand closures and a shaky economy. Healthcare is and always will be essential.”

DRIPBaR begins to spread its presence across the country – currently moving through Atlanta, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando, Florida, and Texas, Colorado, Utah, New Jersey, and Virginia – Petteruti is proud to see her concept take on a new life.

“Years ago, at the onset of the business, it was amazing to watch the difference we were making in clients’ lives,” Petteruti concluded. “And now to see the concept branching out and reaching new audiences across the country, it’s so fulfilling. We’re aiming to have 50 locations open by end of 2021, and our ultimate goal is to be a leader in IV therapy infusion. It’s a life-changing therapy, and we want to bring the concept to as many clients as we can.”

For information about a DRIPBaR franchise opportunity, visit thedripbar.com/own-a-dripbar.

– Jessica Jones