Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Jones
Hi Dylan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The idea for LYX was born from my early work in military working dog technology, where I led research on innovations to support the dogs serving alongside our forces. While in that community, I encountered intriguing research: military dog handlers were developing ways to keep these high-performing dogs hydrated on mission, where they faced a unique problem – these dogs love their work so much that “break time” for water didn’t entice them. Their focus on the mission was their reward, and this meant they weren’t staying hydrated, a crucial issue considering the physical demands they face and their value – on average, each military dog saves over 400 lives during their career.
I started thinking: if these elite dogs were having issues with hydration, was this a challenge other dogs might face too? I began experimenting with my dog, Miller, who, like many dogs, would often come home from a walk and lie panting on the cool tile but still ignore his water bowl. Using insights from the military’s research, I formulated a mix to entice him – and he licked his bowl clean, finally engaged with drinking water. This was a major “aha” moment; it showed me the huge gap in pet hydration solutions.
With excitement, I created a small batch of my hydration formula in 12oz cans and took it to summer farmers markets in 2023. The response was overwhelming. Pet parents shared their own struggles with their dogs’ hydration, whether it was dogs needing to go to the vet for IV fluids due to dehydration, dogs feeling stressed when traveling or boarding, or dogs competing in agility and sports. Even online, I began to see significant demand across states. Realizing the shipping costs of a liquid product would limit our reach, I reworked the formula into a convenient powdered pack, similar to human hydration products, like Liquid IV. Now, we’re launching LYX as an accessible and essential hydration solution for all dogs, ready to keep them refreshed and supported – just like we do with our own best friends.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With LYX, I spent a year doing customer discovery—pitching in the blistering Texas heat and freezing winter winds, learning through every mistake. One weekend, right after my daughter was born, I was selling the last of my inventory, torn between reordering or seeking stability for my family. That day, an investor came along who believed in my vision for LYX. This journey taught me that resilience is about showing up, staying the course, and believing in the possibility on the other side of struggle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 2010 to 2018, specializing in carpentry, masonry, and metalwork within Air Force civil engineer squadrons. My job required adaptability—one day, I’d be pouring a foundation; the next, framing structures or welding. I was stationed across Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, always operating under the motto: Make it happen.
One defining moment in my career came as a young airman when I kept returning to my sergeant with questions about a problem I couldn’t solve. Finally, he told me, I don’t care if you break it and we have to buy a new one—don’t come back until the job is done. That lesson stuck with me. Leadership is about having the confidence to make the best decision at the moment to keep the mission moving forward.
That mindset carries over into my work today. Whether it’s building companies, launching products, or iterating on customer feedback, I believe in taking decisive action, learning quickly, and pivoting as needed to create the best possible outcome. Innovation isn’t about waiting for the perfect answer—it’s about moving forward, adapting, and improving along the way.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Mentorship is incredibly important, and the best relationships often form naturally through genuine connections. I’ve never actively sought out a mentor—people have entered my life at the right time, helping me learn the lessons I needed in that moment. As you grow, it’s okay for one mentorship to evolve or end while a new one begins, guiding you through the next phase of your journey.
When you find someone whose experience or skills align with what you want to learn, be intentional about pursuing that relationship. Let them know what you admire about them and what specific traits or skills you want to develop. Don’t be passive—take the initiative to schedule time, show up prepared, and apply what you learn. Mentorship isn’t just about receiving guidance; it’s about adding value in return. Offer support, share insights, or find ways to contribute to their work. The best mentorships are built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a willingness to invest in each other’s success.
I also believe in paying it forward by mentoring others. Supporting someone else’s growth not only helps them but also teaches you more about yourself—your strengths, your blind spots, and the impact you can have. True mentorship is a two-way street, built on trust, shared experiences, and a commitment to learning from each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lyxhydration.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyxhydration/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-jones2/
