Jan 15, 2026
What does it really take to scale a purpose driven wellness manufacturing business in a global market?
In this episode of StarrCast, we go inside Living
Earth Crafts and Earthlite to explore how innovation, culture, and
strategic acquisitions are shaping the future of wellness equipment
and why these industry leaders are actively looking to acquire
aligned businesses as they grow.
What You’ll Learn:
How Living Earth Crafts and Earthlite built a defensible innovation strategy through design, engineering, and intellectual property
Why a growth mindset after the 2008 financial crisis reshaped their product mix and long term vision
What today’s demand for low touch and touchless wellness technology means for spas, clinics, and recovery spaces
How global expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific is changing how wellness equipment is manufactured and delivered
What the company looks for when
evaluating potential acquisitions and strategic partners in the
wellness space
Episode Highlights:
03:10 – Why wellness equipment is the foundation of every spa and clinical experience
09:45 – Jim Chenevey’s journey from professional sports to wellness manufacturing leadership
18:30 – How patents and IP created a competitive moat in a crowded market
26:40 – Entering medical, clinical, and pedicure categories to fuel sustainable growth
34:15 – Rod Derifield on balancing heart and discipline in wellness businesses
41:50 – Technology, touchless solutions, and the future of therapist free experiences
47:20 – Global expansion strategy and why Europe and Asia Pacific matter now
51:30 – What they are looking for
as they actively pursue acquisitions
Meet the Guests:
Jim Chenevey is Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer of Living Earth Crafts and Earthlite, where he has helped lead more than 50 years of wellness equipment innovation and over one million treatment tables shipped worldwide.
Rod Derifield is CEO and President of Living Earth
Crafts and Earthlite, bringing deep experience in scaling global
businesses and guiding the company through its next phase of growth
and acquisitions.
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:
Long term intellectual property
and patent strategy
Touchless and low touch wellness
equipment models
MindSync vibroacoustic and sensory
reset technology
Global manufacturing and regional
assembly approach
Culture first acquisition
framework
Closing Insight:
As wellness continues to expand into longevity,
recovery, and everyday living, the companies shaping its
infrastructure matter more than ever. If you are building,
innovating, or considering an exit in the wellness equipment or
technology space, this conversation offers a clear view of where
the industry is headed.
Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning?
Spa Consulting: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting
Live Training: wynnebusiness.com/live-education
Online Learning: wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses
Other Links:
Connect with LEC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-earth-crafts/
Website: https://www.livingearthcrafts.com/
Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness,
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