May 23, 2025 – Guardrailing Michael Bush and Card On Guard Darren Hickman

Michael Bush – Co-Founder of GrowthWays Partners and Author of Guardrailing: Authentically Guide Your Natural Products Company from Spark to Sale

Michael Bush is an accomplished author, speaker, advisor, and co-founder of GrowthWays Partners, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience in venture-backed businesses across the natural products, healthcare, and bioinformatics sectors. At GrowthWays Partners, he leads the firm in delivering strategic advisory services, Guardrailing workshops, and executive coaching designed to drive sustainable success and resilience. His recent book, Guardrailing, presents transformative insights and a soul-searching framework for building successful businesses. Blending practical wisdom with a checklist approach, the book empowers entrepreneurs to clarify their vision and pursue meaningful achievements. Previously, as president and CEO of probiotic innovator Ganeden, Bush expanded the company’s patented ingredient market to more than 65 countries and over 1,000 SKUs, culminating in a $150 million merger with Kerry, Inc. in 2017. Throughout his career, he has helped raise over $200 million in growth capital and participated in M&A transactions totaling more than $325 million in successful exits. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bush is a husband, father of three daughters, musician, investor, and board member for several for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Passionate about entrepreneurship and the natural products industry, he is a regular speaker at industry events such as BevNet, Natural Products Expo, and Supply Side. He holds degrees in Biomedical Technology and Business Administration and is also a certified Meditation Instructor.





Darren Hickman – Founder of Card On Guard

Darren Hickman is the founder of Card On Guard, a company dedicated to revolutionizing pool care with sustainable, chemical-free solutions. With a background in organic skincare and a passion for innovation, Darren developed BioPhotonX™ UV Light Conversion Technology, which reduces the need for chlorine in pools and hot tubs. His mission is to make water maintenance safer, healthier, more enjoyable and more environmentally friendly. Through perseverance and a commitment to problem-solving, he continues to push the boundaries of eco-friendly technology in the pool care industry.