Meet the owner, Austin!

You may have known me since we started eight years ago when I was just 22—yep, I’ve just turned 30 this year, and I can really relate to major health shifts. For those just meeting me, well...

Hey there! I’m Austin Dugan, the founder of 86 Cold Press, let me share a bit of my journey. My experience with health challenges began 22 years ago, curled up in a tight ball of pain, leading to a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Little did I know then how a shift in my daily diet would turn my health around by 180 degrees.

What exactly is Crohn’s? It’s a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can range from abdominal pain and severe diarrhea to fatigue and malnutrition. Diagnosed at eight, I was too young to fully grasp the implications of Crohn’s, but the adjustments in my life started immediately. Nowadays, when making food choices, I always consider whether my future self will thank me. Dealing with Crohn’s, celiac, or ulcerative colitis, all in the same family, means making decisions that favor long-term well-being.

The major shift in my life came with the adoption of the paleo diet—centered on fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, seeds, eggs, and select dairy products like aged cheeses and butter, which are fats and thus lactose-free. This diet helped put my condition into remission, though I’ve faced flare-ups triggered by poor food choices and stress, like when I opened my second juice shop in Bradley Fair. If you’re interested in learning more about this diet, I have a great book recommendation and can offer on our site if you are interested.

Interestingly, juicing wasn’t part of my initial diet plan. During my undergrad days, though I didn’t gain the typical “freshman 15,” I felt it—low energy, slight joint inflammation, and digestive discomfort were signs my gut was overwhelmed. When I moved into an apartment, I started juicing, creating what is now known as ‘Root Down,’ a blend with the anti-inflammatory powers of turmeric and ginger. This significantly boosted my energy and overall well-being.

My entrepreneurial journey began with a degree and a plan to return to Wichita, where 86 Cold Press was born. I aimed to build a business that was not only part of my lifestyle but also helped others manage their health. Our offerings include purposeful juice blends and even a dairy product—our yogurt, which undergoes a 24-hour incubation process to reduce lactose, leaving a probiotic-rich food that supports gut health.

Running 86 Cold Press has taught me a lot, and we’ve evolved to meet the needs of a health-conscious community. Our transition to a Fresh Juice Courier system was a major step, ensuring that our products reach customers with the freshest possible quality, just like home juicing. I’m grateful to be part of your health journey and am here as a resource for any questions you might have. Feel free to reach out!