Podcast

A Founder's Life:

Balancing Entrepreneurship, Family, Health, & Fun​

Podcast

A Founder's Life:

Balancing Entrepreneurship, Family, Health, & Fun​

How Failure Shaped a $17M Health Startup - Jim Donnelly - S4 - E16

Jim Donnelly has spent the last 25 years building, scaling, and selling companies across travel, fitness, and wellness — but his newest venture, Humanaut Health, might be his most meaningful yet.

In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Jim shares how his father’s lessons on failure, his own near-death accident, and a career in scaling global businesses shaped his outlook on resilience, purpose, and family. With over $17 million raised and 100 locations planned, Humanaut Health is redefining health optimization for a new generation — and Jim’s story reminds us that optimism and perspective might be the greatest entrepreneurial tools of all.

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Guest Info

Jim Donnelly is the Co-Founder and CEO of Humanaut Health, a premium longevity clinic redefining what it means to age well. With a mission to help people live with more joy and less disease, discomfort, and uncertainty, Humanaut Health delivers an integrated care experience that combines medical expertise, behavioral science, and long-term health optimization.

Unlike traditional healthcare, Humanaut takes a whole-person approach — addressing not just the absence of disease but also energy, mobility, strength, and sexual health. The company offers multidimensional assessments, personalized medical care, and ongoing lifestyle support through a tiered membership model that makes comprehensive longevity care more accessible.

Before launching Humanaut Health, Jim co-founded Restore Hyper Wellness, one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S., recognized for transforming the recovery and wellness space. Under his leadership, Restore achieved multiple national honors, including:

  • #27 – Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in Texas

  • #17 – Fortune Top Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma

  • #1 – Inc. Magazine’s Hottest Franchise Businesses in America

  • #91 – Entrepreneur Franchise 500

  • Best in Business – Inc. Magazine

Prior to Restore, Jim co-founded IgoUgo.com, a Webby Award-winning travel platform named the top travel website in the U.S. The company pioneered user-generated travel content and was later acquired by Sabre Holdings / Travelocity.

Jim has also built and managed a diverse portfolio in luxury real estate and wellness, developing high-end condominiums for clients such as Michael Jordan, Cam Newton, and Chris Daughtry, as well as designing salons, spas, and the Charlotte Athletic Club. These experiences — spanning digital innovation, hospitality, and human performance — all contributed to the creation of Humanaut’s holistic health model.

Across his ventures, Jim’s work centers on one theme: helping people live longer, better, and more purposefully.

Show Notes

About this Episode

Jim Donnelly has spent the last 25 years building, scaling, and selling companies across travel, fitness, and wellness — but his newest venture, Humanaut Health, might be his most meaningful yet.

In this episode of A Founder’s Life, Jim shares how his father’s lessons on failure, his own near-death accident, and a career in scaling global businesses shaped his outlook on resilience, purpose, and family. With over $17 million raised and 100 locations planned, Humanaut Health is redefining health optimization for a new generation — and Jim’s story reminds us that optimism and perspective might be the greatest entrepreneurial tools of all.

Highlights

Early Career: From the U.S. Army to corporate roles at Coca-Cola and Citibank.

Big Challenge: Witnessing his father’s business failures and surviving a near-fatal car crash.

Turning Point: Selling Restore Hyper Wellness and launching Humanaut Health with renewed purpose.

Personal Growth: Redefined success around family, faith, and presence.

Business Success: Raised $17M and building 100+ locations focused on longevity and preventative health.

Future Vision: Make health optimization accessible, holistic, and life-changing for everyone.

Resources

👤 Connect with Today’s Guest – Jim Donnelly

• Website: humanauthealth.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdonnellyhumanaut/

• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanauthealth/

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