OUR STORY

In 2024, after years in space nutrition and food tech, I launched ReadyBAR to fuel the front line with real performance nutrition. The industry has relied on protein powders and sugar syrups for decades and I knew we could do better. Inspired by deep-space food system design, ReadyBAR sustains those who serve without the sugar crash.

I didn’t have a playbook, just a belief that those who give their all deserve better — no shortcuts, no compromises. We’re here for firefighters on back-to-back shifts, paramedics running on fumes, and search-and-rescue teams pushing past exhaustion. The ReadyBAR community is built on grit, service, and determination, standing with those who put it all on the line—and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

— Ryan, Founder & CEO

TEAM

  • RYAN DOWDY - FOUNDER & CEO

    Ryan is on a mission to fuel the front line with science-backed performance nutrition. A Food Science Ph.D. with a background in food engineering, Ryan has managed NASA's food system for the International Space Station as well as 50-person tech teams before launching READYBAR—a meal bar built for those who need to perform under pressure. Focused on innovation without compromise, he’s bringing space nutrition to the front line.

ADVISORS

  • JASON QUINN

    “Quinny” served as a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer (#500) and has executed high-stakes search and rescue missions for over 20 years. He’s flown on 14 different helicopters across 8 countries, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for the legendary F/V Galaxy rescue. A CrossFit Level 2 Coach, he trains like lives depend on it — because they do. As the host of The Real ResQ Podcast, he amplifies the raw, unfiltered stories of rescue professionals worldwide. Off duty, he’s all about family, adventure, and pushing limits in every way possible.

    The Real ResQ Podcast 

  • MEGAN LAUTZ

    Megan is a civilian dietitian specializing in first responders, creating real-world nutrition strategies that fuel peak performance. Since 2017, she’s worked full-time with departments of 1,600+ firefighters, helping them boost energy, build strength, and reduce stress. As the founder of RescueRD LLC, she delivers practical, mission-ready nutrition plans to departments nationwide.

    RescueRD 

  • AARON ZAMZOW

    “ZAM” is on a mission to transform, motivate, and educate 100,000 firefighters, EMTs, and medics to get fit for duty. A career Lieutenant, EMT, and strength coach, he’s spent 20+ years in the fire service and trained athletes from the NBA, NFL, and NHL. As founder of Fire Rescue Fitness, he builds field-tested, mission-ready programs tailored for first responders. He also chairs the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Fitness and Nutrition advisory boards, shaping the future of firefighter fitness. A certified expert in strength, conditioning, and nutrition, ZAM is a published author, speaker, and host of the "Better Every Shift" Podcast, pushing the fire service to be stronger, healthier, and always ready.

    Fire Rescue Fitness