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The BIVO Story with Founders Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer

In this episode we speak with Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer, co-founders of BIVO, the Vermont-based brand redefining hydration for endurance athletes. Born from a desire to ditch plastic and do better for the planet, BIVO makes sleek, stainless steel water bottles that perform under pressure—and turn heads on the trail.

Carina and Robby open up about the early days of building BIVO, the big move from Portland to Vermont, and the hard-earned lessons of launching a product-based startup—from nozzle design to navigating funding with integrity. They share their passion for creating more than just bottles—BIVO is evolving into a hub for endurance athletes through events, community engagement, and a fresh take on what it means to be a mission-driven brand in the outdoor space.

Takeaways:

• BIVO bottles were designed to deliver performance and sustainability—no squeezing required.
• Feedback from real athletes helped shape everything from materials to feel to function.
• Running a business is hard, expensive, and filled with tradeoffs—but the community support makes it worth it.
• Future expansion may include other sports and products beyond cycling.
• Entrepreneurship means accepting that sometimes you’re not in peak shape, personally—and that’s okay!
• Their mission is grounded in creating better alternatives and stronger connections.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.