Meet the Family Behind Doctor D's
Stuart & Susan
Doctor D's was born not in a boardroom, but in the wilderness of Colorado — and that origin story says everything about who Stuart and Susan are.
The two met as college students, united in their fight against the logging of old-growth forests in the Weminuche Wilderness. It was a cause that brought together a close-knit community of lifelong friends. Surrounded by pine-scented campfires and fueled by late-night strategy sessions, they forged a partnership grounded in purpose. That same commitment to purpose, community, and the natural world became the foundation for the brand they would build together.
Doctor D's started simply: Stuart began making water kefir at home to help with his own digestive health. The drink was so effective — and so delicious — that Susan quickly saw others could benefit from it too. What followed was over a year of Susan championing the idea until the vision for Doctor D's took shape. Today, Doctor D's is a family business in the truest sense, with their son Oak now leading production.
Their mission is straightforward: craft the most delicious drinks in the most conscious way possible, to support both human health and a healthier planet. Read on to meet the people behind the product.
Q: What inspired the creation of Doctor D's?
Stuart: I started making water kefir at home originally to help my digestion. We both instantly fell in love with how tasty it was and how much it helped. Susan began to talk about how people would find it easier to drink than other probiotic drinks on the market because it's so delicious.
Susan: I was passionate about sharing the benefits of Doctor D's with others — it is truly one of a kind, with an exceptional variety of probiotic strains. Over the course of a year, our vision took shape and we crafted a plan to bring it to life.
Q: What is it like running a business with your partner?
Susan: We manage different areas, which I think really helps. Stuart oversees production and sales; I handle marketing. We strive to have healthy communication with each other. It feels great to have created something together that is genuinely helping people.
Q: What do you love most about the Doctor D's journey?
Stuart: Every week, we hear from customers whose lives have been transformed by our drink, especially in how much it supports their digestive wellness. The reviews and stories they share not only inspire us but also help spread the word — and that kind of impact is truly everything.
Susan: Our son now leads production — he's incredibly smart and capable, and watching him step into that role has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Knowing that we’re building not just a business, but creating something that truly supports people in living healthier lives, makes it deeply fulfilling.
Q: What's your favorite flavor?
Stuart: I'm a huge fan of the Concord Grape, the Crisp Apple is so refreshing, and lately I can't get enough of the Root Beer — there's nothing like it! But honestly, asking me to pick a favorite is like asking me to choose between my kids.
Susan: I drink a lot of the Pineapple, and the Tart Cherry has such a perfect balance of tart and sweet. I honestly love them all.
Q: What are you looking forward to next?
Stuart: We're excited to reach new communities and get more people cracking open a can of Doctor D's. We love hitting the road, meeting folks from all over, and discovering new places along the way. That's always been the core of our mission — building connections and helping people feel better.
Susan: Continuing to grow something that genuinely makes a difference in people's health. That's always been the goal — and it still is.
Every can of Doctor D's reflects that original intention: a family-owned, mission-driven business that started with a simple desire to feel better and share something good with the world.
