Dr. Chris Jackson never set out to become a wellness entrepreneur. The inspiration came one night as he listened to the harsh, chronic coughing of his father, an aging smoker battling the effects of lung disease. “He'd be hacking all night,” Jackson recalls. “Drinking tea, smoking in the morning, trying to get it out.” Then a pharmacy student and military veteran, Jackson decided to act. He formulated a mucus thinning supplement to help clear his father's lungs. That simple solution led to the creation of Betterbrand, a thriving supplement company which launched in mid 2019 with a mission to help others breathe easier.
The idea was deeply personal but also rooted in experience: Jackson, who served two combat tours, struggles with respiratory issues himself. “I also have to take all of my products every single day,” he admits. Today, Betterbrand is a player in the health and wellness industry, with a viral social media presence and a product line that includes formulas for lung health, immune support, and allergy relief. And throughout Jackson’s entire business journey, American Express has been by his side.
Jackson describes American Express as “one of the most merchant friendly groups out there” and relies on a suite of its business tools daily. He uses American Express® Business Cards1 for flexibility and an American Express® Business Checking2 account for managing spend. He uses the American Express® Business Line of Credit3 for access to working capital and managing cash flow gaps. Each product has supported Betterbrand for different needs, and at different stages of its growth. “American Express has helped us every step of the way,” he says.
Building for growth with Business Platinum
For Betterbrand’s day-to-day business expenses, The Business Platinum Card® has been essential. “It offers us a lot of flexibility as far as spending limits4,” Jackson says. Most of his company's revenue tied up in payout holds from online platforms; that flexibility is key to staying agile when demand hits.
The Business Platinum Card also enhances Jackson's productivity. Living in Hawaii requires frequent flights to the mainland, he explains, and the Business Card’s perks make a real difference in how he travels for work. “It actually decreases the number of travel days I require,” he adds. “I can knock out my workday and then fly out right after. It's been really nice.”
Overcoming pay gaps with a Business Line of Credit
As sales took off, Jackson ran into a familiar growing pain. Cash flow orders were booming, but payouts were delayed, sometimes by weeks. The American Express® Business Line of Credit helped fill the gap. “The opportunity cost of being out of stock was much greater than the fees we pay on it,” he explains. Having access to capital meant the company could restock faster and capitalize on momentum.
What ultimately sold him on the product wasn't just the terms; it was also the brand. “We love American Express,” Jackson says. “They’ve never done us wrong. When they offered a line of credit, it was a no-brainer.”
Earning Membership Rewards® points on marketing with Business Gold
In the crowded e-commerce space, ad dollars have to work hard. That's why Betterbrand uses the American Express® Business Gold Card on advertising spend, earning Membership Rewards® points5 on eligible purchases each calendar year. “We got it for the rewards it offers with our preferred ad system,” he says, pointing to social platforms as central to their marketing strategy.
Fueling comfort with Delta SkyMiles® Reserve
Jackson's third card plays a dual role: managing operations and enabling travel. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card was originally used primarily for shipping costs. As Betterbrand grew, however, it transitioned into a general business expense Card. “It’s been a seamless transition,” he reports.
The travel benefits are equally impactful, offering miles6 on eligible purchases plus hotel and dining benefits that help back frequent travelers. “I think I hit Delta Diamond status based on our spend,” he says, referring to the highest tier within Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion® Membership program. “There were times I got picked up on the tarmac in a high-end sports car. People thought I was a celebrity. It sure made me feel special.”
Corporate Card management made simple
As Betterbrand’s team expanded, its founder turned to the American Express® Corporate Card program to help make certain operations more efficient. With digital products like American Express @ Work®, he has increased spending visibility, saved time for other tasks, and continued to earn points on his team’s eligible business purchases. And using the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, he assigned cards to team members with spending limits and real-time visibility.
“We've added several employees onto that one,” he says. “We can break it down by cardholder and monitor spending in real time. Makes it very easy on our financial controller.”
All in one place
When his bank shuttered in 2023, Jackson needed a new home for business banking. He opened an American Express® Business Checking account and was quickly impressed. “The interface is very clean,” he says.
A relationship that grows with the business
For Jackson, American Express has been more than a financial service provider. It’s been part of Betterbrand’s daily regimen. From demand spikes to marketing pushes, inventory runs to international scaling, every Card and service has played a role in helping keep the business thriving. Jackson reflects, “We just love American Express.”
Story Footnotes
1 Application and approval required.
2 Deposit Accounts offered by American Express National Bank. Member FDIC. American Express currently accepts applications from eligible U.S. businesses. Not all applicants will be approved for a Business Checking account.
3American Express® Business Line of Credit offers access to a commercial line of credit ranging from $2,000 to $250,000, although some customers may have access to a larger line of credit. Decisions regarding the line of credit amount, loan fees and available installment term options are based on a review of your and your business’s overall financial profile, which may include your credit history, your relationship with American Express and other financial institutions, and other factors. The line of credit amount, loan fees, and installment term options are each subject to review and may change for future loan activity. A review of the line of credit may result in a suspension at any time, accompanied with or without a closure of the line of credit. Not all customers will be eligible for the lowest loan fees or all installment options, and not all industries are eligible. All loans are subject to credit approval, are secured by assets of the borrower, require a personal guarantee, and may be subject to late fees. Loans are issued by American Express National Bank.
Each draw on the line of credit results in a separate installment loan with monthly installments which may include 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, subject to eligibility. When you request a loan, you will be presented with the available installment option(s) and the monthly loan fee for that loan amount. The monthly loan fee is calculated as a percentage of the original principal amount of the loan and is charged monthly during the term of the loan along with a portion of the principal. Currently, the monthly loan fees may range from 0.55% to 1.55% of the original principal amount, but the loan fee offered to you for future loans may change at any time. You will be charged monthly loan fees only for months in which the loan has an outstanding balance.
If you repay the total principal of a loan early, you will not be required to pay the loan fees that have not posted for subsequent months. American Express may offer promotions and may reduce or waive loan fees from time to time.
4 Not all .purchases will be approved. Your purchasing power will be based on your account status. Terms apply. Learn more at americanexpress.com/amexbusiness.
5 Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.
The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo.
6 All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit Membership Guide & Program Rules. Prices and rules are subject to change without notice. Delta, SkyMiles, and the Delta logo are registered service marks of Delta Air Lines, Inc. Delta is not responsible for goods or services offered by any companies participating in miles promotions. Partner offers subject to the terms and conditions of each individual offer. See individual offers for details. Partners subject to change. Offers void where prohibited by law. Other restrictions may apply.
