*By Bridgette Webb*
Ro wants to do more than help you rise to the occasion.
The company behind erectile-dysfunction brand Roman has entered the smoking cessation arena with a new program, Zero.
It's a surprising move for the year-old start-up, which originally catered only to men's health. But Rob Schutz, co-founder and chief revenue officer for the newly-renamed Ro ー it dropped the "man" ー said the transition was seamless.
"When it came to looking for a second vertical, we heard from a lot of people saying, 'I wish I could have Roman to help me quit smoking,'" Schutz said Thursday in an interview on Cheddar.
"Smoking is one of the causes of erectile dysfunction and, in many cases, for erectile dysfunction in younger men."
Zero's "Quit Kit" includes a personalized quitting regimen, an e-doctor's visit, bupropion ー a medication to curb cravings ー and nicotine gum. The kit costs $129 per month ー which Schutz said is on par with other quit-smoking programs.
Ro will also launch a Quit Smoking Tracker app, which will enable users to monitor their progress, see how their body is improving, and read personalized physician treatment guides.
Competition in the direct-to-consumer market is stiff, with both tech giants and upstarts getting in on the action.
In Schutz's view, his company offers more than his main competitor, San Francisco-based Hims.
"We are building a full stack company," he said of his ability to stay ahead.
"We have built all of our own technology, patient application, physician EMR (electronic medical record), the pharmacy and fulfillment software, we have our own physician network. We do everything ourselves," he said.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/ro-goes-beyond-helping-users-rise-to-the-occasion).
Ty Young, CEO of Ty J. Young Wealth Management, joins Cheddar to discuss Trump's moves as he returns to Washington D.C. and how it may affect the U.S. economy.
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
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