Meet Bret Newman | Cold Plunge Builder & Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bret Newman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bret, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Like many businesses, Newman Cold Plunges was born out of personal experience. After undergoing a major surgery—the first I’d ever dealt with—my middle-aged body did not bounce back as expected. For the first time in my life, I understood the meaning of ‘feeling my own age.’ I struggled with severe insomnia, cycling through doctor’s visits and cognitive behavioral therapy, all while searching for ways to speed up my return to normal life. That’s when I discovered cold therapy—not just for physical healing but also for the mental clarity and resilience it provided.

When I started looking into cold plunge options, I quickly realized that buying a well-designed, functional unit was quite expensive. Having built a sauna a few years prior, I decided to take on the challenge myself. It was a practical, cost-effective way to get into cold therapy. Naturally, once it was done, friends coming by the house would say, “Hey, where did you buy that?” From there, the idea of custom-building cold plunges came alive.

Everyone has their own reason for stepping into the cold, and all are equally valid. But at its core, the experience is the same—from the mental battle of taking the plunge to the invigorating rush afterward. We all seek to be the best version of ourselves, to feel happy, healthy, and fully alive. Cold plunging taps into that instinct, pushing us past our limits and reconnecting us with what it means to be human.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve always been a “self-starter.” After spending a few years in the corporate grind, I broke free and never looked back. Since then, I’ve turned my passions into professions. I’m fluent in Mandarin Chinese, so I opened my own Chinese translation business. I’ve been a lifelong musician, so I pursued music through playing and teaching. I’m a passionate athlete and volleyball player, so I coached, refereed, and ran a beach volleyball club. And now, I’ve channeled my love for building and creating into Newman Cold Plunges.

Looking back, I realize that developing all of these hobbies and interests since I was young has shaped what I do today in a really rewarding way. Every step has built on the last, leading me to where I am now—Newman Cold Plunges isn’t just about cold therapy; it’s about turning a personal passion into a brand that makes a real impact. I wanted to create a product that combines quality craftsmanship with the benefits of cold therapy, something accessible for people who want to push their limits physically and mentally. What sets us apart is our commitment to custom, hand-crafted solutions that focus on performance, design, and affordability.

The journey hasn’t necessarily been easy, but it hasn’t been particularly difficult either. When you’re doing what you love and genuinely believe in what you’re creating, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s a reminder that when passion drives your efforts, the challenges become part of the journey, not obstacles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I quickly realized that the “wellness” community—people simply striving to live healthier and feel better—is something truly special. There’s an incredible infectious energy that comes from a group supporting each other, pushing their limits, and embracing discomfort together. Cold plunging strips everything down to our most basic instincts, reminding us that, in the depths of discomfort, we are all equal. It’s a powerful and beautiful thing. To everyone out there who enjoys pushing their limits and exploring the depths of themselves—let’s keep going!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmancoldplunges/