Made in Public Ep.1: Dan & Elise Rowntree on Launching Mood Haus Before the Ducks Are in a Row

Episode one of Made in Public is recorded in a camper van with Dan and Elise Rowntree, founders of Mood Haus, a sauna, cold plunge, and community wellness concept launched publicly before they had a site or facilities. They explain why they posted that their “ducks are firmly not in a row,” how a Cameron Herold “vivid vision” document helped make the idea real, and how building in public overcame Elise’s fear of public failure after a corporate career. Since posting, they’ve received validation, site offers, investor and collaboration interest, and momentum that led to exploring a much larger 14,000 sq ft opportunity. They share how quitting alcohol and seeking mood alteration through contrast therapy shaped Mood Haus “sauna 2.0” vision focused on social wellness, experiences, and community.00:00 Ducks Not In Row00:18 Meet Mood Haus Founders01:01 Why Post Before Ready03:03 Elise Fear Of Failure05:15 Vivid Vision Goes Live06:12 Building In Public Mindset10:55 Cornwall Chapter Closes14:20 Market Timing And Competition16:54 What A Vivid Vision Is21:20 Post Results And New Sites22:32 Big Cornwall Site Lead23:43 Sponsor Vertical Drop24:16 Unexpected Investor Interest25:08 Stars Aligning Fast25:54 Local Partners And Saunas26:57 Why Build In Public27:42 Community Over Perfection29:22 Bigger Vision Bigger Site30:56 What Mood Haus Is31:38 Quitting Alcohol Origin Story35:12 Sauna 2.0 Mood Focus36:38 AI Sauna Prescription App38:09 Market Proof And Benchmarks39:50 Next Steps And Site Challenges40:48 Content Creation And Branding42:55 Full Circle And Momentum44:06 Closing Thanks And Founders