Making Wellness Accessible, One IV at a Time

With guidance from NH SBDC Advisor Andrea O’Brien, firefighter and entrepreneur Matthew Loranger transformed an after-hours idea into Hydropeutics, a fast-growing wellness business expanding access to IV hydration and vitamin therapy across the state. What began as a conversation about broken systems became a mission-driven company that supports community health while helping relieve pressure on emergency rooms. Andrea’s encouragement, strategic insight, and connections helped turn Matt’s vision into a viable, sustainable business.

A Calling to Serve

A small-town New Hampshire native, Matt Loranger knew early on that he wanted a career centered on helping others. He joined the New Boston Fire Department as an Explorer and trained as a firefighter EMT/paramedic before landing full-time work at Merrimack Fire and Rescue.

But like many in the fire service, Matt quickly learned that passion does not always equal financial stability.

The Reality That Sparked a New Idea

Firefighting is a high-risk, high-stress profession with modest pay and constant pressures around pensions, politics, and taxes. As Matt explains, “A majority of people in the fire service have to have a second job for supplemental income.”

One night out with colleagues, Matt realized he did not yet have that second income stream. As he thought through his skill set, one thing stood out. He was exceptionally good at and genuinely enjoyed starting IVs to deliver lifesaving hydration and medication.

That spark turned into an idea.

Building Knowledge and the Right Team

At the time, there were few formal education pathways or standardized programs around IV therapy, nutritional infusions, and vitamin supplementation. Matt dove into research, educating himself while also searching for the right medical partner.

After interviewing four providers, he connected with Dr. Patrick Lee, a New Hampshire State Board-certified physician with extensive emergency room experience. Dr. Lee shared Matt’s passion for preventative care and understood the value of keeping people out of the ER when hydration, vitamins, and nutrition could solve the problem. Together, they developed protocols and laid the groundwork for Hydropeutics.

Will This Even Work?

As Matt searched for startup resources and funding guidance, he found the NH SBDC and quickly connected with Advisor Andrea O’Brien.

He shared his vision and asked the question every entrepreneur eventually faces. Is this even a good idea?

Andrea encouraged Matt to move forward and guided him step by step, providing practical insight, honest feedback, and access to key resources. Through the SBDC, Matt connected with attorney services via the LeAF program and tapped into marketing and SEO support to help position the business for growth.

Five years later, that early encouragement has paid off.

From Mobile Startup to Manchester Location

Hydropeutics officially launched in January 2021 as a fully mobile service. Demand surged during COVID, particularly for immunity infusions, and the business became a go-to solution for marathon runners, hikers, strongman competitions, and other athletic events where hydration and recovery are essential.

By April 2025, consistent client requests for a physical location and clear growth potential led Matt and his team to open a storefront on South Willow Street in Manchester. The high-traffic location allows Hydropeutics to expand services and improve accessibility.

Everyone Can Use This

Hydropeutics is built on accessibility. Their extensive menu of services includes IV vitamin therapy designed to support everything from flu-like symptoms to anti-nausea care and supplemental support for cancer patients.

They accept HSA and FSA accounts, making it easier for clients to invest in their health. All treatments are FDA-controlled and administered under established medical protocols.

Looking Ahead

Matt has built a strong team of five and continues to grow Hydropeutics as a complementary layer to traditional healthcare, one that can help reduce unnecessary ER visits. He is working toward insurance credentialing and developing a second venture, GranVera, a concierge healthcare company offering telehealth, nutrition education, and 24/7 practitioner access.

Throughout it all, Matt continues working closely with Andrea at the NH SBDC, valuing her honesty, motivation, and realistic guidance.

Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs

Balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time firefighting career is not easy. “It can be stressful, especially when your goal is opening multiple companies,” Matt says.

What keeps him going is problem-solving. “I was always a puzzle kind of person. Being a business owner is solving the next puzzle, then the next one, and the next.”

His advice is simple. Do your research. Learn the laws, regulations, and rules of the industry you are entering so you are protected from the start.

Still Saving Lives, Just Differently

At Hydropeutics, Matt leads operations and customer relations, ensuring every client receives exceptional care. Outside of work, he is passionate about water sports and outdoor activities, bringing the same energy to life that he brings to business.

What started as a casual conversation about broken systems is now a growing solution. With support from the NH SBDC, Matt Loranger continues making wellness accessible, one IV at a time.