From Shark Tank to Jail: The Greed of Ryan Root and the Dangers of Unregulated Enhancement – Why Apextra Labs Sets a Higher Standard
- KC Lee Olar
- May 6
- 3 min read

In 2015, Ryan Root was a budding entrepreneur with big dreams, making his pitch to investors on ABC’s Shark Tank. His business, Mycustomprotein.com, offered custom protein blends, and while his idea didn’t land a deal, it marked him as one of the 18 most promising entrepreneurs rejected by the show, according to Forbes Magazine.
However, what wasn't so well-known was that Root’s real fortune was made from a much darker and illegal business: a domestic underground lab (UGL) that sold anabolic steroids. The DEA’s Operation Cyber Juice—the largest coordinated law enforcement operation targeting the illicit PED market—would eventually take down Root and his entire operation.
Root’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated enhancement products and the consequences of cutting corners for financial gain. At Apextra Labs, we stand for a different approach. Here’s why Root’s story matters and why the way we handle enhancement matters even more.
Ryan Root’s Illegal Empire: Greed and Exploitation
Root’s criminal empire involved importing raw steroid powder from China and manufacturing it in a hidden lab in the United States. His operation generated millions of dollars in sales, but it was built on the backs of underpaid and uninformed workers. Root paid his employees a fraction of what they deserved for their dangerous work—one example being his “chemist,” Caleb Doane, who received just $2 per vial produced. Root’s greed didn’t just end with his profits; it extended to the way he treated his employees, who he allegedly tricked into thinking they were part of a legitimate operation.
The federal government didn’t take kindly to Root’s manipulative tactics. Prosecutors argued that Root took advantage of “criminal naive associates” by paying them low wages and using them as pawns to maximize his own earnings. This exploitation played a key role in Root’s sentencing. In addition to his illegal steroid distribution, the court weighed his treatment of his employees heavily, sentencing him to 78 months in prison.
Apextra Labs: A Better Way to Enhance Your Performance
At Apextra Labs, we’re committed to providing the highest-quality performance-enhancing products—legally, ethically, and transparently. Unlike Root’s underground operation, we prioritize quality, safety, and education. When you choose Apextra Labs, you’re not just choosing top-tier anabolic products; you’re choosing to support a business that:
Adheres to strict industry standards
Prioritizes customer health and safety
Provides expert guidance to help you enhance your performance responsibly
We don’t operate in the shadows. Our products are sourced, tested, and manufactured in state-of-the-art labs. Our team provides bloodwork support and protocol guidance to ensure that your enhancement journey is not only effective but safe.
Why Choose Apextra Labs Over the Underground?
The story of Ryan Root is a cautionary tale. While his “success” was built on illegal actions, deception, and greed, at Apextra Labs, we believe that true success comes from transparency, quality, and trust. We know that the desire to enhance performance can be overwhelming, but doing so with unregulated, unsafe, or illegal substances can lead to devastating consequences.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Pharmaceutical-grade products — Sourced from top-tier suppliers ✅ Legally compliant — Everything we do is above board ✅ Customer-centric approach — We put your health and results first ✅ Education & support — We offer resources to help you make informed decisions about performance enhancement.
Root's Fall: A Warning to All Athletes and Enthusiasts
Ryan Root’s story isn’t just about steroids—it’s about the importance of ethics in business and enhancement culture. The temptation to cut corners, exploit others, or seek shortcuts can be enticing, but as Root learned the hard way, it’s not worth the cost.
At Apextra Labs, we understand that enhancing performance is a serious commitment. We are here to offer a safe, effective, and legal alternative for those serious about reaching their physical and athletic potential.

The Apextra Labs Promise: Real Results, the Right Way
When you choose Apextra Labs, you’re choosing quality, integrity, and transparency in a marketplace where those values are too often overlooked. We’re proud to provide products that help you build your physique, improve your performance, and do it the right way.
🧬 Apextra Labs: Where performance enhancement meets professionalism. Visit www.apextralabs.com for products and expert guidance.
Email us at: info@apextralabs.com
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