11-Year-Old Redondo Beach Entrepreneur Shakes Up Sports Drink Industry
11-year-old Redondo Beach entrepreneur Robbie Sherwood delivers a fresh batch of Prismax to Ready, Fit, Go in Hermosa Beach. From a science fair project to store shelves, his all-natural sports drink is making waves.
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — When 11-year-old Robbie Sherwood noticed his friends drinking the influencer-backed sports drink Prime, he had one big question: Was it actually healthy or just a marketing gimmick?
“I wanted to find out if sports drinks were actually good for you, or if they were just popular because of influencers and athletes backing them up,” Robbie said.
That curiosity turned into a science experiment, then a nationally recognized invention, and now, a business. Today, Robbie’s all-natural sports drink, PRISMAX, is being sold in local stores, replacing big-name brands like Gatorade on some shelves.
11-year-old Redondo Beach entrepreneur Robbie Sherwood stays hydrated with his all-natural sports drink, PRISMAX, while playing beach volleyball.
In fifth grade, Robbie tested 11 leading electrolyte drinks, measuring their nutritional value. What he found was surprising—many popular sports drinks contained high amounts of sugar, sodium, and artificial ingredients. That sparked an even bigger idea: could he create a healthier alternative that still tasted great?
More than 1,000 recipe variations later, Robbie had his answer. His drink, PRISMAX, is packed with more electrolytes than leading brands while staying low in sugar, calories, and sodium.
Robbie’s mother, Juliana Sherwood, has supported him every step of the way.
“At first, we were just researching sports drinks together for fun,” she said. “Then, it became clear that Robbie had something really special on his hands.”
To perfect his formula, Robbie conducted blind taste tests against top brands like Gatorade, BodyArmor, and Prime. The results were consistent—testers preferred PRISMAX.
After months of refining his drink, Robbie entered it in the Invention Convention, where he won regionals and became a national finalist last June. From there, he took his project one step further—turning it into a real product now available in stores.
His drink is now being sold at Ready, Fit, Go, The Green Store, and 7-Eleven on Torrance & Prospect in Redondo Beach. The demand is growing, and The Green Store even replaced Gatorade with PRISMAX.
Scott Bargison, general manager of Ready, Fit, Go in Hermosa Beach, remembers when Robbie first walked into his store with a pitch.
11-year-old Redondo Beach entrepreneur Robbie Sherwood officially brings PRISMAX to 7-Eleven on Torrance & Prospect. From a science fair project to store shelves—his healthy sports drink is now available locally.
“I was so inspired by this young man who was starting his own business that I wanted to bring his product in,” Bargison said. “He came in with his parents and gave a wonderful sales pitch. He told me about the science fairs, the formulation process, and the branding and marketing.”
Bargison, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, has worked in the sports and nutrition industry for years and sees PRISMAX as something different.
“I’ve been in the sports industry and the nutrition industry for a long time,” he said. “I started athletics when I was two years old, and I’ve gone through a lot of the supplement industry’s kind of weird advertising or strange formulations, and it seems like PRISMAX is one of those products that always delivers. All three flavors are great, and I really like the way the macronutrients are broken down. The vitamins and electrolytes are at a great level, so it’s something that I actually use for my clients. I use it for myself—it’s a great product.”
Beyond its health benefits, PRISMAX is also tackling environmental concerns. Robbie wanted to create a drink that wasn’t just good for people but for the planet.
"In 2023, the U.S. generated about 42 million metric tons of plastic waste," Robbie said. “A lot of that waste came from beverage containers. Plastic drink packages lead to increased plastic waste in landfills and oceans, which harms wildlife and ecosystems."
To do his part, PRISMAX is the first sports drink packaged in Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic bottles, cutting down on plastic waste in landfills.
11-year-old Redondo Beach entrepreneur Robbie Sherwood visited a Hermosa Beach classroom to share his journey of turning a science experiment into a real product. Students got a firsthand look at the business behind Prismax—and even got to taste-test the drink!
Compared to other popular drinks, PRISMAX offers a lower-calorie and lower-sugar alternative while providing essential nutrients. It has just 15 calories per serving, far fewer than 2% milk (122), orange juice (110), lemonade (120), and Capri Sun (50).
With only 2 grams of sugar, it is significantly lower than orange juice (22g), lemonade (28g), and Capri Sun (13g), making it a better option for those looking to cut back on added sugars.
Robbie has already showcased his product at Expo West, the country’s largest food and beverage trade show, and recently spoke to students at Hermosa Valley Middle School about his journey. In a taste test at the school, students gave PRISMAX a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5.
As sales grow, Robbie and his team are looking to raise capital to expand production.
“We need to raise capital so we can expand,” he said.
Bargison believes PRISMAX is just the beginning for Robbie.
“I’m excited to see what other flavors they’re going to develop,” he said. “I think it’s wonderful that such a young man has that kind of vision, that he wants to start a company like this and create something because he believes there is a vacuum in the industry for a high-quality electrolyte product. It’s inspirational for not only people his own age but for anyone who wants to start a business.”
Robbie remains focused on his mission.
“Kids can do what adults do—sometimes even better,” he said.
For more information or to support PRISMAX, visit www.drinkPRISMAX.com or find it at local retailers in the South Bay.
