Meet Mike Soderholm of Foundry Saunas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Soderholm

Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Minnesota, where saunas are a huge part of the culture, thanks to the large Scandinavian population. Growing up, I was always drawn to the excitement of getting sweaty in a sauna and then jumping into an icy lake without even knowing all the health benefits—it was just a way of life.

About 18 years ago, I moved to Colorado and made it my home. My professional journey took me into the outdoor retail space and later to OtterBox, where I led global marketing for over a decade as the company became one of the fastest-growing brands in the consumer electronics industry. Despite the fast-paced nature of my career, I always had this passion for saunas bubbling beneath the surface.

In 2023, everything aligned, and we launched Foundry Saunas—a luxury sauna company based in the West. We partnered with Voyageur Custom Saunas, one of the top sauna builders in the country, and became their exclusive West Coast partner. Along with selling custom saunas, we wanted to ignite the sauna movement in Northern Colorado, so we launched two mobile saunas that allow us to bring the experience directly to people’s homes and businesses.

Our vision is to create unique sauna experiences across the West by installing custom saunas in homes and businesses, and building sauna villages where people can immerse themselves in the timeless tradition of Finnish-style saunas.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Bringing something relatively new to the community has definitely come with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been helping people understand what a mobile sauna is. City officials, insurance companies, and event organizations often don’t have existing guidelines for a mobile structure with a wood-burning stove inside. Our mobile saunas aren’t an RV, a tiny home, or a food truck, so we’ve spent a lot of time educating people and conducting demonstrations across the West to gain buy-in. It’s been a learning process for everyone involved.

Another challenge has been educating people on the different types of saunas. Infrared saunas are getting a lot of attention lately, but there isn’t much research around them yet, as they’re relatively new to the market. On the other hand, traditional Finnish saunas have been around for over 5,000 years and are backed by extensive research showing their many health benefits.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Foundry Saunas, we’re on a mission to make saunas accessible to everyone by infusing the magic of heat, relaxation, and connection into everyday life. We specialize in crafting high-quality custom saunas and creating a personal wellness oasis for our clients. Whether it’s a traditional outdoor sauna, a custom indoor installation, or a mobile sauna for any location, we’re here to spread joy, enhance health, and bring people together through the timeless art of sauna bathing.

Our partnership with Voyageur Custom Saunas, a leader in luxury sauna design, ensures that every sauna we build is of the highest quality. Whether you envision large custom windows to capture stunning views or unique bench configurations to accommodate friends and family, we can bring your sauna dreams to life.

What sets us apart is our commitment to delivering more than just a product—we offer an experience that will last generations. We’re proud to be at the forefront of the sauna movement in the West, and here to help customers build a sanctuary for wellness, relaxation, and lasting memories.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk is an interesting thing. A lot of people see it as something to be afraid of—and yes, it can be scary—but with calculated risks, there’s often significant potential for reward. I view risk through the lens of forward momentum. If something is truly worth pursuing, I ask: Can I pivot if needed and still keep moving in the right direction? For me, it’s about ensuring that taking a risk doesn’t mean hitting a dead end, but rather learning from the process and making small adjustments that allow progress to continue.

Pricing:

• Custom Outdoor Saunas: start at $22k
• Custom Mobile Saunas: start at $27k
• Custom Indoor Saunas: start at $22k

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.foundrysaunas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundrysaunas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558414390506