Imagine stumbling across an idea that could change everything. Not just how we clean, but how we think about health, safety, and even the air we breathe. For Kristy Phillips and Michael Alonzo of Synbio Concept, that needle-in-a-haystack discovery is probiotics for cleaning—a science so deceptively simple it feels like the world’s been overlooking it all along. Together, they’re not just reshaping a $300 billion-dollar industry; they’re changing minds.
Our dirty little secret to cleaning is this: Nature always wins. Synbio harnesses good bacteria to outcompete the bad, creating cleaner, healthier spaces for everyone.” – Kristy
Kristy Phillips: The Visionary Texan Who Sees What Others Miss
Kristy Phillips greets you with a confidence that feels like an invitation. Her Richmond-Texas accent gives her an unassuming charm, but her stories—about working for the Trump Organization as a teenager or running product at Laura Mercier—quickly reveal the grit beneath. She’s built her career spotting diamonds in the rough, and Synbio is no exception.
“I didn’t invent probiotics,” she says, leaning back with a self-assured grin, “but I saw what they could do. And I wasn’t going to let that slip by.” It’s classic Kristy: bold, intuitive, and a little audacious. When she first encountered the technology—bacteria that clean by outcompeting harmful microbes—she knew it wasn’t just a product; it was the future.
Winning the exclusive U.S. rights from a Belgian biotech company took a mix of tenacity and persuasion. “It was a lot of late-night calls and convincing people who’d never even been to the U.S. that I was the one who could make this work,” she admits. And make it work, she did. Today, Synbio products are online at Walmart and Kroger, and the company’s standing-room-only session at ISSA’s recent trade show is proof of the buzz they’re generating.
Kristy’s leadership is less about convention and more about instinct. “I trust my gut,” she says simply. It’s a mantra that’s served her well—from building Clean Habits as a consumer brand to pioneering Synbio’s push into agriculture and water treatment. But don’t let the brashness fool you; she’s as strategic as they come. “Every decision has to connect back to our bigger mission,” she adds. “If it doesn’t solve a real problem, it’s not worth doing.”
Kristy learned business and strategy firsthand from working with industry titans. After high school, she leaped, landing a position at the Trump Organization, an experience that would prove pivotal in shaping her future. At just 18, Kristy was thrust into high-stakes environments, surrounded by industry giants. “I was learning from people who were making things happen,” she says. “Success comes from collaboration, confidence, and an obsessive commitment to your vision.” Christopher Gavigan, co-founder of The Honest Company, also played a significant role in her journey. She believes great mentors challenge, guide, and provide invaluable perspective. For Kristy, mentorship isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility. “I’ve been lucky to have people in my life who saw potential in me and pushed me to do more,” she reflects. “Now, I try to do the same for others.” Her knack for identifying talent and guiding it toward success has shaped not only Synbio but also the careers of those around her.
“Launching Synbio taught me that every challenge is solvable if you’re bold enough to face it.” – Kristy
Focusing on the “why” behind her work is also key to staying grounded. Kristy views Synbio as more than just a cleaning product. “It’s a solution that’s good for the planet and people,” she explains. At the same time, she prioritizes quality time with her family and friends. “Stepping back to reconnect with the people I love keeps me sharp and clear-headed,” she adds.
Quiet time is just as crucial for Kristy. “Me, a cup of coffee, and my cats,” she says. These moments of solitude help recharge her, allowing her to fully invest in the projects she leads, such as Synbio Concept.
Michael Alonzo: The Strategist Who Keeps the Engine Running
Where Kristy is the fire, Michael Alonzo is the steel—steady, deliberate, and quietly brilliant. His background is a patchwork of skills: military service taught him discipline, IT honed his systems thinking, and martial arts sharpened his focus.
“I’ve always been a problem-solver,” he says in his characteristic laid-back tone. “Whether it’s fixing a process or figuring out how to explain something complicated, I like making things work.” At Synbio, that’s exactly what he does. From optimizing supply chains to building customer trust in a science few have heard of, Michael ensures the company’s bold ideas have a solid foundation.
One of his proudest achievements? Educating industries steeped in tradition to embrace something new. “We’re not just selling cleaning products. We’re asking people to rethink what clean means,” he says. His approach is pragmatic—less about grand gestures and more about incremental wins. And it works. Under his guidance, Synbio has grown from a niche innovation to a brand with national reach.
Michael’s leadership style is refreshingly unpretentious. “I don’t need to be the loudest guy in the room,” he says with a smile. “I just want to make sure the wheels keep turning and the work gets done.” It’s that quiet confidence that makes him the perfect counterbalance to Kristy’s high-energy drive.
Michael’s calm demeanor isn’t just a trait—it’s a practice. As a single father, he starts his mornings with a workout to clear his head and ends his evenings with his son, ensuring that time spent together is focused and meaningful. “When you’re present where you are,” he says, “you do your best work in every role.” This philosophy shapes how he leads at Synbio, creating systems that empower his team and free him to focus on strategy.
For Michael, mentorship is a cornerstone of growth—both for his team and himself. “The best leaders I’ve worked with didn’t just tell me what to do, they showed me how to think,” he explains. At Synbio, he’s paying it forward, fostering a culture where curiosity and collaboration drive innovation.
“A great team is everything, and when you give them the space to lead, it frees you to focus on the bigger picture.” – Michael
His advice also includes maintaining a focus on the bigger picture — creating a positive impact. Like Kristy, mentorship has been crucial to Michael’s growth. He values mentors who lead by example and empower others to make their own decisions, and as a mentor himself, he aims to guide while helping others find their paths to success.
The Science Behind Synbio
So, what exactly are probiotics for cleaning? The concept is both elegant and revolutionary. Unlike traditional cleaners that rely on harsh chemicals to kill bacteria, Synbio’s products use “good” bacteria to outcompete the bad. It’s a process known as competitive exclusion, and it’s backed by science. Studies have shown that probiotic cleaners can reduce harmful microbes on surfaces for days—a stark contrast to the fleeting effectiveness of bleach or alcohol-based products.
“Think of it like setting up an automatic feeder for a pet,” Kristy explains. “You’re not just cleaning once. You’re creating an environment where good bacteria keep working long after you’re done.”
Beyond cleaning, the implications are staggering. In agriculture, Synbio’s technology has been shown to cut methane emissions by 41%. In water treatment, it’s improving efficiency and reducing chemical use. “We’re just scratching the surface of what this can do,” Michael adds.
“Probiotics represent the next generation of cleaning technology, offering a way to clean smarter while reducing harm to health and the environment.” – Michael
Building a Movement, Not Just a Business
For Kristy and Michael, Synbio is more than a company; it’s a mission to change how the world thinks about health and hygiene. “The cleaning industry is massive,” Kristy says, “but it’s stuck in its ways. We’re here to show people there’s a better way.”
Michael nods, adding, “It’s not just about selling products. It’s about solving problems that matter.” That philosophy is evident in everything Synbio does, from its emphasis on education to its partnerships with retailers and researchers.
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the foundation of what we do.” – Kristy
As they look to the future, both leaders see endless possibilities. Whether it’s expanding into new industries or driving global conversations about antimicrobial resistance, their vision is clear: a cleaner, healthier world powered by science.
“We’re just getting started,” Kristy says with her trademark confidence. Michael leans back, a quiet smile spreading across his face. “And it’s going to be worth multiples of the work.”
