2014 Hall of Legends honorees
March 8, 2014
Cheryl Hughes is a 35-year veteran of the Natural Products Industry and has owned and operated her own store, the Whole Wheatery, since 1983. The Whole Wheatery is a 10,000-square-foot store and restaurant in the high desert of southern California. Cheryl has also been a Certified Nutritionist over 30 years. Cheryl began her industry service on a local level when she was elected to the Go West board of the Natural products Association in 1984. Later, she served on the National board of NPA. She was the president of that region during the passage of DSHEA. During that time she helped organize the nationwide retail store blackout to exemplify the significance of not having access to dietary supplements if the industry did not get that bill passed to protect consumer access. She testified to U.S. Congressman Elton Galleghly on that issue and went to both Washington DC and Sacramento several times to lobby for that bill and other industry concerns. Cheryl was an original board member of Citizens for Health, which was very active in the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. She has been a member of the Organic Trade Association for almost two decades and she chaired the committee that created the good organic retailer handling practices (GORP), standards which were later adopted by National Organic Standard Board. Currently, she is a board member of the Independent Natural Foods Retailers Association and part of the Natural Share group of the Food Market Institute. She and her store have been honored with several industry awards, including the Cliff Adler “Heart in Business Award” of which she is most proud. Cheryl has been a speaker at Natural Products Expo West and East many times over the years. She is a very passionate involved retailer who loves the industry and the folks in it.
Emanuel Bronner was a third generation master soap-maker who passionately pursued his mission to unite humankind. Born to a Jewish-German family in 1908, he emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1929, and thus escaped the tragic fate his parents met in Nazi death camps. He worked as a consultant to the American soap industry, but as an avid advocate for peace, Dr. Bronner was briefly incarcerated in an insane asylum in Chicago because of his intense proselytizing in public spaces. He escaped and hitchhiked to Pershing Square in Los Angeles where he was fond of saying he fit right in. Having brought his family’s formulas for liquid and bar soaps to the U.S., Dr. Bronner was concerned by the petroleum-based “Better Living through Chemistry” ethos that swept American industry in the post-war era, specifically the turn to petrochemical cleansers in personal care. He founded Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps in 1948 and began making what is now the iconic peppermint liquid castile soap. Dr. Bronner developed and espoused a humanitarian philosophy which he called the "Moral ABC's" and urged people to overcome religious and ethnic divides and realize transcendent unity across our perceived differences. He gave away soap during public talks on this theme, but soon realized people were taking the soap without listening to his message. Thus, he started printing his philosophy on the soap bottles in tiny script, which is still used on Dr. Bronner’s packaging today. Soap sales started to skyrocket in the late 1960's, due to the soaps' unsurpassed ecological quality and the synergy between Dr. Bronner's message and the cultural revolution blossoming in America during that decade. Word-of-mouth, both regarding the soap's excellence and the eccentric yet poignant philosophy on the bottle, soon made Dr. Bronner's the iconic soap of that era. In the decades that followed, the soap spread into health food stores and coops across the nation and then into the mainstream culture — winning over fans from all walks of life on the way to becoming the number-one-selling brand of natural soap in North America. Dr. Bronner passed away in 1997. He is survived by his son Ralph and grandchildren who continue to run and grow the family business.
Nell Newman launched Newman's Own Organics: The Second Generation with business partner Peter Meehan in 1993. Great tasting products that happen to be organic is the company's motto. Nell is the president of the company, which started as a division of Newman’s Own and became independent in 2001. Nell’s responsibilities cover product development and public relations. The daughter of actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Nell had an early introduction to natural foods at their rural Connecticut home. The family had a small apple orchard and a few chickens. Nell learned to cook from her mother and how to catch fish from her father. While in college, she continued to experiment in the kitchen, and is still the designated chef during family holiday dinners. Nell attended the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine and graduated with a B.S. in human ecology. She worked briefly at the Environmental Defense Fund in New York, but, preferring a more rural environment, moved to Northern California. There she became the Executive Director of the Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary, which was working to reestablish the bald eagle in central California. After two years, she left to become the Development Director for the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group, the non profit responsible for the captive breeding and restoration of the peregrine falcon in California. Nell's commitment to organic foods and sustainable agriculture led her to convince her father to let her establish an organic division of Newman's Own. She won him over by creating a completely organic Thanksgiving dinner, and then suggesting organic food products for the new Newman's Own Organics’ line. "All of Newman's Own Organics’ products are ones that Dad enjoyed, so we chose ones that he really loved," states Nell. She credits her parents, too, with teaching her by example to be socially responsible, politically involved and philanthropic. An ardent supporter of sustainable agriculture, Nell has participated as a featured speaker and as a panel member talking about her commitment to organic products and producing snacks that appeal to the general public. "By utilizing organic ingredients, we’re supporting the environment through the growth of organic agriculture,” says Nell. Nell has served on the Peregrine Fund board in Boise, Idaho and currently serves as a board member of the Wholesome Wave Foundation, EcoTrust, and Allergy Kids. Nell’s thoughts on how to make a difference in the world are highlighted in her book, The Newman’s Own Organics Guide to a Good Life: Simple Measures That Benefit You and the Place You Live (Villard, 2003), written with science writer Joseph D’Agnese. It is filled with realistic, practical advice on why living a more environmentally conscious life helps us all.
Robert Orr lives in Halifax Nova Scotia. He operates a consulting company but spends most of his time as the CEO and Managing Partner of a Cuna del Mar LP; a private equity fund, based in the United States. Cuna del Mar is concerned with global food security and maintaining the health of our oceans. In particular, Cuna del Mar specializes in making investments in environmentally sustainable aquaculture. The fund’s primary objective is to invest in transformational technologies and platforms capable of bringing about a paradigm shift in existing aquaculture practices. Cuna del Mar currently has investments in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. Orr’s management career spans over 35 years at the senior management level in the private equity investment business, marine biotechnology, nutritional ingredient, food retailing, food wholesaling and retail advertising industries. His breadth of experience ranges from creation and management of several startup companies to responsibility for large multi-national corporate division operations with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. From 1996 to 2011, Robert Orr was the co-founder, CEO and Chairman of Ocean Nutrition Canada Limited (ONC) which was for many years, the world’s largest ingredient supplier of Omega 3s made from fish oil to the Dietary Supplement and Functional Food Industry. During that time, Orr was responsible for the startup, financing and growth of Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd. By focusing its efforts on science-based products, innovative marketing approaches and developing new technologies, ONC built a unique and profitable position in the nutrition sector and at one point produced nine consecutive years of greater than 35 percent compound annual growth rate and grew from 3 employees to more than 500, with customers in over 40 countries. Under Orr’s leadership ONC built a major R&D center in Halifax Nova Scotia and manufacturing facilities in Nova Scotia, Wisconsin and Peru. During his tenure the company received numerous awards, both national and international, for its innovation and extraordinary rapid growth. In 2012, ONC was sold to the Dutch company, Royal DSM N.V., for $540 million. Robert was also a co-founder of both the Council for Responsible Nutrition Omega 3 Working Group (2001) and Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (2006) and served as the inaugural chairperson of both organizations. These two organizations brought new self regulating standards to the global omega-3 industry and significantly advanced the growth of the omega-3 category. Robert also serves on the following: Chair of the Board, Slanmhor Pharmaceuticals Inc. Vice-chair, Board of Directors Community Foundation of Nova Scotia; Board of Directors of Genome Canada; Board of Directors of Genome Atlantic: Canadian Government (DFAIT) – Life Science Advisory Board; Board of Directors of Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust (NSRIT); Advisory Board, Dalhousie University School of Business Advisory Board, Cape Breton University,Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment Advisor to Atlantic Canada University Presidents Council on R&D Strategy Other Notes of Interest: 2010 – Nutrition Business Journal Life Time Achievement Award, Contributions to the Nutritional Industry; 2011 – Business Person of the year – Halifax Chamber of Commerce 2006 – Nova Scotia Exporter of the Year 2010 – Business of the year – Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Allen and Connie Skolnick, long-time pioneers of the dietary supplement and natural products industry, were integral to developing the “Solgar family” business. Solgar was founded in 1947 and introduced the first high potency natural multivitamin and mineral product to the marketplace. Under the Skolnick family control until mid-1998, Solgar Vitamin & Herb, Inc. flourished to become the leading international brand of vitamins within the natural foods sector. Allen Skolnick passed away on April 24, 2013. Connie Skolnick, his wife, died just one month earlier, on March 28, 2013. Family friend and industry consultant William P. Arthur noted of Connie and Allen, "There are people who take industries to the next level and then there are people who create the next industries—they created this industry. They imagined it and created it. They were one of the few families that did that." He continues, “The Skolnicks were "real pioneers," remembering Allen charting new territories that others were too nervous to explore."Allen Skolnick developed some of the first multiples that were out of the marketplace before multiples were even a thing that people would consider taking.” Instrumental in the dietary supplements industry's progress, Allen was well known for his involvement in the creation and passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. "Allen was such a calm and supporting force throughout the DSHEA battles," remarks Loren Israelsen, executive director of the United Natural Products Alliance and co-author of DSHEA. "He never wanted personal credit, but I can tell you he made a real difference. He embodied the best of his time—a diligent and honest businessman, courteous to his colleagues, an unwavering supporter of natural health freedoms, and generous in his financial support of what he believed in." While Allen and Connie were responsible for helping build the foundation of the Solgar, their son Rand "built the walls," says Arthur of his best friend and industry legend. Rand Skolnick dedicated his life to the improvement of human health. From 1989 until 1999, Rand served as CEO of Solgar Vitamin & Herb, Inc. Rand was instrumental in guiding the all-important DSHEA legislation, helping to ensure a workable regulatory system for the food supplement category. He was a passionate advocate for freedom of choice and accountability - currently under debate in relation to GMO (genetically modified organisms) labeling. Learning the industry from the ground up, Rand helped his father in all aspects of the business, from packing orders and loading trucks to making major decisions in the board room. His success was predicated on the belief that people will seek alternative products and therapies to conventional allopathic medicine. Through Solgar, he brought this philosophy to an emerging industry and created awareness throughout the world. Rand became the youngest CEO in the natural products industry. Within 10 years, he had expanded Solgar to over 42 countries. Rand held a degree from Emory University in Biochemistry. He was awarded the Natural Products Association’s President’s Award, created to recognize individuals that have uniquely created significant impact on the industry. Rand founded The Palette Fund, committing his heart and soul to philanthropic work. To Rand, success was measured by how much he was able to better the lives of those less fortunate and protect the rights of communities facing discrimination. A fierce, loyal and generous advocate for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS, Rand Skolnick’s humanity, wisdom, humor and love will forever be a guide and standard for us all.
Spanning three decades of leadership as the President of Rainbow Light, Linda Kahler plays a hands-on role in guiding the company’s business expansion, leadership in product innovation and quality, marketing, brand building, and staffing and creative team development. Under her leadership, Rainbow Light introduced the industry’s first line of food-based, one-per-day multivitamins, Just Once that today remains the number one selling natural multivitamin on the market. Kahler’s commitment to environmental stewardship led to the company’s launch of the industry-first, 100 percent recycled, 100 percent recyclable EcoGuard bottles. In addition, her long-held passion for delivering health performance results to natural products consumers, as well as mothers and children worldwide resulted in a partnership with Vitamin Angels to develop an innovative, high-impact global aid program that has led to more than 32 million supplement donations to-date. Kahler’s interest in the health and supplements industry began as a teenager while working in a progressive health food store. Today, as she continues to expand Rainbow Light, she remains committed to making a difference in people’s health in a way that recognizes the integral relationship between personal and planetary health.
A longtime champion of organic agriculture, higher standards of welfare for food producing animals, seafood sustainability, and continued access to good quality foods, Margaret Wittenberg is celebrated for her lifelong contributions advancing sustainability and global health. As a pioneer in the natural and organic foods industry for more than 35 years, Margaret’s career in the natural foods industry began in 1977 when she and her husband, Terry, with unbridled enthusiasm and a $125 starting inventory, opened Sunseed Natural Foods, a small natural foods store in West Bend, Wisconsin. There they enjoyed interacting within the community, sharing the great flavors and benefits of eating and cooking with natural foods, along with working with local farmers. After moving to Austin, Texas in 1981 they had the good fortune to be hired at Whole Foods Market soon after its launch, joining the ranks of the company’s original team members. From its inception in 1987, Margaret has coordinated the development of Whole Foods Market’s legendary quality standards. And, in her role as vice president of quality standards since 1998, she implemented the multi-stakeholder collaboration model that has become the company’s signature approach. Throughout the years, Margaret has served on many key domestic and internationally based public, industry and governmental advisory boards with special emphasis on organic agriculture, seafood sustainability, farm animal welfare, agricultural biotechnology, and the environment. As a member of the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board from 1995-2000, she played an integral role in developing the national standards for organic certification. Margaret has also devoted many years championing a higher standard of animal welfare in livestock production through her coordination of Whole Foods Market’s farm animal quality standards, including the facilitation of a multi-stakeholder engagement process for the creation of a 5-tiered animal welfare rating system. And, Margaret was instrumental in the development of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a global non-profit organization that maintains rigorous standards for certifying sustainable fisheries, starting with her participation in 1999, a long-term tenure on the MSC’s Board of Trustees, through her on-going advisory work on the Stakeholder Council. Currently she serves on the board of directors for The Organic Center, the American Botanical Council, and the Whole Kids Foundation. In 2005, Margaret was presented the Rachel Carson Award by the National Audubon Society for her more than 30 years of work championing organic agriculture, sustainability and the environment. In addition to her induction into the 2014 class of New Hope’s Hall of Legends, other industry recognition has included her inclusion in 2013 as one of the “9 Wonder Women of the Natural Industry” and in the mid-1990’s as a member of the Natural Foods Merchandiser’s “Dream Team”. Margaret has also authored six books on the topics of exploring, preparing, and enjoying the spectrum of nutritious, great tasting foods. Her most current work is “The Essential Good Food Guide” published by Ten Speed Press in July 2013.
Gary Erickson, along with his wife, Kit Crawford, is owner and co-chief visionary officer of Clif Bar & Company, maker of nutritious and organic foods and drinks for people on the go. Though resistant to labels, Gary is nationally recognized as a visionary entrepreneur who believes there is more to business than the bottom line. With the founding of Clif Bar & Company, he created his dream job. A baker by trade, a competitive athlete and foodie at heart, Clif Bar combined Gary’s love of the outdoors, cycling and great food with his passion for business and social responsibility. As the co-leaders of a family- and employee-owned company, Gary and Kit developed an innovative business model that integrates social and environmental responsibility into every area of the business. Guided by five bottom lines – Sustaining our People, our Business, our Brands, our Community and the Planet – Clif Bar & Company has not only achieved success in business, it has also garnered national acclaim for its commitment to the environment, for nurturing employees, and for supporting important causes such as the fight against breast cancer. Gary shares this unique approach to business in his book, RAISING THE BAR: Integrity and Passion in Life and Business: The Story of Clif Bar Inc.. Starting the company as a small bakery, Kali’s Sweets & Savories in 1992, the bakery introduced the first CLIF Bar energy bars to the public. The name CLIF Bar pays tribute to Gary’s father, Clifford, who introduced him to wilderness adventures and encouraged him to follow his passions in life. Inspiration continues to be found in food and the outdoors. After purchasing 130 acres of land in Napa County, Calif., Gary and Kit set aside 10 acres for growing food. Inspired by their experiences in Napa, they launched Clif Family Winery & Farm in 2004. Building on the success of the winery, they opened Velo Vino in 2011— a tasting room offering wine pairings and edible delights from Gary & Kit’s Napa Valley as well as custom bike tours through local gardens and vineyards. Prior to establishing Kali’s and Clif Bar & Company, Gary spent a decade overseeing the design and production of bicycle saddles. His designs earned him high praise and inclusion in an exhibit at the New York Museum of Modern Art. He holds a business degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Rock climbing, cyclist, mountain biking, skiing and backpacking continue to drive inspiration and innovation for these experienced outdoor adventurers. Gary has cycled through the French and Italian Alps, trekked in the Himalayas and competed in 24-hour mountain bike events. Kit and Gary have three grown children and share a passion for adventure, travel, family backpacking trips and great food and wine – and inspire all of us to live well.
As one of North America’s most respected herbalists and botanical researchers, Richard “Ric” Scalzo has over 25 years of clinical and practical experience with herbal medicines. As an innovator and pioneer in the herbal products industry, he is a leading authority on the cultivation of herbs, extraction processes, whole plant standardization and traditional herbal therapies. In addition, Mr. Scalzo is a life-long student of Vedic philosophy and spiritual practices. He regularly teaches herbal classes, interfaces with the media and lectures nationally on herbal topics. He is an invited speaker at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Bastyr University. After studying herbal medicine at the School of Natural Healing under Dr. John Christopher, Mr. Scalzo practiced as a clinical herbalist in a New England medical center. In 1987, he founded Gaia Herbs, a nationally-branded grower and manufacturer of herbal wellness solutions that reinforce the inherent connections between healthy bodies, communities, and ecosystems. He is currently the company's president and CEO. The company is vertically integrated – from organic seed to finished product, offering therapeutic quality herbal extracts to health-conscious consumers. Under his leadership and vision, the company has set industry standards for its organic commitment, sustainable methods, educational curriculum and quality assurance program. Evidence of Mr. Scalzo’s commitment to the natural products industry includes his founding of Earth Renewable Technologies – a research collaboration focused on the development of all-natural plant-based biopolymer packaging solutions. This venture successfully introduced the EarthBottle in 2008, the first completely plant-based supplement canister. More recently, under Mr. Scalzo’s direction, Gaia Herbs initiated the world’s first herb traceability program, called MeetYourHerbs, which has earned wide industry praise.
Mo Siegel, grew up in Palmer Lake, Colo. Since his childhood he has loved the outdoors. Mo's entrepreneurial spirit began early when, at 8 years old, he picked wild berries and sold them to neighbors to make jelly. In his teens Mo became a health and exercise advocate and as he says, “a real health food nut.” Before dropping out of college, Mo attended Western State College in Gunnison and later took classes at the University of Colorado in Boulder. In 1969, he moved to Aspen and worked at Mother's Natural Food Store. It was then, at the age of 19, that he started picking herbs to make tea. In 1970, Mo moved to Boulder and with his wife and friends, he picked herbs and dried them on screen doors. The first batch of 19 bales of tea was delivered to the Green Mountain Grainery, and sold as MO's 36 Herb Tea. This early success lead to the founding of Celestial Seasonings, which was incorporated in 1972. Mo led the company to a successful acquisition by Kraft, Inc., in 1984. Mo stayed with Kraft until 1986 and then returned in 1988 as a Celestial Board member when the company was bought back from Kraft. He once again became chairman and CEO in 1991. In 2000, Mo oversaw the merger of his company with The Hain Food Group to form The Hain Celestial Group. Now serving on the board of directors of Celestial Seasonings, Inc., and The Hain Celestial Group, Siegel has served on the boards of among others, Corporate Express, Whole Foods Markets, Wild Oat Markets, Inc., Annie's HomeGrown Foods, Inc., Camelbak Corp., Avid Health Corp., the Boulder Community Hospital and various other non-profit organizations. Siegel's numerous accomplishments include founding the premier international bicycle stage race, the Red Zinger Bicycle Classic, later known as the Coors Classic. He is the co-author of Cooking with Tea and Herbs for Health and Happiness and he has worked extensively with non-profit and humanitarian organizations. Mo has fulfilled his personal long-time goal of climbing all of the 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado.
Mo Siegel, grew up in Palmer Lake, Colo. Since his childhood he has loved the outdoors. Mo's entrepreneurial spirit began early when, at 8 years old, he picked wild berries and sold them to neighbors to make jelly. In his teens Mo became a health and exercise advocate and as he says, “a real health food nut.” Before dropping out of college, Mo attended Western State College in Gunnison and later took classes at the University of Colorado in Boulder. In 1969, he moved to Aspen and worked at Mother's Natural Food Store. It was then, at the age of 19, that he started picking herbs to make tea. In 1970, Mo moved to Boulder and with his wife and friends, he picked herbs and dried them on screen doors. The first batch of 19 bales of tea was delivered to the Green Mountain Grainery, and sold as MO's 36 Herb Tea. This early success lead to the founding of Celestial Seasonings, which was incorporated in 1972. Mo led the company to a successful acquisition by Kraft, Inc., in 1984. Mo stayed with Kraft until 1986 and then returned in 1988 as a Celestial Board member when the company was bought back from Kraft. He once again became chairman and CEO in 1991. In 2000, Mo oversaw the merger of his company with The Hain Food Group to form The Hain Celestial Group. Now serving on the board of directors of Celestial Seasonings, Inc., and The Hain Celestial Group, Siegel has served on the boards of among others, Corporate Express, Whole Foods Markets, Wild Oat Markets, Inc., Annie's HomeGrown Foods, Inc., Camelbak Corp., Avid Health Corp., the Boulder Community Hospital and various other non-profit organizations. Siegel's numerous accomplishments include founding the premier international bicycle stage race, the Red Zinger Bicycle Classic, later known as the Coors Classic. He is the co-author of Cooking with Tea and Herbs for Health and Happiness and he has worked extensively with non-profit and humanitarian organizations. Mo has fulfilled his personal long-time goal of climbing all of the 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado.
The 2014 Hall of Legends honorees have collectively impacted almost every corner of the industry. From supplements to sourcing standards to business financing, these natural products industry veterans have instilled values that prioritize sustainability and the successful development of the industry as a whole.
See video interviews with each of the honorees on newhope360.com's Hall of Legends page.
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