Musings from SupplySide West

October 3, 2017

It’s been over a decade since my last NPIcenter musings piece (NPIcenter became part of New Hope in late 2006). Doesn’t mean I haven’t stopped musing.

Heading into Supplyside West last week, I was really interested in what the latest calls for industry self-leadership had done to the noise on the trade show floor.

Let’s face it, some of us have been around for awhile, and even know ‘where a few of the bodies lie. The American Botanical Council’s work on botanical adulterants wouldn’t be needed if there were not an insidious exploitive underbelly to our industry. And with the proliferation of a more vulnerably, still less ‘tangible’ online environment (and I mean more than Amazon) gaining and maintaining consumer trust sometimes appears as far away as ever.

Despite being at the table for numerous industry initiatives where we have a knack for saying ‘but we’re the good guys’, I am a perpetual optimist.

My current positive mood is enabled or perhaps better ‘ennobled’, by this ever increasing and righteous demand for information, authenticity and transparency we are at last seeing from consumers and retailers. My colleague Scott Steinford spoke on a SSW panel about ‘clean label’, (more on that in the future), but in many respects ‘clean label’ or rather ‘cleaner label’ is in some ways a response to lack of trust,  and a new accountability demand. And companies across all CPG categories are taking note… and so should we in the dietary supplement sector.

My own show floor conversations often included sweeping open that veil or opacity that companies (ingredients and finished brands alike) still comfortably hide behind. The natural versus synthetic debate will predictably take us right to this disclosure point, hopefully with a well-articulated education plan for consumers at the same time. For if it doesn’t, and consumers suddenly realize that key ingredients have been replaced with cheaper materials with limited to no direct substantiation; well, it doesn’t take a genius to see what could happen to a vulnerable category.

I am not decrying novel fermentation technologies creating substantiated ingredients or ingredient sets that follow due process for safety, especially when the environmental impact of these technologies is overwhelmingly beneficial.

Transparency was one of the top terms used at Supply Side West and it’s our duty as dietary industry promoters and protectors to keep that message top of mind in everything we do.  Participate in the OWL Supplement Registry, be transparent on your labels, website and advertising and demand the same from your suppliers.

I am calling for education and transparency, because I believe that is the way forward.

Watch this space…

~Len Monheit, Managing Partner, Trust Transparency Consulting

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Lori Diez

Lori Diez combines compassion and excellence to lead organizations to their next level. A small-town Texas childhood taught her the value of hard work and relationships, which she uses to foster teamwork that brings results that have transformed cultures and programs to their highest potential. Her successful career in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales leadership and event hosting has prepared her to deliver results as the COO of TrustTransparency, where she uses her industry knowledge to ensure that the company’s operations run smoothly as they support nutraceutical companies in their mission to help others. Lori’s passion for charity reflects her belief that individuals working together can change the world, no matter how small their contribution to the effort. This year, she looks forward to continuing over a decade of service at the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo, where she will be the Chairman of the Livestock Committee.

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Glynnda Steinford

Glynnda Steinford, Trust Transparency Consulting’s Director of Customer Relations, brings over four decades of healthcare experience to her vital role in client engagement and relationship building. Her diverse background spans from administering medical groups to impactful stints in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales, all underlined by her degree in Healthcare Administration.

At the heart of Glynnda’s work is her talent for nurturing long-term connections, a skill she leverages to enhance client experiences and partnerships within the consultancy. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys life’s simple pleasures, whether it’s her love for cats and cooking or her ventures into golf, always prioritizing cherished moments with family and friends. Her personal interests echo the dedication and warmth she extends in her professional network, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Caiti Dowden

Caiti Dowden stands as a crucial pillar at Trust Transparency Consulting, bringing invaluable insight and expertise to her role as Senior Executive Assistant’ since her start in 2018. With an academic background from Sam Houston University and a career shift from education to the nutraceutical sphere in 2010, Caiti has cultivated a sharp acumen for dissecting industry trends and bolstering strategic decision-making.

Her transition from Data Analyst reflects her growth and deep understanding of the business landscape. Caiti’s commitment goes beyond professional excellence; she thrives on balance, drawing from her rich life outside of work to enhance her organizational contributions. Whether it’s family time, volunteering, or rooting for Houston’s sports teams, she believes in embracing experiences to fuel her professional creativity and insight.

In her current role, Caiti’s dedication to dynamic business analysis and operational support proves her to be an irreplaceable asset to our team, embodying the synergy of personal enrichment and professional success.

Pam Hilpert

Pam Hilpert, Chief of Staff at Trust Transparency Consulting, has been instrumental in the firm since its inception, leveraging her 17 years of accounting experience, including a significant tenure in the nutrition sector. Her collaboration with Scott Steinford spans various successful ventures, emphasizing her integral role in the company’s financial and strategic initiatives.

An alumnus of Sam Houston State University, Pam holds degrees in both Business Administration and Accounting, as well as an MBA, adding academic heft to her practical industry insights. Beyond her professional prowess, Pam is passionate about family, enjoys live music, delves into quilting, and volunteers at her church, reflecting her well-rounded life.

Her multifaceted expertise and longstanding dedication make Pam a cornerstone of Trust Transparency Consulting’s operational strength and team unity.

Scott Steinford

Scott Steinford, a trailblazer in strategic leadership, boasts a certified M&A background, having navigated companies from their genesis to industry prominence. His brainchild, Trust Transparency Consulting, born in 2007, stands as a testament to his dedication to ethical business practices and strategic foresight, offering industry stakeholders invaluable guidance.

Beyond founding and steering companies, Scott has enriched the business landscape with his insightful keynotes and prolific written contributions, emphasizing his commitment to elevating industry standards. His executive tenure shines in roles as CEO or President of for-profits like ZMC-USA and Doctor’s Best, extending to significant contributions in non-profit sectors.

Notably, Scott’s influence is a driving force in the CoQ10 market, where his leadership has significantly bolstered the ingredient’s global presence. His roles in various capacities, including as a New Hope Ambassador, keep the community informed, providing in-depth industry reports and insights.

An active advocate within professional associations and an Editorial Advisor for leading industry publications, Scott’s expertise is both recognized and sought after. With academic roots in Pre-Law and a Master’s in Law, his journey transcends textbooks, embodying real-world business acumen and transformative leadership.

Scott Steinford merges visionary entrepreneurship with principled leadership, creating a legacy of innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to industry excellence.