USANA's Dr. Myron Wentz - A True Entrepreneur

I DID IT!!! I have posted my final paper for the semester and I am one class closer to graduating!! Unlike many of my assignments which would probably bore the vast majority of my readers as they go on for 2 or 3 pages about corporate taxes, audits, and internal controls, one of my business classes offered me the unique opportunity to write about an entrepreneur who has been influential in my life, the company they built and their corporate responsibility activities, and the stability and influence of the company throughout the economic crisis. I love when I can combine my many passions into one big project. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the paper I wrote on Dr. Myron Wentz, the founder and visionary of USANA Health Sciences.

Dr. Myron Wentz

“I dream of a world free from pain and suffering. I dream of a world free from disease. The USANA family will be the healthiest family on earth. Share my vision. Love life and live it to the fullest in happiness and health.”

True Entrepreneur

            When the word ‘entrepreneur’ was first introduced to general vocabulary in 1828 it was used to describe an individual who was in-charge of managing theater productions. This can be a hugely daunting task what with needing to organize the actors, the costumers, the promoters, the theater itself and all with the simple business trappings of the era. Leave it to the French to introduce a word that would quickly become a coveted title and a badge of honor as an individual who thinks outside of the box, sees a way that they can make a difference, and builds a business on that vision to provide to the public a product or service they need and demand.

            When it comes to entrepreneurs, one of the most influential men that I have been personally touched by is a man named Dr. Myron Wentz. An internationally recognized microbiologist and immunologist, Dr. Wentz started changing the face of medicine 40 years ago. Taking his desire for improving patient health from the Infectious Disease Clinic to the research lab, he founded Gull Laboratories in 1974 and pioneered studies in cellular development and the prevention of infectious diseases. Over the next few years he developed several viral diagnostic assays including the Barr-Epstein Virus panel which is a key player in the development of several cancers, leukemia, and lymphomas. But Dr. Wentz didn’t want to just treat disease; his vision was to prevent it by promoting health at the cellular level. In 1992, Dr. Wentz sold his share of Gulf Laboratories and founded USANA Health Sciences and working closely with other scientists who shared his vision of building healthy lives and not just treating diseases, he produced a line of high quality, pharmaceutical grade, all natural supplements that were developed to give cells the nutrients they need to keep the body healthy and resistant to becoming infected by bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances (USANA, 2013). This health focused company has also perfected a line of meal replacement/supplemental shakes that mirror their demand for high quality and can are certified to be kosher, gluten free, GMO free, and low-glycemic so that no matter what your health condition and lifestyle dictates, USANA has a product that is sure to improve your life.

            It is no secret that one of the biggest expenses in a company is the costs associated with advertising and marketing. These expenses often drive the cost of products up even more because of the overhead involved in an effective marketing plan. To eliminate this expense and to enable his products to reach homes everywhere, Dr. Wentz chose to structure his company using network marketing or Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) strategies that give distributors the tools and access to the product and the freedom to share their stories and experiences in ways that best suits their lifestyles. MLM companies encourage their distributors to recruit new customers and distributors by offering them a commission based on the sales/purchases made by these individuals (Investopedia, 2013). Unfortunately network marketing has a negative connotation for the uninformed because of the numerous programs on the market that masquerade as MLMs but are designed to benefit only a select few individuals at the top; the dreaded pyramid scheme. However, unlike pyramid schemes which push joining the team more than the service or product, USANA Health Sciences focuses not on products or even recruiting but on encouraging healthy lifestyles first with the help of a patented, science backed supplement and nutrition line that surpasses even pharmaceutical quality regulations second (USANA, 2013). The USANA marketing program encourages teamwork and unity through a home business that is flexible enough to work with any schedule to facilitate building a healthy home and bank account. Being a USANA Entrepreneur has enabled me to reduce my food expenses by making healthy food choices, a healthier body and significant reduction in pain associated with my chronic illness which in turn as lead to minimal doctor visits and freedom from medications and their astronomical co-pays. I have eliminated all my debt and get to spend more time with my family enjoying a better quality of life and built stronger friendships because of the power of USANA’s products and network marketing plan. Despite allegations and negative press in 2007 about USANA Health Sciences being a pyramid scheme (Forbes, 2007), the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated and in fact, the company has been named “Best Place to Work” by Outsider Magazine five years running (Outsider, 2103) and has expanded to 18 international markets bringing health and wealth to homes around the globe.

            In the spirit of healthy homes, USANA does not stop at the tables where success stories are shared and built every day. Dr. Wentz has a vision of a world free of pain and suffering and built the philanthropic True Health Foundation which takes this vision to those who cannot afford food or medications. Partnering with the Children’s Hunger Fund and the Sanoviv Holistic Medicine Clinic in Baja, Mexico, the True Health Foundation takes all donations and distributes it to Areas of Greatest need which are often the victims of natural disasters and the Children’s Hunger Fund which provides children in the States and around the world the food and natural supplements they need to grow healthy and strong. The mission of the True Health foundation is to “provide the most critical of human necessities – nutrition, clothing, shelter, medical assistance, and health education – to those who are suffering or in need” (True, 2013). Whether donating financially to the cause, volunteering at organizational functions, or promoting weight loss contests with donation incentives to match pounds lost, USANA strives to make a happy and healthy lifestyle attainable for everyone.

The economic markets are strong influencers on the activities and operations of a company, especially for “specialty” item producers, because buyers are easily influenced by what is deemed necessary and this will affect the supply and demand of products dependent on the buyer’s willingness to spend money. One way of seeing how economic markets affect a company is to look into the financial statements and to analyze what operations experienced garnishments in funding, which operations excelled, and how the company performed overall. Despite market crashes and the prolonged lack of stabilities in the economic market, Dr. Wentz has continued to maintain high quality standards he built his company on and because of the cultural trend towards being healthier, company sales continued to rise year after year (USANA, 2013). One of the strongest indicators of company growth is the addition of a 19th global market in Columbia and the company’s new plans to open a manufacturing plant in the Chinese market (USANA, 2013).

Many people consider the final step to financial freedom is to build a solid investment portfolio but USANA Health Sciences does more than just offer stock options. Some of the common reasons that people invest is to increase their own financial position by increasing income and tax advantages as well as boosting the economy (NYSE, 2013). But what if the money you invested into a company improved your health, your wealth, and your future? After the allegations of the company being a pyramid scheme in 2007, Dr. Wentz actually considered taking the public company private again by buying out all of the investors but the board of directors talked him out of this decision. Since then, the company has doubled in size and individual shares are worth $77.58 as of close of the markets on December 20, 2013 (Yahoo, 2013). From and investment point of view, it would seem that investing in Dr. Wentz’s dream of a world free of pain and disease is an investment that will pay off in more ways than just in the pocket book. Better health, financial freedom, and a company that is determined to improve the world around it – seems like a solid investment with very little risk.

USANA associates and customers are seen everywhere living and promoting healthy lifestyles from local parks and schools, to cancer and chronic illness awareness gatherings, to the Olympic medal podium. These people have determined to improve their lives and because of the vision of a true entrepreneur, Dr. Myron Wentz, it is not only a possibility – it can easily be reality. Many entrepreneurs have introduced products and services that I utilize every day, from the Keurig that brews my delicious coffee, to the Hewitt Packard computer were I research homework projects and write blogs to encourage fellow Fibromyalgia fighters, to the company where I work as an office administrator but only one entrepreneur has truly changed my life by helping to improve my health, my wealth, my family, and my friendships. The vision of Dr. Myron Wentz has become my vision too – to share with my world a healthier and pain free life full of adventure, smiles, and love. Here is to my life, my health, my way!

Resources

Forbes (Aug. 8, 2007). Hard To Swallow. Retrieved from the Forbes.com, Inc. webpage:

http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/08/usana-vitamins-marketing-markets-equities-cx_er_0808usana.html

Investopedia (2013). Multi Level Marketing. Retrieved from the ValueClick, Inc. webpage:

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/multi-level-marketing.asp

NYSE (2013). Reasons to Invest. Retrieved from the New York Stock Exchange webpage:

http://www.liffeinvestor.com/learning-center/investing-basics/reasons-to-invest

Outsider (2013). The Best Places to Work 2013. Retrieved from the Mariah Media Network,

LLC webpage: http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/best-jobs/best-jobs-2013@gpkg/the-top-100/The-100-Best-Places-to-Work-100-76

True (2013). Relieve Suffering. Retrieved from the USANA True Health Foundation webpage:

http://www.usanafoundation.org/about-us/mission/

USANA (2013). Meet the Founder. Retrieved from the USANA Health Sciences webpage:

http://www.usana.com/dotCom/about/founder

USANA (2013). The Future Already Looks Bright in Columbia. Retrieved from the USANA

Health Science webpage: http://www.usana.com/dotCom/about/ColombiaOpen

USANA (2013). Investor Relations & Corporate Profile. Retrieved from the USANA Health

Science webpage: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=95179&p=irol-irhome

Yahoo (2013). Yahoo Finances, USANA Health Sciences. Retrieved from the Yahoo Finance

webpage: http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=USNA+Interactive#symbol=usna;range=5y;compare=;indicator=volume;charttype=area;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=off;source=undefined;

How Bad Can It Get?

I try to be active on a number of online support groups for Fibromyalgia Fighters and so I see a lot of questions, gripes, confusion from new fighters, and suggestions for ways to cope. This is a questions that was posted on one of the boards this morning and my response to it. I will not post anyone's name out of respect for their privacy.

Question:
I have a question it seem like to me my fibromyalgia is getting worse and if anyone else Is going through this comment back how bad can it actually get ?

My Response: (with some added details)
I think that a lot of it is dependent on our physical and mental atmospheres - like everyone has said there are good days and bad. I went through a point in my life were my fibro was so bad I was forced to live with someone because I literally could not care for myself (at 27 years old).  I was in a bad place mentally and I have to admit that suicide was a constant thought. I was mentally and physically miserable and I feel this contributed to my extreme fibro state. Fast forward 2 years and yes I still have days were mentally I become so dark and exhausted that physically I can't move but I have a home and job that provides for my daughter and I am constantly researching and trying new things to moderate my pain and improve my life.

Moral of the story being: yes it can get bad but maintaining a positive outlook and being proactive, goes a long way to keeping this disease from ruining your life  best wishes!

I was plunged into this massive flare because I had lost my job due to downsizing and I was very worried about finding a pharmacy job that would allow me as a single parent to care for my child and would not aggravate my Fibromyalgia. I am grateful for a family who allowed me to move home and even though she is in a wheelchair herself, my mother was always encouraging and even understood when I was in so much pain that all I could do was lay in bed and cry.

Working through suicidal thoughts is more exhausting than the pain itself, but let me tell you that even though we feel that they (our family and friends) would be better off without having to deal with our pain, think about the pain they would go through if they lost you. I am not saying that it will be an easy journey and from time to time I still face that Dark Demon but it is a demon I will defeat every time because I have come to realize that I have so much to offer this world - especially my daughter.

We can't know if there will ever be a cure for Fibromyalgia and while I have found a lifestyle that helps to manage mine in ways that medication never could, I do still have hard days and days I want to just give up. But we are FIGHTERS! We have come too far to let it slow us down anymore than it already does! So no matter how hard it gets, KEEP FIGHTING! If you need extra support, an understanding ear, you are always welcome to email me or leave me a message here, and we will fight TOGETHER and we will fight until your demon has been vanquished.

Because that is what friends do.

Here's to Happy and Healthy!
Rachel

Another Success Story!!

Hi Friends!

This is super short because charmingly, thanks to the ice storm that hit North Texas and the insane amount of ice we have, a WATER MAIN broke in the apartment above me and yes, MY house flooded. But it's all good. Just time to lace up those old combat boots, relocate my daughter to a dry warm location, and drive on.

However, I wanted to share a blog that belongs to a friend of mine, and invite you to stop in as she tells her story with the USANA RESET Weight loss and Wellness program! Show her some love, tell you I sent you, and see just how much USANA can change lives.

Dora's Blog - Reset Release Rejuvenate

If you are ready to start your weight loss and wellness journey, please please contact me, and we can do this together! Send me an email at rachelprelsey@usana.com and I will be in contact with you soon!

Stay Warm!
Rachel

Beauty in ALL of Us

Oh My Goodness Friends!! You MUST watch this!! This amazing artist took and made manikins of individuals with disabilities and I have to admit - I teared up, this is just so touching and so beautiful!

My mother and older brother are in wheelchairs because of Multiple Sclerosis and combining that with my own disabilities brought on physical injuries and complicated by the Fibromyalgia, I have gained a deeper respect for individuals who have disabilities they were born with. Individuals like the beautiful people in this video. I think that often times society looks down on people with disabilities because they are different and let's face it, its human nature to fear the unknown. I struggle with being so young and needing a full leg brace and sometimes my cane to walk but I have to remind myself how blessed I am to still have my legs because I know that my Mum and brother would give anything to have control of theirs again.

But I find myself judging others too sometimes which is not a good thing. I remember an incident when I was in significant pain, was struggling to move at all, much less walk, and so I parked in the handicap parking while my daughter and I slowly made our way into the store for groceries. When we come out, moving extremely slowly because now I am completely fatigued and the pain is over the top, and there is a huge land yacht of a suburban trying to squeeze in next to my smaller vehicle. As this older lady climbs out of the vehicle, my daughter and I waited so we could get into our car. I was informed by this lady that I should be "ashamed of myself being so lazy and taking up handicap parking that was reserved for older people who needed it." I have to admit...my anger BOILED over and I am pretty sure that if my daughter hadn't been standing next to me, I probably would have read that lady the riot act and suggest that she be more careful getting out of her huge truck so that she didn't fall and break a hip.

Fortunately, what this incident reminds me of and I strive to impress upon my child, is that everyone has unique situations and we should never judge, criticize, or alienate someone just because they have a disability - seen or unseen.

I DO have to remind myself that even though I may walk funny, can't participate in certain activities because of my pain, or have to limit my activities because of the overwhelming fatigue, I AM STILL BEAUTIFUL and you know what, SO ARE YOU! It is hard to not let our disabilities get us down but those same disabilities allow us to see the world in new way and THAT should be celebrated.

Find the BEAUTY in you and see the beauty all around you!
Be Happy, Be Healthy!
Rachel

Do it for them!

I know that this incredibly cute picture pleads for the care of our Environment for our future generations, but why shouldn't we look at our health in the same way? Our children will emulate our actions and our thought processes and we if want them to have a better tomorrow, then we as parents have to make healthy decisions today. It is hard sometimes to find the motivation to keep working out, to maintain a healthy menu, and to build a lifestyle that promotes being healthy but I know for me, it is looking at my daughter and seeing the way she grows everyday, that drives me to be a better parent and teach her what it is to be Happy and Healthy!

One of our favorite things to do is to go for walks and on our walks we take a small grocery bag and she will collect all the aluminum cans that she passes. She has done this since she was old enough to walk - at first it was a game and now its more exciting to her than a scavenger hunt. When we have collected a large amount of cans, we take them to the scrap metal collectors and she gets to exchange her cans for monies for her Money Jar. Last year alone she collected $54 in aluminum. When we go for our walks we talk about anything and everything and get to enjoy the fresh air and exercise! It may seem like a little thing, insignificant even, but I know how much it means to her because she talks those walks and the things that we see and discuss.

So even if making those changes to being Happy and Healthy seem overwhelming, just remember that while we do it for ourselves, it is ultimately our children who will benefit and we will leave a legacy of making healthy decisions.

Be Happy! Be Healthy!
Rachel

Powerful Antioxidant and Immune Boost

After my 6 years of working in hospital pharmacies, both Out Patient and In Patient, I learned that the scariest word a doctor could say to their patient was "Cancer". This is a terrifying prognosis for many individuals because the next thing they have to face is surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and all the traumatizing side effects of these drastic measures. I actually made many and dispensed many of these medications when I was worked in Chemotherapy and Nuclear pharmacies. I saw many patients suffer and wither away, and while many of them survived, I did have some who were not so lucky.

I have family members who have and are still fighting various cancers including lung cancer and colon cancer and watching them struggle was tough enough. Then, after having to have some unusually large moles biopsied, I got told that I had a skin cancer and would need to have the numerous tumors removed and then have chemotherapy to ensure that all of the abnormal cells were destroyed. Well, let’s just say, that if I knew then what I know now, I would have SKIPPED the chemo and just LOADED up on NATURAL antioxidants and let my body do what it was created to do - HEAL ITSELF! 

Cancer is scary and is the #2 cause of death in the world. Unfortunately, there is little people can do in advanced stages. But as time goes by more and more research turns over more answers, more possibilities. According to "new research" by the University of Colorado, Grape Seed Extract has shown incredible results when compared to chemotherapy. Check out this amazing article about the incredible benefits of Grape Seed Extract

http://www.undergroundhealth.com/grape-seed-extract-outperforms-chemo-in-killing-advanced-cancer-cells/

Of course Dr. Myron Wentz, the founder of USANA, has known this for years now. Knowledge like this is why he developed the most potent Grape Seed Extract combined with Vitamin C, which causes a synergistic effect (1+1=3) when used together, in Proflavanol C100. As a Fibro Fighter I know that I have problems with my immune system and I take Proflavanol EVER DAY to keep my Immune System in fighting condition - the natural way! And even better, when I feel like I am getting sick or my body needs a kick, I can take extra tablets and know that it is only going to improve my Immune Systems fighting ability!

Boost your Immune System today with the knock-out antioxidant power of Proflavanol!