He’s an innovator because…instrumental in getting DSHEA passed, he continues to work in front of and behind the scenes on the legal and regulatory front.

The Background:

Loren Israelsen is president of LDI Group, Salt Lake City, UT, a consulting firm that specializes in dietary supplement and functional food commercial and regulatory advice. He was previously general counsel, then president and CEO, of herbal supplement manufacturer Nature’s Way. He is also executive director of the Utah Natural Products Alliance.

Words of Wisdom:

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far?

“My biggest challenge has been watching the industry appear to self-destruct following the long Christmas morning of DSHEA.”

What should be the measure of success in our industry?

“Are we doing this with a sense of higher purpose? Our industry existed as the ‘alternative,’ a last resort for people searching to recover their health. This gave us a very clear sense of purpose. Commercial success does not set us apart. That was the last thing on the minds of the people who started this industry. We stood our ground on issues that meant something; we were agents of change. That is a true measure of success. That is our legacy.”

Where would you like to see your company/your work/your industry in five years?

“Five years from now, I’d like to see the industry smaller. I’d also like to see it respected by our critics. No matter what consumers reach for on shelves, I’d like them to be confident that they are getting a quality product that is good for them.

“Those of us who purport to be leaders in the industry also need to be examples of what we represent. We need a personal sense of balance and harmony, which many of us are struggling to hold onto.

“On a personal note, in five years I’d love to be helping young kids from tough backgrounds be introduced to the arts. In Newark, NJ, there was a program where kids were given inexpensive cameras and invited to take black & white photos of whatever they wanted. These pictures were then hung in public buildings around the city. These kids suddenly were valued and respected. The arts is a key to many hearts.”

Are we making a difference?

“Yes, we are making a difference, but it needs to be a difference with a purpose. If we’re not scaring ourselves some of the time, we are playing it too safe and the differences we make are insignificant.”
If you could change one thing, on an industry-wide scale, that would open up new opportunities for all industry, what would it be?

“I would like to be given a magic wand to appoint the next FDA commissioner.”