Built on Solid Principles: the Melaleuca Story

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Introduction

“Men make history and not the other way around…Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” - Harry S. Truman

In 1985, an American businessman, the son of a humble Idaho railroad worker, found himself in a position which is every businessman’s personal nightmare. He had burned his bridges behind him, leaving a secure career and high-paying job for a venture that had turned out to be nothing more than a major lemon. His dilemma was particularly painful. Not only did he passionately want the venture to succeed, but he was possessed with a character trait not usually found in the dog-eat-dog world of business—he cared. He cared, not only about the integrity of the enterprise, but for all those his business touched.

The story has a happy ending.

The businessman analyzed the reasons for the venture’s failure. From this, he constructed a model for a business that would not only succeed but would do so with grace. Drawing on the down-home values of his wholesome Idaho upbringing, he turned a lemon into lemonade. He even went further than that. He planted the seeds from the lemon and a giant tree flourished and produces fruit to this day.

That man is, of course, Frank VanderSloot, CEO of Melaleuca, Inc.

At one level this may seem to be the onset of a rags-to-riches story and, indeed, there is a component of that. Frank VanderSloot was appointed to the Board of Directors of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the most powerful business force in the nation’s capital, in 1991. Furthermore, USA Today, CNN, and Ernst & Young named him “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2001. His home state of Idaho has bestowed upon him the title of “Idaho’s Business Leader of the Year” and in 2007 he was inducted into Idaho’s Hall of Fame.

However, this is more than the story of what Frank attained. Nor is it simply a description of what he built. Of paramount significance is how he built an organization of such solid integrity that it has survived the fickle economic climate of the last twenty years and has continued to flourish beyond all expectations.

It is a tale of lessons learned, of weaknesses transformed into strength, and adversity into triumph. It is a model for all those who have ever had to deal with failure and the bitter experiences of promises unfulfilled.

Although there were three founding partners of Melaleuca, it is no disrespect to the merits of the other partners, Roger and Allen Ball, to say that Melaleuca, Inc. would not be what it is today without the vision of the president and CEO, Frank L. VanderSloot.

Frank founded Melaleuca, Inc. on the basis of a mission statement. This was not just rhetoric, but a powerful principle that is a key to the Melaleuca experience. “To enhance the lives of those we touch” is its aim. It is impossible to separate the mission statement from the man, the principle is so essential to Frank’s being.

Thus, in order to convey the crucial role that Frank VanderSloot’s values have played in the forming of Melaleuca, each chapter of this book is written around one of the founding principles.

In Chapter One, we learn about the discovery of melaleuca oil by the Ball brothers and the failure of Melaleuca, Inc.’s predecessor, Oil of Melaleuca, Inc. This failure was a turning point in Frank’s life, enabling him to form a company based on personal values which he felt essential to the survival of a business. Thus, the new company, Melaleuca, Inc., was built on a structure which avoided all the pitfalls of the failed business and formed the foundations for a new style of business. This gives the chapter its title and its purpose—“Building a Business to Last a Lifetime.”

Chapter Two presents the key elements in Frank’s personal development. We meet his mentors, the men and women who enabled him to become what he is today, particularly his father and Peter Dalebout. With their input, Frank was empowered to slough off his personal limitations and to blossom into a powerful leader such that he has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people positively. Frank’s transformation is an actual realization of the belief that one person can make a difference. It is a principle that Frank has called “The Power of One.”

In Chapter Three, we discuss the innovative Consumer Direct Marketing™ system. The aim of this system is no less than to give all Americans an equal opportunity. This is not just an opportunity to earn more, but also to enjoy the freedom given by money—time. Time for family, love, friendships, relationships. Time for those things which VanderSloot sincerely believes are what life is all about. Key elements in the system are discussed in detail, as well as their implications and ramifications, revealing how Melaleuca’s Marketing Executives can accomplish its goal of “Redistributing the Opportunity for Wealth.”

One of the basic credos of Melaleuca is that no one should be hurt—either in the business or by the business. The latter is achieved by an emphasis on quality products made from natural substances which are beneficial to the customer and yet have minimal impact on the environment. By networking with the scientific community, Melaleuca has produced superlative products at competitive prices. As a result, Melaleuca has become an innovator in the fields of nutrition, health, and household cleaning products—all designed to improve the quality of life. Melaleuca has evolved a system whereby they take the best from nature and use science to unlock its secrets and validate its benefits—in other words, “The Best of Science and Nature.”

In the final chapter, we learn how this policy of networking with scientists to investigate new developments in natural products has led Melaleuca to an incredible pioneer product that, in the coming years, may revolutionize a billion-dollar industry and change forever the way Americans deal with the #1 killer in the U.S.—heart disease. “What the Future Holds” for Melaleuca is yet to be seen. But all indications are, the future looks very bright—very bright indeed.

At the root of this phenomenal success, the driving force is the mission statement—and no one speaks more eloquently about this than Frank VanderSloot himself…
A videotaped interview in VanderSloot’s office...

Frank VanderSloot sits in a comfortable armchair, relaxed. He is calm beneath the glare of the bright lights and answers the interviewer’s questions with the proficiency of a man who knows his facts. It is Frank, the seasoned businessman, who sits there so easily; the man who inspired sufficient confidence in the United States Chamber of Commerce that they singled him out “to be an outstanding member of the Board.”

The interview gains momentum. Frank answers without hesitation. He obviously knows his subject well. The interviewer asks about Melaleuca’s mission statement. Frank reiterates it, a statement reproduced countless times in Melaleuca literature. When he says it, the words suddenly resonate with a quiet power. “To enhance the lives of those we touch by helping people reach their goals.”

The statement rings with the intriguing freshness of a deeply-held conviction. He talks about the things that bring people joy; their values; the things that are really important—family, relationships. “We’re about helping people reach their values,” Frank insists.

The interviewer asks about the key to Melaleuca’s success. A subtle change comes over Frank. He leans forward, his tone sharpens. “It’s the products. Clearly, it’s the products.” He is still calm but his voice is animated. “I feel that sometimes there’s a tendency for people to present that it’s the marketing plan that brings us our success.” He looks pained. It is obvious this is a major concern. “Without having the best products that money can buy, we really don’t have an excuse to be here.”

The interviewer asks if there is anything that could stop the company’s growth. “If we lost sight of who we are and what we stand for. If we lost sight of ethics.” He shakes his head. “If somehow we let greed creep in…”

The interviewer asks about Frank’s vision for Melaleuca. “Well, it’s exciting. The world’s wide open for us…” Frank’s face changes to a broad smile. “If we do it right…we can capitalize on this $200 billion industry…so, we’ve not even started.”

As the lights dim and the interview ends, you are left with the distinct impression that this is not a public-relations stance by Frank VanderSloot. He is, in effect, living out values which he cannot, and will not, live without. That Melaleuca is not simply a business, but a cause.

Because Melaleuca is more than just a business, because it has as its core belief those values of loyalty, friendship, family and freedom dear to all mankind, it has survived and it will survive. It has been built on principles as solid and enduring as stone. Therefore, any impression of Melaleuca is best presented by the granite background and stone pillars depicted on the cover of this book. If a builder were to construct a building with longevity as his primary objective, he would probably choose stone as his building material. Building a business to last a lifetime is one of Melaleuca’s top objectives. And it will last a lifetime—and beyond. It will still be flourishing when its leaders have long gone. Frank VanderSloot made it that way because it is “Built on Solid Principles.”

Sheltered by the sturdy edifice of these principles, there has flourished a gigantic tree whose branches protrude wider and whose roots dig deep even into the thin soil of these precarious times. The tree blossoms today and its fruit can be shared by anyone who wants to stand with Frank beneath those stout stone pillars.

This is the story you are about to read—the story of Melaleuca, Inc. It is not just Frank VanderSloot’s story or my story—it is our story.

~ Richard M Barry

Personal Care Product Success Stories

My favorite Melaleuca story is when Frank told the story about his mom and her siblings and how she was the last one of 17 to survive. He owes it all to our Melaleuca products and especially the Peak Performance Packs. He got so emotional and it brought tears to MY eyes seeing how passionate he is everytime he talks about the Peak Performance Packs. He is truly one amazing man, and I am so thankful that I found Melaleuca and their products! It’s been such a life changer for me and my family.

~ Angel

When I was introduced to Melaleuca it was a week before I got a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer! I was thinking, "Well I would love these products... do I want to commit?" After the diagnosis, I was frantic to rid my home and life of anything which could inflame my body. I had throat cancer and faced months of arduous radiation and chemotherapy. We enrolled and replaced all the toxic products with Melaleuca products and have never ever regretted it.
Six and a half years cancer free. I love Melaleuca as a range of products and as a company.

~ Merritt

Six years ago I lost my parents, they both died almost at the same time. My mom died of thyroid cancer and my dad died of a massive heart attack a month before her. I didn't accept their deaths; I instead inserted myself into investigating the reason why people die of cancer and what I discovered was very shocking, as I didn't know about the bad, toxic ingredients in those personal care and cleaning products that are in the market today. I started searching for other natural and ecological products. That is how I found Melaleuca online. Nobody approached me about Melaleuca before; I wish someone did, perhaps my parents were still alive today. I now live on a mission sharing this amazing Melaleuca Co/Frank Vandersloot's story with everyone that comes to my life because I believe that like me, there are many people out there that do not know the real facts about those products that are causing so much damage to our health! I'm a healthier person today because of the Melaleuca's products and especially because of the Peak performance that I'm taking since day one.

I constantly purchase several copies of The Melaleuca Wellness Guide to give them to my customers and prospects as it is an amazing book to keep us informed about the use of the products. I have mine always with me!

~ Maria

I have been a satisfied customer of Melaleuca for 23 years and I honestly say that in my opinion there is no other company out there that has the integrity and honesty and scientific research and that cares about people as much as Melaleuca does. I love The Melaleuca Wellness Guide and with it have easily taken care of ailments I have had, and have helped others as well with the simple and effective tips and testimonials that you have in your newsletters. I wish everybody would have a good look at what this company has to offer whether as someone who simply wants to be a happy shopper or as someone who wants to tell a friend about it too. From 1990 to 1996 I was in a kind of a burnout trying all sorts of vitamins from supposedly good sources. I was always tired but didn’t want to let people know for fear of it affecting my work. In October of 1996, an old friend called me out of the blue and wanted to tell me about this company. Mela-what?? Of course I was skeptical and initially, I said no, but I called him back the next day and said, “Okay, tell me.” I could have so easily said no and totally missed hearing about this wonderful company and their product line. The supplements, as well as the other products, changed my life, and as corny as that sounds it’s completely true. I could not imagine not using these products. I feel it’s an honor to have been put on my friend’s calling list and am eternally grateful to have had this knowledge shared with me. Thank you to Frank VanderSloot for his vision and his wonderful company.

~ Liz

I was introduced to Melaleuca in July of 2017. I was wanting to try the GC Control for my mother in law, cause she has diabetes. And I thought maybe if I’d use the laundry detergent, especially for my youngest son’s laundry, he could hopefully get rid of his rash. Well, I ended up getting a few GC Controls for my mother-in-law but I was HOOKED when I started using the cleaners and laundry detergent etc. No more store brands for us!

~ Esther