Innovative Nutrition Solutions

Dr. Louis Ignarro, 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine (Founder, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board Chairman). Dr. Ignarro, Founder of NutraGenetics, is also Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology at UCLA. Dr. Ignarro received the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his breakthrough discovery of Nitric Oxide as a unique signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system, enabling improved blood flow throughout the body. One of the many advances that resulted directly from his work was the development of the blockbuster erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. Dr. Ignarro is the author of the best-selling book NO More Heart Disease, explaining the many cardiovascular benefits of increased nitric oxide production. He received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy from Columbia University in 1962, followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmacology with minor in Physiology from the University of Minnesota in 1966.

Dave Brubaker (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer). Dave has been the driving force behind entrepreneurial health and nutrition companies since 1968, including Leiner Health Products (1973), The Feeling Fine Company (1997), and Health Well Ventures (2003). Between 1973 and 1997, Dave founded and built the Leiner Health Products Company, growing it from nothing into the largest vitamin manufacturer in the United States, with distribution in over 50,000 retail outlets. The company grew successfully under Dave's leadership and was taken public in 1985, eventually achieving sales of $700M and a market capitalization of $750M. He retired from active duty as Leiner's Chairman and Founder in 1997. Dave received his undergraduate Business degree from the University of Southern California in 1966 and his graduate degree in marketing from USC in 1968.

Dr. Andrew Myers (President and Chief Science Officer). Dr. Myers is a naturopathic physician with nearly 20 years of experience developing new nutritional products and consumer-friendly product positioning statements. Dr. Myers has also worked to support sales and marketing teams with large mass-market retail customers including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Costco and QVC. Dr. Myers also has extensive television and radio experience and has lectured widely to health professionals, the US military and the public on all aspects of natural health. He is the author of the newly released book entitled Simple Health Value. Dr. Myers received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington and his undergraduate degree in Biology (Molecular) from the University of Arizona.

Gary Amato (Vice President and Chief Operating Officer). Gary has spent his business career of over 35 years in the creation, launching, development, and operation of a variety of businesses. These have included manufacturing, retailing, distribution, real estate, and sales marketing endeavors. His experience includes operations, finance, marketing, and sales management. His achievements include the assembly of professional business organizations, the development of product lines and manufacturing capabilities, the hiring and management of sales and sales support staff, and the creation of comprehensive marketing plans with collateral materials. As an initial investing partner in NutraGenetics, he has served on the Board of Directors since the inception of the company. In 2006 he took on the added duties of Chief Operating and Finance Officer. Gary has a BA in Finance from Ohio University and has completed a variety of marketing and sales related programs. While new to the nutraceuticals business, Gary brings a wealth of experience and past success to the NutraGenetics team.

Stan Kahn (Executive Vice President and Director of Global Sales). Stan spent 19 years selling nutraceuticals into mass market retail sales channels with Leiner Health Products. During this time Stan led the company from $14M in sales to $700M. Among his major achievements was the successful integration of multiple sales forces and broker networks that were brought under the Leiner umbrella as the result of acquisitions. In 1999 Stan became Senior Vice President of Rite-Aid Corp. and forged a highly innovative strategic alliance with GNC that resulted in over 1,000 GNC locations being opened within Rite-Aid stores. This alliance continues to be a significant part of Rite-Aid's strategic direction. Stan attended Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio.

Denny Hooten (Vice President of Sales and Marketing). Denny started his career in television producing commercials and international science documentaries for PBS and Discovery Channel. He won four Telly awards for best commercial production and produced a feature film that was nominated for Best Comedy at Shriekfest in 2001. In 2002, Denny was hired as the Marketing Director for Africa Harvest, a non-profit organization that uses technology to feed the people of Kenya, and eventually served on the Board of Directors.  Denny also served as an instructor of advertising and media communications at Louisiana State University. Denny earned his undergraduate degree in digital media from Otis College of Art & Design in 2001 and earned his graduate degree in economics from Pepperdine in 2004.