Melaleuca: The Wellness Company is a consumer packaged goods company that sells health and wellness products in a variety of categories. The company is headquartered in Idaho Falls and is one of the largest private companies in Idaho.

The Wellness Company offers a portfolio of products that it markets as safer, healthier, more sustainable alternatives to many common household products, such as home cleaning and personal care products. The company’s mission statement is “to enhance the lives of those we touch by helping people reach their goals.”

As a manufacturer and online retailer, Melaleuca primarily sells its products online through the Melaleuca website. Local residents also have the option to shop at its physical store in downtown Idaho Falls. Melaleuca was founded in 1985 and has consistently grown since that time. Since 2017, the company has been generating $2 billion in annual revenue, and it is the largest online wellness shopping club in North America.

Melaleuca products are used in approximately 2 million households each month in the 19 countries where it operates. As a result, Melaleuca has become Idaho’s largest e-commerce company and one of the top 100 e-commerce companies in North America.

The vast majority of Americans want to buy products that are made in the United States — Melaleuca knows that and strives to support American manufacturing and offer American-made products. The company has about 2,000 employees in the US. Its call centers are in the US, and it has manufacturing and distribution centers in Idaho Falls, Knoxville and Kansas City.

Melaleuca Products

When Melaleuca was founded, it offered eight products, all of which contained the company’s namesake, melaleuca oil, usually called tea tree oil. Now, more than 38 years later, Melaleuca offers over 400 exclusive health and wellness products that use many different ingredients marketed as safe and natural. These offerings include personal care

products, home cleaning products, nutrition products and supplements, snacks and foods, baby care products, cosmetics, medicines and treatments and essential oils.

The company employs a team of scientists and researchers and strives to use safe, effective and evidence-based ingredients in its products.

Melaleuca’s best-selling products include Peak Performance Nutrition Pack, MelaPower laundry detergent, Renew lotion, FiberWise fiber drink, and Sol-U-Guard Botanical.

“Our products are being enthusiastically embraced throughout the world,” Melaleuca founder and executive chairman Frank VanderSloot said. “Although Melaleuca has experienced periods of explosive growth over the years, consumers are flocking to Melaleuca now more than ever because they are concerned about their family’s overall health. They are searching for effective, safe, natural health and wellness products, which is Melaleuca’s specialty. When it comes to their health, people don’t want to take shortcuts, and they are relying on Melaleuca’s superior product line to enjoy healthier, more vibrant lives.”

Melaleuca has an impressive 96% retention rate. The company attributes this high retention rate to its products that are used daily or monthly —everyday items like soap, snack bars and supplements. Melaleuca also points to this statistic as evidence of its customer loyalty and the quality of its consumable goods.

Melaleuca Product Philosophy

Melaleuca advertises its exclusive products as safe, effective, eco-friendly and affordable. To guide its product development, whether for existing or new products, the company adheres to the following seven guidelines or considerations:

1. Melaleuca products must align with the company’s mission of enhancing lives and improving the well-being of Melaleuca customers.

2. Melaleuca products must be unique and superior to competitor products. Their formulas should be innovative, inspired by nature and backed by science.

3. When a formula is regulated, such as a medicine, the product must be superior through better pricing while still meeting quality standards.

4. Even with high-quality ingredients, products must have reasonable and competitive pricing; Melaleuca wants to give all consumers access to wellness solutions.

5. Melaleuca products are not based on fleeting trends but on sustained demand and thoroughly researched ingredients.

6. Whenever possible, Melaleuca's wellness products and investments are safeguarded with patents and trade secrets.

7. Whenever possible, Melaleuca seeks to maintain control over its supply chain and manufacturing, and the company prioritizes in-house development.

Environmental Consciousness

Melaleuca customers appreciate that the company is committed to protecting the environment. Melaleuca understands that it has a responsibility to create products that are safe for consumers and the planet.

Melaleuca’s lineup of cleaning products is called EcoSense, which includes surface cleaners, laundry detergent and stain remover, dishwasher detergent, and toilet bowl cleaner. Melaleuca develops its EcoSense products with biodegradable ingredients and concentrated formulations that minimize plastic waste, fuel and water consumption, and emissions. By utilizing environmentally friendly practices, Melaleuca has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and has become an advocate for sustainable practices within the consumer goods industry.

Melaleuca Business Model

Melaleuca competes against industry giants like Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever. But the company uses a different approach to distributing its consumer packaged goods (CPG) to the masses.

Much like Amazon, Melaleuca customers order online, and products are shipped directly to the customer’s home. Rather than rely on traditional retail shopping outlets like their competitors, Melaleuca uses word-of-mouth marketing from its customers.

Melaleuca calls this strategy Consumer Direct Marketing. This model allows Melaleuca to sidestep the costly battles over shelf space in the retail stores, instead investing those funds in researching and developing its products. This also means that the products are free from the influence of retailers.

Melaleuca’s business model compensates marketing executives, a term Melaleuca uses to describe those who refer customers and help them set up shopping accounts. To date, Melaleuca has paid $7.4 billion to marketing executives who have made referrals and have helped others to do so.

With Consumer Direct Marketing, there’s no middleman markup, which typically means lower prices and a strong brand loyalty based on personalized product development. Word-of-mouth advertising is formidable because it helps Melaleuca customers establish a direct relationship with the company and learn about the products. In fact, every current Melaleuca shopper was referred by someone who was already purchasing the products.

Leadership

Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, Frank VanderSloot

Frank VanderSloot was born in 1948 in Billings, Montana. He grew up on a farm in a small town in northern Idaho. His family was poor, and his father was a railroad worker. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University.

VanderSloot worked at Automatic Data Processing for nearly a decade before becoming a regional vice president at Cox Communications.

VanderSloot founded Melaleuca in 1985 and served as Melaleuca CEO for 37 years. He now oversees the company as executive chairman. Under VanderSloot’s leadership, Melaleuca has expanded into a multinational consumer packaged goods company that generates $2 billion in revenue each year. Melaleuca has also been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s best employers for four consecutive years.

In May 2022, VanderSloot announced that Jerry Felton would take the helm as the company’s new chief executive officer. VanderSloot moved to the position of executive chairman to put more of his attention on marketing and the directional and leadership aspects of Melaleuca’s global operations.

VanderSloot has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, USA Today and CNN. VanderSloot serves on the US Chamber of Commerce board of directors and as a member of the Chamber’s executive committee. He is also a lifetime member of the Horatio

Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and has accepted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Chip Award.

Throughout his career, VanderSloot has been involved in philanthropic activities and heavily engaged in community outreach. He has been acknowledged by national and regional organizations for his charitable work and his professional leadership.

VanderSloot was instrumental in founding the Melaleuca Foundation, Melaleuca’s charitable arm that, among other things, provides relief after natural disasters. It is also the sole financial supporter of an orphanage in Ecuador. VanderSloot has been recognized by the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army for humanitarian work after natural disasters.

Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Felton

Before becoming Melaleuca CEO in 2022, Jerry Felton spent a decade leading Melaleuca’s international operations. He was president of Melaleuca International for four years and senior vice president of international for 10 years. Under his direction, Melaleuca expanded globally throughout Asia and Europe and the company’s revenues tripled.

Felton’s previous professional experience included 17 years as an executive at UPS, the largest shipping company in the world. While part of UPS, Felton rose to the position of vice president of global account sales.

In the public announcement addressing Felton’s new responsibilities as Melaleuca CEO, Felton said, “I will carry forward the principles, values, and traditions that Frank has established over the past 37 years. Sure, I’ll bring my experience and perspectives to the role, but I won’t forget the principles that brought us here. I’m committed to carrying forward the legacy that Frank and all of our Marketing Executives and customers have created.

“We’re at a great time at Melaleuca right now,” Felton added. “Our business is strong, it’s vibrant, and it’s growing. Our success can be attributed to foundational principles, solid leadership, and a culture that delivers on our noble mission of enhancing lives. Our business model is more relevant and more sustainable than it has ever been. Our future is very bright, and we should all be proud of what we’ve built under Frank’s leadership.”

Melaleuca Employment

According to the Idaho Statesman’s ranking of Idaho’s top 100 private companies, Melaleuca is the state’s sixth largest private employer with over 1,700 people in Idaho and 4, 600 around the world.

The company says that “Melaleuca takes pride in being a value-driven organization that treats team members with respect. Employment extends far beyond the walls of our buildings as team members and their families enjoy company parties and countless discounts around the community. We implement a very real open-door policy. Work feels more like a family than a global company.” Forbes ranked Melaleuca on its 2023 list of America’s Best Employers after recognizing the company in 2022 and 2021. The business publication also named Melaleuca as part of America’s Best Employers by State in 2020 and 2021, and it recognized Melaleuca in the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Women in 2022.

Along with a variety of benefits, Melaleuca rewards long-term employees with longevity bonuses. All team members who have five years of service receive a $5,000 bonus, $10,000 at 10 years, $15,000 at 15 years, $33,000 ($20,000 net) at 20 years, $25,000 at 25 years, $30,000 at 30 years, and $35,000 at 35 years.

Since this program began in 2007, The Wellness Company has paid $39,643,795 in Loyalty and Long-Term Contribution Bonuses. Each year, Melaleuca pays out many other kinds of bonuses, such as profit sharing, recognition awards and incentives based on productivity and performance.

Employees highlight Melaleuca’s culture of generosity, community and fun. Each summer, Melaleuca hosts an annual picnic with free helicopter rides, all-you-can-eat food, and a full-scale carnival. During the holidays, Melaleuca puts on a festive Halloween celebration for Team Members’ children and grandchildren as well as a Christmas party with world-class entertainment.

Melaleuca Websites

Melaleuca.com is the company's primary website, where customers learn about products and place their orders, and where the marketing executives (independent representatives) can access the resources they need for their roles. MelaleucaNews.com is the company's news website, which features stories about Melaleuca's recognition and interactions with the public. MelaleucaJournal.com is about the company's culture and products. Melaleuca.org is the Melaleuca Foundation's website, which features stories about the foundation's humanitarian efforts.

Social Media Feeds:

Facebook: Melaleuca, Instagram: @melaleuca inc, Twitter: @melaleuca, LinkedIn: Melaleuca: The Wellness Company, YouTube: Melaleuca, Pinterest: Melaleuca

Places of Business and Locations

Melaleuca operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Philanthropy

The Melaleuca Foundation has served as Melaleuca’s charitable arm since 2001; it was created after the horrendous attacks on September 11.

Since that crucial time, Melaleuca and the foundation have provided disaster relief and engaged in other acts of charity, including educational initiatives, food bank donations, refugee assistance and other humanitarian aid.

Natural Disasters

Melaleuca's philanthropic efforts extend globally. The company has become known for responding promptly to natural disasters. When wildfires virtually destroyed Lahaina, Hawaii, the company responded with cash, food, and generators.

Strong hurricanes are becoming commonplace, and when Katrina, Maria, Harvey, Florence, Ian, and Otis caused massive destruction and loss of life, Melaleuca sent food, cleaning supplies, and generators to the affected families and individuals, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in donated goods.

After Typhoon Rai ripped through thousands of Filipino villages, Melaleuca of the Philippines coordinated with several nonprofits to send relief to victims. In total, Melaleuca of the Philippines has donated $250,000 of products to Filipino relief charities.

During these crucial times, Melaleuca is often a trusted collaborator with nonprofit organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Melaleuca has given millions of dollars to food banks and other organizations across the globe.

Melaleuca Freedom Celebration

The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration commemorates the principles of liberty upon which the United States of America was founded, and it honors our Founding Fathers, veterans, and service members as well as their families who have sacrificed so that we may enjoy our freedoms.

The event launched in 1992, and until the year 2000, it was considered the third-largest show west of the Mississippi River. In May 2000, then Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot announced that he was tired of saying “third-largest.” He committed to making the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi, and since that time, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration has held that title.

The fireworks are launched from the banks of the Snake River from an amphitheater that was specifically designed for that purpose. Each year, the pyrotechnics get bigger and better, with more shells and new displays. The event now features more than 18,000 shells.

The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration has been recognized by the American Pyrotechnics Association. Julie Heckman, the associations executive director, had this to say about the fireworks show: “Although the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration may be off the beaten path in Idaho Falls, Idaho, it’s worth the effort to behold this remarkable, competition-caliber fireworks show. This is one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays, and it’s appeared twice on the APA’s list of “must-see Independence Day fireworks displays.”

American Heritage Charter School

Frank VanderSloot’s commitment to education and community preservation was evident in the restoration of the historic New Sweden School building. For these efforts, Frank and his wife Belinda received the Heritage Achievement Award from the Bonneville County Heritage Association. The school had stood vacant for over 30 years, and seeing it come back to life was very meaningful to many in the community.

The VanderSloots invested approximately $2 million and countless hours into the restoration project, preserving the landmark's original features. The use of the restored school was then donated to the American Heritage Charter School, which provides an educational foundation for values like leadership, personal responsibility and patriotism.

Boy Scouts of America

In 2015, then Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot announced a donation of $3.5 million to the Boy Scouts of America Grand Teton Council. Presented during the Melaleuca Freedom

Celebration, the donation supported new facilities. VanderSloot has long been dedicated to fostering character, values and leadership skills in young men.

4-H Event Center

In 2019, Melaleuca contributed $275,000 to the construction of the Melaleuca 4-H Events Center at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds. Frank has long been an avid supporter of 4-H and providing children with hands-on, real-world experience. The events center provides a space for educational and community events and has given even more youth an opportunity to participate in programs.

Law Enforcement

Acknowledging the challenges faced by law enforcement, Melaleuca made a substantial $100,000 donation to the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), allowing the BCSO to purchase advanced rifle-grade bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets, an enormous upgrade from the standard-issue soft armor they were previously using. Melaleuca's commitment to the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel underscores the company's dedication to supporting and honoring our nation’s heroes.

Learn More

Saferforyourhome.com

Melaleuca.info

Melaleucafacts.com

Melaleucaawards.com

Melaleucajobs.com

FAQs

What is Melaleuca?

Melaleuca is a health and wellness company based in Idaho that manufactures and sells more than 400 exclusive wellness products for millions of households in 20 countries and territories. It is the largest manufacturer of consumer packaged goods in the Northwest United States and one of the largest catalog and online wellness retailers in North America.

How can I buy Melaleuca products?

Melaleuca products can be purchased online by anyone once they open a Melaleuca account. To learn more about becoming a member of the Melaleuca shopping club, call 800-522-3172.

Are Melaleuca products manufactured in the United States?

Melaleuca is the developer, manufacturer and online retailer of its 400+ consumable household products. Most Melaleuca products are manufactured at multiple manufacturing facilities in Idaho Falls, ID, and Knoxville, TN. Melaleuca also has manufacturing facilities in China for products sold in Asia.

Why are Melaleuca products concentrated?

As The Wellness Company, Melaleuca is open about taking environmental wellness seriously. One way it takes care of the environment is by concentrating its cleaning products. These products are 4x, 6x, 9x, and even 12x concentrated. Customers can add water to formulas from their tap in reusable mixing bottles. This reduces plastic use, storage space, and transportation cost. It also reduces waste, carbon fuel emissions, and power usage. Since it opened its doors in 1985, Melaleuca has saved over 260 million pounds of plastic, 45 million gallons of gasoline, and 1.4 billion pounds of harmful gas emissions.

Is Melaleuca an MLM?

Melaleuca is not an MLM company. Melaleuca does not require buyers to purchase from a network of distributors. Instead, customers purchase items directly from the company. With Melaleuca, there is no “investment.” Melaleuca’s customers purchase only what they will use up on a monthly basis. Unlike MLMs, Melaleuca does not require any of its products to be resold to someone else. In fact, policy prohibits reselling.