The Idaho Business Review officially named Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot an Icon in Idaho at an awards ceremony in Boise, Idaho on Aug. 15, 2019.
The prestigious award recognizes the most iconic Idahoans who have made significant contributions in transforming Idaho into a great state in which to live, work and play.
Frank was specifically honored for his tremendous business acumen in leading Melaleuca for more than three decades, overseeing a diverse product line of exceptional health and wellness products, and achieving record-setting growth virtually every single year. The business publication also highlighted Frank’s track record of generosity and charitable giving to serve families in need throughout the world.
“The Icon Awards recognize men and women for a lifetime of community involvement, professional achievement, mentorship and vision,” said Rebecca Palmer, editor at the Idaho Business Review.
An Iconic Entrepreneur & CEO
Ever since Melaleuca began in Sept. 1985, Frank has directed the company’s growth from a small startup with eight products to a global enterprise reaching more than $2 billion in annual revenues. The company now manufactures and distributes more than 450 different health and wellness products and operates in 19 countries around the world. As one of the largest ecommerce companies in North America and one of Idaho’s largest private employers, Melaleuca has become a significant driver in the state’s economy.
“Frank VanderSloot is not only an ICON of Idaho business but an ICON of all that makes Idaho great,” said Chip Schwarze, President/CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. “His business success has allowed him to achieve even greater success as he gives back to our community and communities across the globe.”
An Iconic Philanthropist
In addition to creating the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi each Independence Day to honor veterans and active military families, Frank has been consistently running to the rescue of families in need. By directing the Melaleuca Foundation’s relief efforts, Frank has responded to several emergencies throughout the world.
In 2017, he sent the company’s private jet stocked full of generators and packaged food to immediately help Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria knocked out the island’s power grid. Once those supplies were dropped off, VanderSloot tweeted that he was offering a free flight for those who needed to leave—helping multiple people get off the island long before commercial flights were available.
One of those who benefitted from the free flight was Blanca Figueroa, who quickly packed her bags.
“I feel highly blessed. I believe in miracles and I know the Lord answered the prayer of my son,” an emotional Figueroa said after landing in Idaho Falls.
Another urgent response came when Melaleuca sent truckloads of supplies to Hurricane Harvey evacuees in Houston. Melaleuca was one of the first companies to arrive with products at the Houston Convention Center, where the American Red Cross sheltered 9,000 people in the days following the storm. It also sent two 53-foot trailers to a distribution center that restocked 25 other shelters throughout the region.
For these philanthropic activities and others over the years, Melaleuca was named Corporate Partner of the Year in 2019 by the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho. “Those who choose to follow Mr. VanderSloot’s example will not only find themselves successful in business but will also find ways to give back to those who have helped them along the way,” Idaho economist Will Jenson said. “His actions show that he truly appreciates his employees and the communities they call home. I think he exemplifies the definition of icon and is deserving of the award.”
