2015 Incentive Trip Immunotec

We are enjoying a wonderful 2015 Incentive Trip at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California.

Our achievers came to be rewarded for their hard work celebrating their accomplishments in the company. In part of the activities they are transformed into rock legends to make a #IMMUNOTEC music video.

See all photos on facebook

New Informed-Choice Logo on Immunocal Boxes

Very soon, when Consultants receive their Immunocal boxes, they will notice a new logo (INFORMED-CHOICE.org Trusted by sport) on the top panel of each box.  

This logo signifies that the world-class anti-doping lab, LGC - Science for a Safer World, with its quality-assurance program, is stating that Immunocal is free of banned substances.
So whether you are a weekend warrior or Olympic Gold Medalist, you can enter your competition with “peace of mind” knowing that Immunocal has been tested by one of the top programs worldwide.

Many natural products are available that claim to help your immune system, but very few have undergone the rigorous testing and published human trials that Immunotec has accomplished over the years. Over forty published scientific and medical articles attest to its remarkable credibility. 

IMMUNOTEC CELEBRATES NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN UNITED STATES

In honor of the rich Hispanic and Latino heritage in the United States, we will be celebrating the achievements and sharing the stories of our Hispanic Consultants throughout the month.

Visit Facebook to follow these stories and take the opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your story too! 

The Immunotec Children's Fund

The Immunotec Children's Fund was established to continue Dr. Gustavo Bounous’ lifelong dream of improving the lives of underserved and underprivileged children.

Throughout the scope of his work, Dr. Bounous taught us to look at scientific problems holistically. This philosophy was integral to Immunotec's approach with both Immunocal®, MiForm® and all of Immunotec's products reinforcing how we teach people to think about wellness.

Once again, Immunotec has continued this philosophy by taking a holistic approach to The Immunotec Children's Fund by addressing all aspects of well-being so important to our future generations.

Immunotec has entered into a partnership with its Consultants from around the world to help support children's academic, nutritional and physical education needs within their local communities.

Immunotec Consultants may submit their formal requests to support a local organization or cause that would benefit from a donation from the fund. The causes or organizations that best promote academics, nutrition, physical education for children, aged 5 to 16, will be selected by The Immunotec Children's Fund Selection Board led by John Molson, VP of Research and Development.

When a Consultant or Customer places their first order with Immunotec, a portion of that purchase is donated to The Immunotec Children's Fund.

Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief Lauren Lawley Head speaks with Charlie Orr, CEO of Immunotec, about servant leadership, authenticity and being a lifelong learner.

Direct Selling News
August 21, 2015

Exclusive Interviews

Executive Connection with Charlie Orr, CEO, Immunotec

In this month’s Executive Connection, Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief Lauren Lawley Head speaks with Charlie Orr, CEO of Canada-based Immunotec, about servant leadership, authenticity and being a lifelong learner. 

DSN: What is the one thing you enjoy most about being Immunotec’s CEO?

CO: Being with field consultants and our employee colleagues in all our markets.

DSN: What are the characteristics that make an Immunotec Consultant successful?

CO: While there is no single way to do the business, our top leaders tend to do certain things that lead to success. First, they tell their own unique, inspiring story regularly. Then, they focus on others daily—they’re servant leaders. Related to that, they build a team in order to help others, and they work the business system as a team. They keep it fun and simple so that it’s duplicable and shared every day. They’re genuine. They stay true to who they are. And finally, they’re lifelong learners who are committed to personal and organizational development.

DSN: What do you tell Immunotec Consultants to lead and inspire them?

CO: It starts with the home office team being present with them. There is no substitute for being in the marketplace. When you are in-market, fully engaged and being yourself, listening, having fun with your colleagues, these are the most important things you can do. I’m sure they remember what we say, but our physical and emotional support makes the most impact. There’s no such thing as spending too much time with the field.

DSN: What insight did you bring from your experience as the Executive Director of Direct Selling Education Foundation that has been most useful to you at Immunotec?

CO: I had so many wonderful experiences that it’s impossible to choose just one. When I was in the DSEF I had the privilege of meeting great executives and volunteers from many DSA member companies. Every day I encountered new ideas and insights, from coast to coast and around the world. I saw so many companies and people building their businesses really well, as well as companies working through a rough patch. It was like earning an additional master's degree in terms of understanding our business model and how dynamic and rapidly changing the environment can be when you’re inside a company.

DSN: What do you value most about the direct selling model?

CO: The fact that it’s people centric.

DSN: What is your vision for Immunotec?

CO: For Immunocal® to be the nutritional choice on a worldwide basis.

DSN: Is there one basic principle that governs your leadership at Immunotec?

CO: Everybody is treated fairly, with respect, with love.

DSN: What project or accomplishment do you consider to be the most significant in your career?

CO: I don’t think about what I have done; I think about what we do. When a company gets the partnership and collaboration really working well between home office and field, there’s nothing better that can happen to you in this business model. I see that as a collective accomplishment.

DSN: When you’re not at work, where are you most likely to be found?

CO: With my family.

Click here to see the original article

Immunotec: Growth Driven by Alignment

Originally posted at Direct Selling News

Company Focus

Immunotec: Growth Driven by Alignment

by Barbara Seale

Better. That’s the word that captures how Immunotec created a dramatic growth surge this past year. It got better at a wide variety of actions that drive its business. Collectively, all those improvements resulted in a 47.5 percent increase in 2014 total revenue, reaching CAN$80.8 million (US$72 million).

Sponsoring, which the wellness company defines as the number of new consultants and customers, got better, too. It increased 85.2 percent over 2013 to nearly 64,000 in Mexico, its largest market, while the rest of North America increased 26.7 percent to nearly 20,000. Since then, the numbers have continued to get better, reaching almost 100,000 in total. The company’s growth catapulted it into the 2015 Direct Selling NewsGlobal 100 for the first time in its 19-year history, coming in at No. 97.

Such inspiring growth doesn’t happen randomly. Great products are required, of course, and Immunotec can boast that its flagship product is backed by an ever-increasing number of impressive clinical studies. It’s even listed in the prestigiousPhysician’s Desk Reference, the comprehensive drug reference book used by doctors, nurses and pharmacists. But products don’t tell the whole story. Underlying the numbers is a critical concept: better alignment. CEO Charlie Orr credits the growth surge to the alignment through implementation of the company’s vision, mission and values keystones.

“This isn’t just about a number of years of great growth,” he says. “We already had everything we needed, but we were out of balance. Until we all got aligned in terms of how we thought about the business every single day, growth was destined to be elusive.”

Walking the Talk

Words alone aren’t enough though, and Immunotec threw the weight of a comprehensive program behind the words, creating visible messaging reminders that help to cement the common goal of consultants, employees and the board of directors to grow the business. In the headquarters lobby, a floor-to-ceiling stone wall incorporates all the important words from the VMV for visitors and employees to see. Accompanying the wall are stone portraits of Bounous and his collaborator Patricia Kongshavn, Ph.D., who was a professor and fellow researcher in immunology at McGill University.

Framed copies of the VMV were presented to employees, who now prominently display them in every office and department of Immunotec in Canada, the United States and Mexico. And events—the lifeblood of any direct selling company—always reflect the VMV. Consultants even refer to them during opportunity meetings. And every communications element, including incentives, promotions, the company’s bimonthly electronic newsletter, the website, the Immunotec Facebook page, and email signatures are designed and aligned to “live” the VMV.

“The better alignment that our Vision, Mission and Values created throughout the company has accelerated growth, and it will support reaching $100 million Canadian and beyond.”
—Charlie Orr, CEO

The VMV even inspired the creation of the Immunotec Children’s Fund, the company’s philanthropic flagship. Immunotec launched the fund at last year’s annual barbecue to continue Bounous’ lifelong dream of improving the lives of underserved and underprivileged children. The fund partners with consultants in their local communities to help support children’s academic, nutritional and physical needs.

“The better alignment that our Vision, Mission and Values created throughout the company has already accelerated growth, and it will support reaching $100 million Canadian and beyond,” Orr says. “The next thing that is foundational for us is consistent execution of our business rhythm throughout all of our markets.”

That rhythm pulsates through the power of corporate, regional and local events strategically scheduled throughout the year to reinforce the sponsoring, engagement and development of consultants. From smaller events in January that build excitement for the big sales convention every February, to regional conventions in each market, to the company barbecue in September, to the big sales incentive trip—or trips, depending on the market—something is always happening to deliver excitement, training and recognition.

“Executing against our business rhythm is as important as anything we do,” Orr says. “When you break that business rhythm, you confuse yourself and the field. You take something away that people have come to expect. We may tweak, update or change, but we always partner with the field to make everything we do an improvement over the last event, and always first class. But each event must have a high degree of predictability because our consultants are the folks who drive the business forward.”

Business Builders

Once the events are over, consultants take their knowledge and enthusiasm home. They work their business using recently developed training programs and better communications tools that create message alignment across the company.
“Our products have always been great, but we needed our distributors to open new doors,” says direct selling veteran Jean-Pierre (JP) Trottier, the company’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “Over the past two or three years we have provided them with training programs, communications to support the products and the business opportunity, a new field recognition program, and a business presentation template so that the presentation was easily duplicable and everyone spoke the same language. New people came into Immunotec because they wanted to live an active and productive lifestyle. We were able to position the product to attract a large segment of the population, and we supported business-building activities at the same time.”

They recrafted the compensation and incentives program for leaders and paired it with additional leadership-development initiatives, training leaders on their responsibilities at each leadership level. For example, three years ago a senior leader could earn the annual travel incentive trip through personal performance. Today’s incentive qualifications require leaders to demonstrate both the ability to perform personally and to develop members of their teams. Field leaders soon realized that focusing on their teams would bring even more income opportunities and satisfaction. The company also developed field task forces that enable the company’s headquarters staff to partner better with field leaders.

“Those who were given new responsibilities rose to fulfill the new expectations,” Trottier recalls. “People want to feel appreciated, and feel they can contribute. The system we created enabled them to feel better about their role and the impact they were creating. We’re still working on it, but it’s becoming part of the culture.”

Investing in Infrastructure

As sales and sponsoring ramp-up, Immunotec is supporting its field by investing in key infrastructure. Its new $500,000 technology platform will be faster and easier to use, and it will provide better access to information that consultants use to build their business. The online order system will be more user-friendly and will provide the opportunity for immediate product purchases. They expect to launch a program this fall to ramp up monthly orders and auto-ship with an eye toward improving consultant retention. At the same time, they will launch programs that reward auto-purchasers, such as greater discounts.

“Our products have always been great, but we needed our distributors to open new doors.”
—Jean-Pierre (JP) Trottier, Vice President, Sales and Marketing

“We’re developing special loyalty programs that reward users so that they order regularly. For some people it takes weeks or months before they feel the benefit of the products, so we put lots of effort into communicating to users to explain the benefits of the products and of staying on the products. This also benefits the field, as it helps them create long-term customers.”

The new state-of-the-art system will give Immunotec an improved ability to analyze data, as well. This year the company will also deploy new payment processing capabilities in selected markets that will better support commission payments.
Beyond technology, Immunotec opened a new sales office in October 2014, in Commerce, California, customizing it with meeting rooms and computer facilities to support business presentations and sponsoring. Trottier says the facility has been a big help in boosting U.S. sales. Orr notes that the investment in the facility recognized better sales in the U.S., especially in Southern California, which produces about 25 percent of the company’s U.S. sales.

“Our Southern California-based folks demonstrated by their performance that it was time for us to open such a facility,” Orr explains. “Looking ahead, I think that model can be replicated in other parts of the country.”
As Orr looks to the future, he is both optimistic and patient. He envisions the company expanding into more international markets, especially in Central and South America, over time, but he also wants to increase penetration in current markets. He notes that the company has created a robust product development system that will provide ongoing new products and enhancements. Orr also envisions further developing Immunotec’s field leadership and notes that the company has Diamond Leadership, its first major leadership level, in two-thirds of all states in Mexico, its largest market. But as Immunotec approaches its 20th anniversary, he emphasizes that this is a moment in the company’s history that deserves to be saluted.

“Everyone should celebrate the fact that we entered the Direct Selling News Global 100 and the North America 50. But just like there’s a difference between achieving rank and holding rank, our goal is to hold our Top 100 ranking,” he says. “Overall, we could grow as much as 10 percent in 2015. But we’re taking time now to hold rank, to do all the right things and not force things that can’t be forced. I see a vast amount of potential if we follow the model we’ve put in place over the last few months for how we think about this business.”

Glutathione supplementation - manipulation of natural defense mechanismsin health and disease

The human body is one of nature’s finest miracles and researchers are still unlocking many of its secrets. Recent discoveries have shed important light on the role that glutathione plays in maintaining health.

Most individuals have not heard of glutathione, however given the accelerated course of research publications on the subject and the large impact it will have in future health care, the term glutathione will shortly become integrated into our everyday language, the same way as we use the words “antioxidant” or “cholesterol”.

Glutathione is the body’s own health ‘AID’ – Antioxidant, Immune Booster, and Detoxifier. This small protein, produced naturally in the body, maintains these three crucial protective functions. In fact, your life depends upon it. Without glutathione, your cells would disintegrate from unrestrained oxidation.

RESEARCH ON GLUTATHIONE

In the last twenty years the volume of research into GSH has grown immensely. A huge variety of theoretical papers, bench-top laboratory experiments, epidemiological studies and—most importantly—clinical trials on humans, has linked glutathione to an extraordinary variety of health challenges. The list is long and would be hard to believe were it not for the strength and credibility of the research.

GLUTATHIONE - “THE MASTER ANTIOXIDANT”

Advances in the study of antioxidants have grown to the point that a whole new branch of medicine has developed called “Free Radical Biology” which focuses on oxidant/antioxidant balance. These scientists have elaborated upon several hundred different disease processes where #antioxidants play a vital role. The shelves of natural food stores and pharmacies are resplendent with a large array of different antioxidants offered. However, although these antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E are “natural”, they are not natural to your body. If you do not ingest these vitamins, they will not be found in your cells naturally. Given the importance of #antioxidation in hundreds of different disease processes, one poses the question – “What antioxidant does the body manufacture to ward off these processes?” #Glutathione is the most abundantly produced antioxidant in the body. In fact, the presence of this ubiquitous small protein is crucial for the functioning of any of the other antioxidants we know of.

GLUTATHIONE - “FUEL FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM”

Your immune system is constantly on the prowl for foreign antigens—agents of cellular damage, toxicity and disease. These antigens include viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. To neutralize these antigens the body needs a ready supply of glutathione. If it doesn’t have enough, some of the invaders will get through and infect the body. We can’t avoid illness and aging altogether — although a few scientists are pursuing some age-old dreams — but by keeping our #intracellular glutathione levels up we also keep our immune system on full alert and fully armed. Dr. Gustavo #Bounous, a leading glutathione expert, concurs that glutathione is fuel for the immune system. “ The limiting factor for the proper activity and multiplication of our #lymphocytes (white blood cells) is the availability of glutathione”. Dr. Bounous’ research at McGill University has culminated in the development of a nutritional supplement called “Immunocal” a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system.

GLUTATHIONE - “TOXIC WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM”

Hundreds of toxins are eliminated by the GSH enzyme system. It’s no surprise that GSH concentrations are highest in the liver, the body’s major detoxifying organ. We inhale and ingest natural and synthetic toxins every day of our lives and can’t possibly avoid them, especially in our technological times, our congested and polluted cities and with our bio-engineered food supplies. Experimental studies have shown that low glutathione levels lead to poor liver and kidney function, and result in unnecessarily large quantities of toxins circulating through the body. There, they continuously damage individual cells and organs.

GLUTATHIONE DEPLETION

Every day our bodies are exposed to factors that drain our levels of glutathione: Stress, pollution, radiation, infection, poor diet, aging, injury and fatigue. “Concern about maintaining one’s glutathione level will eventually be on par with other health maintenance issues. People will soon be raising their glutathione levels the same way they take their vitamin pills each morning,” says Dr. Bounous.

RAISING GLUTATHIONE

It is vital to clarify one particular aspect of the glutathione story. When people find out about GSH, they want to go to their health store, buy some and ‘take’ it. Although it can be found as a supplement, eating glutathione has negligible effects on your health. It is quickly broken down in your digestive tract and eliminated. GSH must be manufactured within your cells, which is exactly where it appears—in every cell of your body. The only way to accomplish this effectively is to give your body the building blocks (precursors) it needs to manufacture glutathione for itself.

Some products such as NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) have been developed to provide these precursors but there are also natural ways to raise glutathione levels. Vitamin C, E and selenium indirectly support glutathione function. Milk thistle (silymarin), alpha-lipoic acid and L‑cysteine may have moderate effects. A natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system is Immunocal.

2014 Incentive Trip - A huge success!

The crew on the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas® ship did not realize what was happening when more than 600 Immunotec Consultants and their guests boarded on November 17th setting sail for Labadee, Haiti and Ocho Ríos, Jamaica!  The Immunotec Consultant’ fervor and passion were infectious throughout the 5-day cruise!

The trip celebration actually began on Sunday, November 16th when Consultants from Canada, United States, Dominican Republic, Mexico and United Kingdom arrived at the Hyatt Pier 66 and the Hilton Marina Hotel in Fort Lauderdale.  That evening, everyone received a personal invitation from Charlie Orr, CEO, to join the corporate team for a Caribbean Soirée by the pool at Pier 66. Lights, decorations, live music and countless food stations were scattered throughout the grounds. Consultants were greeted by the Immunotec corporate staff with beautiful shell leis placed around their necks. The party had begun! There were plenty of greetings taking place as everyone renewed friendships with fellow Consultants that they had met on previous Conventions and trips. The next morning, everyone was up and ready to breakfast together, then gather for the Business Session. Robert Felton, Chief Operating Officer and Gabriela Moreno, Director General for Mexico hosted the morning where all ranks were introduced; Charlie Orr officially welcomed everyone and shared the ongoing exceptional achievements of our Consultants; Dr. Ricardo García Pelayo shared his impressions of the 2014 BBQ; and three new Platinums, Carmen García Pelayo, María del Carmen Ávila and Joel Martínez were presented their new Immunotec blazers. Then the ship's horn sounded and it was time to gather luggage and proceed to board ship! Once everyone found their cabins, unpacked and explored the vast 12-storey ship, they gathered in the immense dining room for a gourmet dinner, the first of many! Thursday, November 20th A free day for all to go ashore and explore Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  Friday, November 21st Another full day at sea, so it was time to wake up early and join John Molson, for another invigorating fitness hour.Following the fitness hour, everyone was free to enjoy the pool, spa, games such as volleyball, basketball, ping pong, mini-golf, surfing or to simply relax. At 4:00 p.m. the Immunotec Consultants were hosted to an exclusive presentation of “Encore! An Ice Spectacular”.  It was truly remarkable to see what the skating troup of 10 professionals could do on such a small rink. The show was outstanding! But, not to be outdone, at 7:00 p.m., the Consultants gathered, once again, in the Platinum Theatre to watch “Saturday Night Fever – The Musical”, the off Broadway show.  But, the time for disembarking was drawing near, we needed one last party!  At 10:30 p.m., all the Consultants were invited to a Farewell Dessert party that included music and dancing.  Everyone celebrated and enjoyed one last opportunity to share all the fun with each other. Tuesday, November 18th First full day at sea and plenty to do! At 8:00 a.m., Consultants joined John Molson, Vice-President, Research and Development for an invigorating fitness hour. His fitness class was so invigorating that we noticed even other guests from the ship joined in! Not to worry, it was the perfect opportunity for Consultants to share the Immunotec message! That evening the Immunotec Awards Ceremony took place in the ship’s magnificent Platinum Theatre. Thirty-five Consultants were recognized for being the top five achievers for each of the Trip Incentive qualification categories. Wednesday, November 19th A day on the beaches of beautiful Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach on the north coast of Haiti. What would an incentive trip be without the famous “Beach Olympics”.  This year the teams were fiercely competitive: running, pulling, pitching, jumping and (believe it or not) sandcastle building.  The castles that each team built were huge with gardens, moats, patios, and Immunotec logos.  It was an exhausting but fun experience! But not too exhausting for everyone to show up at the ice skating rink in the late afternoon to try out their skating skills. Lead by expert skaters, Dr. Jimmy Gutman, John Molson and Diamond Consultant Normand Robert, many Consultants had never put on a pair of skates in their lives, let alone glide on ice! But, they were keen and persistent and they gratefully used the rink boards (walls) to cling to as they circled the rink.  Special congratulations goes out to Rafael García Pelayo who just would not give up trying to master the art of skating! Rafael actually stayed on the ice for a grueling two hours! Dinner followed and for those who still had some energy left (almost everyone), a 70’s Disco Street Party took place in the Royal Promenade where you could spot the Immunotec Consultants by the glo-jewels that they were wearing.

Saturday, November 22nd Time to disembark, return home. Go on Facebook to revisit the fun through all the pictures posted and then let’s continue to build our businesses… We’ll do this again next year!