335 The Shaklee Story [8 Sept 2015]

Forrest C. Shaklee was a pioneer in the natural health product industry. At his birth, in November 1894, Forrest was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The family moved from a coal mining community to rural Iowa to allow him to convalesce in clean fresh air. As a young boy Forrest spent much time outdoors observing nature. Here he began to develop his philosophy in the healing power of nature and the importance of exercise and good nutrition.

After graduation from Palmer Chiropractic College Shaklee began to incorporate nutrition in his practice. To help his patients Shaklee developed a supplement he called “Vitalized Minerals”, released in 1915 (100 years ago this July). It was one of the first, if not the first, food supplement manufactured in America.

In 1917 he opened a multi-disciplinary facility which included the new technology of X-rays. Due to radiation exposure Shaklee developed cancer in his shoulder and hip. He rejected his doctors’ advice for amputation, sold his clinic, and went about healing himself with nutrition and positive thinking.

After regaining his health Shaklee opened another clinic, more determined than ever to share his nutritional ideas with people. He focused his research on building good health rather than treating disease. He retired from active practice in 1943 to concentrate on writing, developing his philosophy on the influence of the mind on health and well-being.

In 1956, at the age of 63, he created Shaklee Corporation to manufacture and sell his health supplements to America. To market the products he chose multi-level-marketing, the first of many health product companies to adopt that model. That was a time when America was enthralled with modern food processing and didn’t believe supplements were necessary, so education was an essential part of marketing (still is!).

A few of the firsts for the Shaklee Corporation include: instant protein powder (1961), Basic-H organic cleaner (1960), and Basic L organic laundry detergent. Shaklee died in 1985 at age 91 but the company is still going strong and is still dedicated to researching cutting edge nutritional products. This year (1915) the Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee Innovation Center was opened, housing all their research and development team under one roof “for the next 100 years of scientific breakthroughs”.

Sources:
A Fascinating History - Dr Forrest C. Shaklee www.whyiridehorses.com
The Roots of Shaklee www.healthisalifestylechoice.com
A History of Innovation www.shaklee.tv

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.