Episode Information
On the premiere of Sustainable Leadership and Disruptive Growth, David speaks with Bob Goehrke, the CEO and Co-founder of one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, International Products Group. In part one, Bob talks about building IPG into a manufacturer of world class natural and organic beauty products, the importance of having a strong business partner (and wife), and why he’s a get-it-done guy.
Connect with Bob on LinkedIn and find out more about IPG here.
About Bob Goehrke:
Bob has been a passionate contributor to the beauty business for 40 years! A graduate of Tufts University and the Harvard Business School, Bob spent the first 25 years of his career in Marketing, International and General Management at two world class beauty companies—Bristol Myers Squibb (Clairol/Matrix/Logics) and Bath & Body Works.
Bob’s interest in the natural space began while he was leading the “Well-Being” effort for Bath & Body Works, which culminated in a series of highly publicized Well-Being Summits around the country, featuring iconic experts like Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog and Christy Turlington. In 2005, Bob and renowned beauty executive, Tish Poling, made the leap of faith to the entrepreneurial world by launching their own company, International Products Group, now regarded as the preeminent innovator and manufacturer of natural and organic beauty products. The vision was to build IPG in a part of the country consistent with natural lifestyle—Salt Lake City—which has evolved into the “Crossroads of Natural Beauty.”
IPG products are known and respected for their world class efficacy, authenticity and aesthetics. The entire IPG team is proud to be a leader in the fight against “greenwashing,” educating about what it takes to be a truly natural brand. IPG-produced beauty lines are sold in 75+ countries, and in every domestic channel, ranging from uber-premium to DTC to Food/Drug/Mass. IPG was recently selected to the Inc 5000 and Utah 100 as one of the fastest growing private companies over the last five years.
Bob and Tish have six grown children, with terrific spouses/partners, in a wonderfully blended family. They are crazy about their three grandsons! Bob was an accomplished youth coach and was inducted into the West Geauga (Ohio) Varsity Hockey Hall of Fame. He also earned his Doctorate in Marketing and Finance. A former Ironman triathlete and high energy personality, Bob’s favorite activity is motivating and mentoring others!
