WELLNESS CASE STUDY
BIOPTIMIZERS SECURES LEADERSHIP TO DRIVE RETAIL SUCCESS
BiOptimizers, founded in 2004, is a health and wellness company dedicated to helping people achieve optimal performance and well-being through advanced nutritional supplements. The brand focuses on creating science-backed, high-quality products that support digestion, cognitive function, and overall health, with a mission to empower individuals to reach their physical potential.
BACKGROUND
When BiOptimizers, a digitally native supplements brand, set out to expand into retail, it recognized the need for a visionary leader to bring its ambitions to life. The initial focus was on hiring a Chief Sales Officer (CSO) to spearhead a robust retail strategy. What started as a strategic hire became a remarkable talent acquisition story. Two years later, that same leader was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO), exemplifying the impact of exceptional recruitment.
CHALLENGE
A Bold New Direction
BiOptimizers, celebrated for its science-backed, high-quality supplements across categories like probiotics, enzymes, and sleep aids, had established a strong digital presence through their website and Amazon. However, expanding to brick-and-mortar demanded a leader with extensive industry experience and a proven track record in executing retail strategies.
BiOptimizer’s Search Imperative Brand Seeks CEO for Expansion & Growth
- Objective: Identify a CSO with deep VMS (vitamin, mineral, and supplement) expertise
- Requirement: A leader capable of building a retail roadmap, assembling a high-performing team, and providing autonomous, strategic leadership
- Client Insight: The company founder sought a sales leader who could strategize, execute, and challenge conventional approaches.
PROCESS
Mapping the Talent Landscape
The ForceBrands recruitment team began by meticulously charting the VMS market, and presenting insights to shape the ideal profile of a catalytic candidate. We mined our relationships while connecting with passive candidates outside our network, targeting leaders from top-performing brands who had successfully navigated the digital-to-retail transition.
- Candidate Pool: 80–100 potential candidates identified
- Vetted Profiles: 13–15 candidates presented
- Final Shortlist: Top 3 candidates selected based on both hard metrics and soft skills
Efficiency and Precision
- Time-to-Hire: 71 days—a swift turnaround for a high-caliber executive search
- Iterative Process: Continuous dialogue with the client ensured that each candidate was aligned with the brand’s vision and operational needs
THE OUTCOME: EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION
The Journey from CSO to COO
The selected candidate initially joined as the CSO. With a rich background in scaling retail sales for leading wellness brands, she instantly hit the ground running. Her strategic insight and leadership skills delivered immediate retail success and positioned her for rapid advancement.
Key Milestones
- Retail Strategy Execution: Successfully developed and implemented a comprehensive retail roadmap
Team Building: Assembled and led a high-performing sales team, driving placement in premier outlets - Promotion: Within two and a half years, her exceptional performance earned her a promotion to COO, where she now oversees operations, finance, and sales
Proof of Strategic Impact
The candidate's evolution from CSO to COO is a powerful testament to the quality of leadership our recruitment process delivers. It highlights how the right talent fills a role and can drive transformational change across the organization over the long term.
THE TALENT ADVANTAGE: SECURE YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE
In the fiercely competitive wellness industry, success hinges on visionary leadership. This story highlights the transformative power of finding and securing talent that grows alongside your business, ensuring you stay ahead and capitalize on every strategic opportunity.
Don’t Let Top Talent Slip Away
The right executive can transform your brand, driving it from where you are today toward your boldest vision. For BiOptimizers, this meant turning digital success into retail dominance. Let us help you design a strategic talent plan that fuels long-term growth and protects your brand’s market position.