By Justus Scout
In a recent episode of the Built to Win podcast, Neora’s founder Jeff Olson and CEO Debra Heist discussed the company’s unprecedented seven-year battle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The conversation shed light on the challenges faced by Neora and the unwavering commitment of its leadership to protect the company’s integrity and the livelihoods of its employees and brand partners.
Neora, founded on the principles of making people better and building a company with perfect intentions, quickly rose to success in its first four years. However, the company’s rapid growth caught the attention of the FTC, which launched an investigation into Neora’s business practices. Despite providing millions of documents and clear evidence of compliance, the FTC remained focused on forcing Neora to change its business model, which would have devastated the income of countless families.
Faced with the daunting prospect of going against the federal government, Jeff Olson and his team made the courageous decision to sue the FTC. This choice came with significant risks, as the company faced public scrutiny, loss of banking and credit card processing, and the departure of some management team members. However, Neora’s leadership remained steadfast in their belief that they had done nothing wrong and that fighting for what was right was the only path forward.
Throughout the grueling seven-year battle, Neora’s Built to Win philosophy shone through. The company continued to focus on its vision, culture, and community, never wavering in its commitment to its brand partners and customers. By leaning into its core values and communicating openly with its field, Neora emerged from the challenge with an even stronger bond and sense of unity.
The historic victory against the FTC on all five counts serves as a testament to Neora’s unwavering dedication to doing business the right way. The company’s success in navigating this uncharted territory can be attributed to its solid foundation, built on principles of integrity, compliance, and putting people first.
As Neora moves forward from this landmark case, the company’s Built to Win mindset continues to drive its growth and success. With a galvanized team, loyal brand partners, and a renewed sense of purpose, Neora stands poised to thrive and positively impact even more lives in the years to come.
