Essential Formulas: The Early Years…

Michael Schoor, a retired attorney from Texas, was passionate about traveling the world and exploring various cultures. Unfortunately, he also suffered from a lifelong case of colitis and other digestive issues. No one could have predicted that these two life circumstances would intersect, becoming the catalyst for founding a family-owned business that would help drive the evolution of a burgeoning probiotic health industry, which has emerged as the most significant and fastest-growing condition-specific category in the U.S.

This divine convergence occurred in 1997 when Michael visited Malaysia and experienced severe digestive distress after eating some local cuisine. When his prescribed medications failed to alleviate his symptoms, he consulted a local physician, who recommended an over-the-counter probiotic product from Japan called OM-X (Ohhira’s Mountain Extract), which was renamed Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics®. Surprisingly, this scientifically researched formula provided immediate and lasting relief.

Recognizing the potential positive impact of this product on health, Michael arranged a meeting with formulator Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira, which became the catalyst for founding Essential Formulas Incorporated in 2000 and predicted the rise of a natural health phenomenon years before those outside the natural health industry had ever heard of ‘probiotics.’ 

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Alongside his wife JoLen and two of their four children, Marty and William, Michael founded Essential Formulas Incorporated (EFI), dedicated solely to providing an effective, natural solution for the estimated 65 million Americans suffering from digestive issues. Michael instinctively realized he had discovered a groundbreaking advancement for human health. He understood that probiotics and promoting a healthy microbiome would parallel the role of antibiotics in the 21st century.

EFI’s growth strategies from its inception included supporting and educating retailers and consumers, participating in trade shows, attending medical conferences, and promoting products. Michael, JoLen, and William, who had been named President, traveled across the country in an RV, attending these events while educating healthcare professionals, retailers, the media, and consumers. Marty Schoor served as COO, overseeing daily operations from the Farmers Branch, TX headquarters. She played a crucial role in the company’s expansion, which grew to include up to 15 full-time employees, various part-time workers, freelancers, and brokers.

GROWTH STRATEGIES

The continued growth and success of EFI relied on its effective strategies, including media buys on interview-format health radio, sponsorship of educational seminars at industry meetings, advertising print campaigns, national television advertising, and funding probiotic health initiatives. These partnerships have been instrumental in building EFI’s stellar reputation within and outside the industry.  

EFI continued to grow once it expanded Dr. Ohhira’s product line to include the immune system-supporting Propolis PLUS®, Essential Living Oils™, a vegan-certified fish oil alternative, and a growing line of probiotic skin care products.

Over the years, EFI has considered other lines of supplements for distribution, but none have met the company’s strict criteria of proven benefits backed by solid research. EFI vowed to only add products with the same high level of superiority that Dr. Ohhira’s Formulations possessed.

In 2015, after much due diligence, EFI announced the North American inaugural debut of the scientifically significant supplement Reg´ACTIV®. These unprecedented formulations contain the probiotic catalyst Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3, which positively impacts health at the cellular level and is transforming the future of proactive and restorative health.

TIME MARCHES ON

Like many family businesses, EFI has embraced a long-term perspective in its operations and decision-making. This approach fosters sustainable growth and places lasting impact above short-term profits. With several family members in leadership positions, EFI has preserved a sense of continuity and stability in its culture, ensuring that the company’s core values and vision remain intact.

In response to EFI’s ongoing growth and the increasingly competitive landscape of the industry, Michael hired Brian Craig in 2016. With 35 years of experience in the natural products sector, Brian took on the role of Director of Strategic Development to provide valuable industry insights and spearhead rebranding efforts. Demonstrating clear foresight, Michael elevated Brian to CEO in 2017, while Michael retained his position as Chairman of the Board.

The Schoor family founded and developed EFI by providing scientifically sound formulas and proven protocols that empower people to take control of their health naturally and proactively, thus playing a crucial role in transforming EFI from a small family-owned business into a respected leader in probiotic dietary supplements.

EFI will continue accomplishing great things while remaining dedicated to offering superior dietary supplements and outstanding customer service. The company’s vision will remain intact, and it has demonstrated limitless growth potential by staying on the cusp of probiotic science.

“A quarter of a century serves as a testament to our customers’ unwavering trust in us,” said William Schoor, President of EFI. “Our journey has been guided by the vision to provide products that truly transform lives, and we remain committed to advancing health and wellness through natural, science-backed” innovations.”