As Americans observe Veterans Day on November 11, Nutritional Products International founder and CEO Mitch Gould is calling for recognition of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and reflection on their lasting contributions to the country. Gould, whose career spans more than 35 years in retail distribution, manufacturing, and brand development, said the qualities demonstrated by military veterans reflect values that have also shaped his approach to entrepreneurship and leadership.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank the men and women who answered the call to serve our country,” Gould said. “Their courage, dedication, and willingness to put service above self deserve our respect and gratitude, not just today, but throughout the year.”
The observance carries particular weight for Gould, whose recently released memoir, The Blonde, the Ferrari, and the Kwan: The Quintessential American Success Story, reflects on the personal relationships, life experiences, and career journey that helped shape his path from a Brooklyn upbringing to building partnerships with major retailers, athletes, entertainers, and consumer brands across the United States. Among the relationships explored in the book are those with individuals whose backgrounds include military service, intelligence, and security operations. Through these experiences, Gould said he gained a deeper appreciation for the discipline, preparation, leadership, and commitment required of those who serve in demanding environments.
“Discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and commitment are qualities that define strong leaders,” Gould said. “Our veterans have demonstrated those values through their service, often under circumstances most of us will never experience. Their example offers lessons that extend far beyond the military.”
Those lessons continue to influence his perspective on perseverance, personal responsibility, and leadership at NPI, a global brand management and distribution company based in Boca Raton, Florida, that helps domestic and international health, wellness, sports nutrition, and personal care brands enter and expand in the U.S. marketplace. Through its proprietary Evolution of Distribution® platform, NPI provides an integrated approach to retail sales, distribution, logistics, regulatory support, and marketing. Over the course of his career, Gould has helped launch and expand brands into major retail channels including Amazon, Walmart, Costco, CVS, Walgreens, GNC, 7-Eleven, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
Gould also emphasized that veterans continue to make meaningful contributions to American society long after their military service ends, bringing their experience, leadership, and dedication to businesses, families, and communities across the country.
“Veterans Day reminds us that service to our country deserves lasting recognition,” Gould added. “Whether veterans are building businesses, raising families, mentoring others, or serving their communities, their contributions continue to make America stronger. We owe them our gratitude and respect.”
According to the company, Nutritional Products International was founded by retail industry veteran Mitch Gould, who brings decades of experience working with major U.S. retailers. His biography notes that he is a third-generation retail distribution and manufacturing expert with more than 25 years of experience launching and scaling consumer products across sports nutrition, health and wellness, skincare, hardware, and beverages, and that he has worked with iconic consumer brands such as Igloo, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, and Miracle-Gro, as well as high-profile celebrity brands including Steven Seagal, Hulk Hogan, Chuck Liddell, 8× Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, and martial arts pioneer Bob Wall.
