As Memorial Day approaches, Mitch Gould, founder and CEO of Nutritional Products International (NPI), is calling on Americans to remember the true meaning of the holiday: honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of the country. In a statement, Gould emphasized that Memorial Day is a time for gratitude and reflection on the freedoms and opportunities secured by their sacrifice.
“Memorial Day is about remembering the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who gave everything for our country,” Gould said. “It is also a time to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy because of their service and the sacrifices made by military families throughout generations.”
Gould, whose career spans more than 35 years in retail distribution, manufacturing, and brand development, drew parallels between military values and the principles that drive American entrepreneurship. “In business and in life, success is built on perseverance, discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice,” he noted. “Those values are deeply connected to the spirit of Memorial Day and the men and women who served our country.”
Gould’s recently released memoir, The Blonde, the Ferrari, and the Kwan: The Quintessential American Success Story, chronicles his journey from a Brooklyn upbringing to building partnerships with major retailers, athletes, and consumer brands. Over 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. Through NPI’s proprietary Evolution of Distribution® platform, the company assists domestic and international brands in navigating the complexities of entering and scaling within the U.S. retail market.
The significance of Gould’s message extends beyond personal reflection. Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that underpin the nation’s economic and entrepreneurial freedoms. For industries like retail and consumer goods, these freedoms enable innovation, competition, and growth—benefits that Gould has leveraged throughout his career. By honoring the fallen, Americans also recognize the stable environment that allows businesses to thrive.
“As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, it is important that we never lose sight of why the holiday exists,” Gould added. “We owe a debt of gratitude to those who served and sacrificed for this country.”
Gould’s work with NPI has included representing high-profile celebrities such as Steven Seagal, Hulk Hogan, Ronnie Coleman, and Wayne Gretzky, helping their brands reach consumers through major retail and e-commerce platforms. His focus on perseverance and discipline mirrors the military ethos, offering a blueprint for success in competitive markets.
For the industry, Gould’s reflections highlight the interconnectedness of national values and business resilience. As companies navigate supply chain challenges and shifting consumer demands, the principles of service and sacrifice remain relevant. Memorial Day, therefore, is not only a time for remembrance but also an opportunity to recommit to the values that drive American enterprise.
