The history of Nature’s Way is unique because the company was not started, owned, or funded by investment bankers, public shareholders, or some huge pharmaceutical producer. At the same time, it’s a true pioneer in the health and nutrition industry, dating back to 1969. And it’s still going strong.

There is no doubt that the company’s origins have influenced its corporate culture, and Nature’s Way began when a family was faced with a health crisis. When his wife became gravely ill, Tom Murdoch (the original founder) was determined to find a solution for her. Having exhausted conventional medicines, he felt that American Indians’ knowledge of natural remedies, which could be found in the Arizona desert, might solve the problem. His efforts were rewarded, and his wife not only recovered but lived for another 25 years.

A Company Is Born
Word of Murdoch’s success soon spread among his family and friends, and the Southwestern community as well. Then, another question arose: Were there more health treasures waiting to be discovered in the Arizona desert? Others joined his team, and this led to the production of eight basic health products that were sold to health-food stores in the area. While they were simple in their production, marketing, and packaging, these products formed the foundation of the health-supplement industry’s surge in popularity in the United States. Over the years, Nature’s Way became a recognized leader in the dietary and nutritional field, and its many products have influenced the way in which government agencies, retailers, competitors, and consumers look at such nutrients.

Highlights of the company’s impressive history include:

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  Establishing a pharmaceutically licensed state-of-the art headquarters that is recognized as a GMP (good manufacturing process) facility.

  
  


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  Sponsoring legislative measures to protect our health freedoms.

  
  


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  Funding major organizations to ensure product quality and make health information available to the public.
  

Today
Nature’s Way is one of the largest, most technically advanced manufacturers of nutritional supplements. It produces more than 500 first-rate nutritional and natural items, including single herbs, herbal extracts, full-line minerals and vitamins, high-potency vitamins, and homeopathic nutrients.

Giving Back
Since Nature’s Way operates in a “green” industry, local community projects, protecting the environment, and similar causes have been part of its philosophy. This includes:

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  Donating to organizations working to find a cure for chronic diseases, including breast cancer.

  
  


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  Backing self-reliance programs for homeless people in the western United States and helping provide “complete holiday support” for Hispanic youngsters.

  
  


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  Supporting the Nature’s Way soccer team and other athletic leagues as well.

  
  

The green leaf in the company’s logo symbolizes life, health, and nature, and its slogan urges us to “Trust the Leaf.” This outlook is respected by every member of the organization, and it works to produce the very best nutrients possible. Nature’s Way has earned the trust and respect of its affiliates and retailers and inspired the confidence of consumers as well. Now, “Trust the Leaf” is a both a pledge and the company’s motto.

—Arlene Connolly