We recently talked with our newest member of the PURE Wellness Advisory Board (WAB), Rich Scheckenbach, who has a client base of dietary supplement, food and beverage, and nutritional ingredient companies worldwide.

Where do you and your family reside? I have called the Northwest home since 1972 and my wife and I currently reside in SW Washington state. We have family throughout the world.

When did you know you wanted to study nutritional sciences? My interest in nutrition has always been front and center as I was fortunate to grow up in a house that valued healthy food choices. Mom was a huge advocate of the Mediterranean diet, Dad was adventurous in always adding new “health foods” to his diet (such as whole grains, raw wheat germ, exotic fruits and vegetables) as far back as the mid-1950s. I was given my first dietary supplement in 1955 and have since never missed a day taking them. Studying bacteriology and biochemistry as an undergraduate at UCLA was the pivotal moment for my decision to better understand and pursue the underlying principles of proper nutrition.

What do you think is the most important point to remember in nutrition? The most important aspect of good nutrition is understanding that balance in what we consume is paramount. Without all of the essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, and phytonutrients being consumed on a regular basis we cannot perform at our optimum level — physically, mentally, or emotionally. There isn’t any single “silver bullet” nutrient or food that will ensure optimum health.

What is your proudest career accomplishment? There is no single accomplishment that stands out for me in my forty-year career in the nutritional science/natural products field. I truly have been blessed to be able to positively impact the health and performance of millions of individuals worldwide through the formulations and products that I have created. For this, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my parents, my wife, my past professors, my colleagues in many health-related fields, and a cadre of devoted scientific researchers whose studies have provided an ever-growing understanding of biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition.

What do you love about your career? Helping people achieve their goals whether those are weight management, improved sports performance, increased vitality, enhanced well-being, and so forth. When individuals learn that they can be in control of most of their health-related issues, it is often a huge revelation and always very empowering.

What attracted you to PURE and influenced your decision to accept an appointment to the WAB? Three things attracted me to PURE – 1) Daren Hogge, (for whom I have the very highest regard), and his fine corporate team; 2) the PURE field leadership, which is comprised of some of the most devoted and caring individuals that I’ve met; and 3) the very dedicated philosophy of bringing to market the best products that science and nature can provide.

What is your favorite product by PURE? I don’t play favorites so I truly can’t answer that directly. I will say, however, that GPS Rebuild is a product that I will never be without. Once you understand the huge significance of muscle physiology on health and the importance of feeding muscle during its post-activity recovery phase, you are likely to agree that this is an “impact” product.

Give us a peek inside your refrigerator or cupboard. What are your mainstays? There are so many! Fruits and vegetables, fish, and meats, in general. Specifically, blueberries, salmon, Mila, pomegranate juice, protein powder, potato chips (hey, we’re all entitled to a vice or two), supplements!, beef, chicken, tuna, olives, and green salad ingredients.

Do you have a favorite quote? Two of them actually. Interestingly, both seem particularly relevant to those involved in network marketing.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau

“Believe that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.  Believe that you may be light for someone else.” — Kobi Yamada

Learn more about PURE’s Wellness Advisory Board. This team of highly dedicated professionals provides ongoing guidance on product development, product claims, and product-use protocols.