Retail Distribution Veteran Mitch Gould Reflects on Four Decades of Success Bringing Brands to Major U.S. Chains

Mitch Gould, founder and CEO of Nutritional Products International (NPI), has built a career spanning more than 30 years at the crossroads of retail and brand development. His work has taken him into the boardrooms of virtually every major retailer in the United States and has included collaborations with some of the biggest names in consumer products, beverages, sports nutrition, and health and wellness.

From Walmart to CVS, Costco to Home Depot, Walgreens to Target, I've sat across the table at nearly every retail headquarters in America, said Gould. I've represented brands of all sizes, helping them navigate the complexities of U.S. retail and get products into the hands of American consumers.

Gould's career résumé includes partnerships with a long list of national chains: Walmart, Costco, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Albertsons, Meijer, Vitamin World, Vitamin Shoppe, Circle K, and 7-Eleven, among many others. This extensive retail network provides international brands with unprecedented access to the competitive American marketplace through NPI's distribution platform available at https://www.nutricompany.com.

Beyond retail, Gould has also worked alongside an impressive roster of athletes and celebrities, including Steven Seagal, Hulk Hogan, Chuck Liddell, Ronnie Coleman, Steve Garvey, Joe Theismann, Wayne Gretzky, and Roberto Clemente Jr. One highlight came when Gould and actor Steven Seagal launched the Lightning Bolt Energy Drink, which reached the shelves of Walmart and 7-Eleven nationwide within just 12 months. That's record speed to market, Gould said.

Throughout his career, Gould has placed hundreds of health, wellness, and sports nutrition brands with top retailers, including powerhouse names like MuscleTech, BSN, Optimum Nutrition, and CytoSport. This track record demonstrates the significant impact that experienced distribution partners can have on brand success in the highly competitive U.S. retail landscape.

Now entering his fourth decade in the industry, Gould remains as active as ever. Through NPI's proprietary Evolution of Distribution platform, he helps international manufacturers bring their products to the highly competitive U.S. market. I start my mornings in Europe and end my evenings with Asia, Gould said. The demand from overseas brands looking for American distribution has never been greater, and NPI is positioned to deliver speed, efficiency, and measurable success.

The continued globalization of consumer markets makes Gould's expertise particularly valuable for international brands seeking U.S. market entry. His company's media division, accessible through https://www.inhealthmedia.com, provides additional marketing support that complements the distribution services. This comprehensive approach addresses the complex challenges foreign manufacturers face when navigating FDA compliance, logistics, and American consumer preferences.

Gould's longevity in the industry underscores the importance of established relationships and deep market knowledge in retail distribution. As e-commerce continues to transform retail, the value of physical shelf space in major chains remains critical for brand visibility and consumer trust. Gould's four decades of experience position him uniquely to help brands adapt to evolving retail dynamics while maintaining access to traditional brick-and-mortar outlets.