Reliv
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COMPANY OVERVIEW
History
Reliv International evolved out of another company in a completely different line of business, American Life Investors, Inc. Founded in 1985, the company sold prepaid legal plans. It was so successful that its co-founder, Robert L. Montgomery, was able to retire as a millionaire at the age of 38. However, not long after retiring Montgomery met microbiologist Theodore P. Kalgoris and began using a nutritional supplement Kalgoris had developed. In 1987 Montgomery was diagnosed with a brain tumor and after a successful surgery, was able to recover in less than half the time expected by his doctors. Montgomery and his family attributed the remarkable cure to his use of Kalgoris’ nutritional supplement and once he was healthy Montgomery set out to bring Kalgoris’ formula to the masses (now called Relic Classic).
The result was a make-over of Montgomery’s old insurance business, which was reincorporated as Reliv Inc. in 1988. In 1991, the company decided to branch out internationally and formed a joint venture in Australia which resulted in the founding of Reliv Australia Pty, Ltd. In 1992, Reliv expanded further, first to New Zealand then to Canada. The company then launched subsidiaries in Mexico and the United Kingdom in 1993 and 1995, respectively. Reflecting its worldwide presence, the firm changed its name to Reliv International, Inc. in 1992.
In March of 1993 the company began trading on the American Stock Exchange’s Emerging Company Marketplace. In August of 1993 the company opened its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chesterfield, MO. This $1 million dollar facility would have allowed Reliv to produce and package its