UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 8-K


 
CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 7, 2020


 
Better Choice Company Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


 
Delaware
333-161943
26-2754069
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

164 Douglas Rd E,
Oldsmar, Florida
 
 
34677
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code): (646) 846-4280

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)


 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
N/A
N/A
N/A
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐



Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
 
On May 7, 2020, Better Choice Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2019. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
 
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure
 
On May 8, 2020, at 8:30 am EDT, the Company will host a conference call to discuss results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Interested parties, including analysts, investors and the media, may listen live via the details below.
 
Event:
Better Choice Fiscal Year 2019 Financial Results Conference Call
Date:
Friday, May 8, 2020
Time:
8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Live Call:
+1-800-458-4148 (U.S. Toll-Free) or +1-856-344-9290 (International)
Webcast:
https://ir.betterchoicecompany.com/

As part of the conference call, Werner von Pein, President and Chief Executive Officer, Damian Dalla-Longa, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and a Director of the Company, and Robert Sauermann, Executive Vice President, Finance and Strategy, will present items not previously disclosed in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of the PowerPoint slides that will accompany the Company’s presentation is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.
 
The information in this Form 8-K shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Management's projections and expectations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance to differ materially from that predicted or implied. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "potential," "should" or similar words intended to identify information that is not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements contained herein include, among others, statements concerning management's expectations about future events and the Company’s operating plans and performance, the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, including levels of consumer, business and economic confidence generally, the regulatory environment, litigation, sales, and the expected benefits of acquisitions, and such statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management, as applicable, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not intend to update or otherwise revise the forward-looking information to reflect actual results of operations, changes in financial condition, changes in estimates, expectations or assumptions, changes in general economic or industry conditions or other circumstances arising and/or existing since the preparation of this Current Report on Form 8-K or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events. For further information regarding the risks associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year end, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
 
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
(d) Exhibits.
 
Exhibits
Description
   
Press Release, dated May 7, 2020
   
Investor Presentation, dated May 7, 2020


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
Better Choice Company Inc.
       
 
By:
/s/ Werner von Pein
 
 
Name:
Werner von Pein
 
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
 

May 7, 2020





Exhibit 99.1


Better Choice Company Reports Full Year 2019 Financial Results and Provides a Shareholder Update
--

NEW YORK, NY, May 7, 2020 -- Better Choice Company, Inc. (OTCQB: BTTR) (the “Company” or “Better Choice”), an animal health and wellness company, today reported its financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2019 and provided a shareholder update subsequent to its acquisition of Halo, Purely for Pets®.

“2019 was a transformative year for Better Choice including our public listing and two strategic investments in the pet and wellness space – TruPet and Halo. Upon closing of these acquisitions, Better Choice has been focused on an aggressive integration and synergy effort. If the nine-month results including these acquisitions were annualized on a linear twelve-month basis, net sales would be approximately $50 million. Today’s Better Choice platform has a growing presence in the E-Commerce, Direct-to-Consumer and International channels of trade, which we believe provides a unique foundation to build a leading brand in the fast-paced and ever-evolving animal health sector,” said Werner von Pein, CEO of Better Choice.

“In light of the COVID-19 crisis, with approximately two thirds of our sales on E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer, Better Choice has been well prepared to meet the demand of our customers online. With pet adoption rates currently at all-time highs, we have observed an increase in demand for high-quality pet health and wellness product offerings. This momentum in our business has positioned Better Choice well with its consumers as a trusted provider of quality pet products and we believe this momentum will continue as we launch new offerings to retain consumer support going forward.”

Operational Updates

Acquired TruPet in May 2019, a leading Direct-to-Consumer brand in the North American pet market focused on canine freeze-dried and dehydrated treats and supplements

Acquired Halo, Purely for Pets® in December 2019, a leading E-Commerce and international player across both the feline and canine segment

Appointed pet and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry veteran, Werner von Pein, as Chief Executive Officer

Financial Results for the Full Year 2019
Revenue for the full year 2019 was $15.6 million, up 5% compared with $14.8 million for 2018.

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2019 totaled $2.4 million.

Consolidated Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019*
Net sales for the nine-months ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $36 million.

If the nine-month results were annualized on a linear twelve-month basis, net sales would be approximately $50 million.

*Please see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A (Amendment No. 1), and associated Exhibits, filed with the SEC on February 18, 2020. This document consolidates Halo financials into Better Choice on a pro-forma basis and includes an unaudited pro-forma income statement for (a) the twelve-months ended December 31, 2018 and (b) the nine-months ended September 30, 2019, as well as an unaudited pro-forma balance sheet as of September 30, 2019. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1471727/000114036120003555/0001140361-20-003555-index.htm.


Conference Call and Webcast Information
The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast on Friday, May 8th at 8:30 a.m. ET to answer questions about the Company's operational and financial highlights for the full year 2019 and provide shareholders with an update on the first quarter 2020.

Event:
Better Choice Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results Conference Call
Date:
Friday, May 8, 2020
Time:
8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Live Call:
+1-800-458-4148 (U.S. Toll-Free) or +1-856-344-9290 (International)
Webcast:
 https://ir.betterchoicecompany.com/

For interested individuals unable to join the conference call, a dial-in replay of the call will be available until May 22, 2020 and can be accessed by dialing +1-844-512-2921 (U.S. Toll Free) or +1-412-317-6671 (International) and entering replay pin number: 6707938.

About Better Choice Company, Inc.
Better Choice Company Inc. is a rapidly growing animal health and wellness company committed to leading the industry shift toward pet products and services that help dogs and cats live healthier, happier and longer lives. We take an alternative, nutrition-based approach to animal health relative to conventional dog and cat food offerings, and position our portfolio of brands to benefit from the mainstream trends of growing pet humanization and consumer focus on health and wellness. We have a demonstrated, multi-decade track record of success selling trusted animal health and wellness products, and leverage our established digital footprint to provide pet parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their pet’s health. We sell the majority of our dog food, cat food and treats under the Halo and TruDog brands, which are focused, respectively, on providing sustainably sourced kibble and canned food derived from real whole meat, and minimally processed raw-diet dog food and treats. For more information, please visit https://www.betterchoicecompany.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Further information on the Company’s risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:
Better Choice Company, Inc.
Werner von Pein, CEO

Investor Contact:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Valter Pinto, Managing Director
212-896-1254
[email protected]




Exhibit 99.2


 Investor Presentation  May 2020 
 

 Safe Harbor  This presentation and the accompanying oral presentation contains information, statements, beliefs and opinions which are forward-looking, and which reflect current estimates, expectations and projections about future events, referred to herein and which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this document, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Statements containing the words “could”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “should”, “seek”, “anticipate”, “will”, “positioned”, “project”, “risk”, “plan”, “may”, “estimate” or, in each case, their negative and words of similar meaning are intended to identify forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, concerning, among other things, the Company’s anticipated business strategies, anticipated trends in the Company’s business and anticipated market share, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. In addition, even if the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this document, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks and factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained in this document is based on the Company’s current estimates, expectations and projections, which the Company believes are reasonable as of the current date. The Company can give no assurance that these estimates, expectations and projections will prove to have been correct. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All statements contained in this presentation are made only as of the date of this presentation, and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law. CANNABIS-RELATED ACTIVITIES ARE ILLEGAL UNDER U.S. FEDERAL LAWS: The U.S. Federal Controlled Substances Act classifies “marijuana” as a Schedule I controlled substance. Accordingly, cannabis-related activities, including without limitation, the cultivation, manufacture, importation, possession, use or distribution of cannabis and cannabis products are illegal under U.S. federal law. Strict compliance with state and local laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under U.S. federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal prosecution which may be brought against the Company with respect to adult-use or recreational cannabis. Any such proceedings brought against the Company may adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial performance. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risk factors before investing directly or indirectly in the Company and purchasing the securities described herein.  1 
 

     Executive Summary  2 
 

 Strong Focus on Fast Growing E-Commerce & International Channels  Premium, Natural Products Perfectly Aligned with Consumer Trends  Key Investment Highlights   3  Attractive Consumer & Category Dynamics  Established Premium Brands Primed for Long Term Growth  Realization of Synergies Creates Cash Flow Positive Growth Engine  Actionable Near-Term Growth Opportunities  Compelling Cat/Dog Mix with Strong Innovation Pipeline  Experienced Management with Track Record of Success  Annual Net Sales: ~$35m  Annual Net Sales: ~$15m 
 

 Attractive Category Dynamics  (2) Source: Morgan Stanley Equity Research  4  The US pet industry continues to grow at a healthy trajectory, with steady growth expected to continue at 3.3% annually for the next 4 yearsPet enjoys significant investor interest Favorable underlying trends driving demandGreater E-Commerce potential than traditional foodOne of the most recession resistant industries  ($ in billions)  2013 – 2017 CAGR of 4.1%  2018 – 2022E CAGR of 3.3%  Least Recession Resistant  Premium Pet Food is Driving the Overall Pet Food Industry Growth(2)  The U.S. Pet Food & Treat Market Enjoys Consistent Growth(1)  Favorable Industry Dynamics(1)  Wet Dog Food  Dry Dog Food  Wet Cat Food  Supplements  Dry Cat Food  Pet Food Categories  Dog Food 2012-2017 CAGR by Type  Cat Food 2012-2017 CAGR by Type  Treats    Projected    Actual  Source: Packaged Facts  
 

 Pet Care Industry During the Great Recession  Source: Euromonitor International (Passport Industries)  Performance of Company Types During the Great Recession (2008-09)(1)  Halo (’08-’09): 20.4%  5 
 

   Public Market Scarcity – Equity Value Creation  6  Source: Company Management, Public Company Filings      (OTCQB: BTTR)  (NASDAQ: FRPT)  (000’s)  (000’s) 
 

 Halo Overview  7 
 

 Halo is a 30-year-old, premium, natural pet food brand based in Tampa, FL that is uniquely differentiated from its competitorsUses natural whole meat and no rendered meat mealHighly digestible due to use of real whole proteinHistory of top line growth driven by continued premiumization of the pet food industryFlexible and scalable outsourced manufacturing model with capacity to grow or insourceE-Commerce is the Company’s largest and fastest growing channel2019A Net Revenue of $33.4 million  Company Overview  Halo is committed to creating exceptional food that cats and dogs love and pet parents trust  8  Consistent Historical Revenue Growth Across the Business Cycle   Diverse Product Portfolio  Natural WHOLE Meat  Rendered Meal Powder  High moisture contentUSDA Inspected Facility95% protein digestibility  Low moisture contentRendering plant61% protein digestibility  Clear Product Differentiation  (Prior to 2019; Fiscal year ending June 30, $ in millions)  Halo at a Glance  FY 2006 – 2016 CAGR of 20%  Key Customers  2018 Includes one-time PetSmart inventory stocking order of ~$6m in Q4 2018 
 

 Highly Attractive Consumer Demographic  9  Gender & Age  91% female and of those, 70% are 35-64  81% female and of those, 57% are 35-64  Relationship Status  57% married  62% married  Education  72% have a college or grad school education  69% have a college or grad school education  Profession  Administrative Services, Sales, Management, Personal Care & Home Services, Health & Medical, Business & Finance  Business & Finance, Gov’t Employees, Production, Healthcare & Medical, Personal Care & Home Services  Household Size  2-3 average household size  2-4 average household size  HHI  54% have HHI $75K+  53% have HHI $75K+ over indexing at the $125-150K range  Home Ownership  75% are homeowners  82% are homeowners  Halo Followers  Halo Converts    Halo’s Consumer is Very Attractive to the Retail Channel, with High Disposable Income & Ability to Buy Premium Products  Source: Facebook Pre-Post Ad Viewership Insights 2018. 
 

 Differentiated Product Offering  10  Halo Uses Whole Chicken in its Products, Differentiating itself from Other Premium Kibble Brands  Halo® Holistic Chicken and Chicken Liver Recipe for Adult Dogs  Blue™ Life Protection Formula® Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food  Merrick® Classic Real Chicken + Green Peas Recipe with Ancient Grains Adult Dry Dog Food  Natural Balance® Original Ultra® Whole Body Health® Chicken, Chicken Meal, Duck Meal Dry Dog Formula  Wellness® Complete Health® Adult Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food  (WHOLE) Chicken  Deboned chicken   Deboned Chicken  Chicken   Deboned chicken   (WHOLE) Chicken liver  Chicken meal   Chicken meal  Chicken meal  Chicken meal  Dried egg product   Brown rice   Peas  Peas  Oatmeal  Oatmeal   Barley  Turkey meal   Potatoes  Ground barley  Pearled barley  Oatmeal   Brown rice  Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)  Peas  Top 5 Ingredients      Halo Makes Unique Products With Differentiated Ingredients That Are Better for Pets: That’s What Pet Owners Care About 
 

 Broad Set of Suppliers Specialized by Product  Strong Co-Packer Relationships & Certifications  11  Primary co-packer for Kibbles    Primary co-packer for Canned Food    Smaller co-packers for Supplements & Treats    High Quality Ingredient Certifications 
 

 Halo is in a $100+ Billion Global Pet Food Market ...  …with a Refreshed and Leading Premium Brand…   ... that Is Fully InvestedTo Scale ...  …with Avenues Of Growth in Innovative Products & New Channels  Premiumization of Pet FoodsNatural, Organic, Wellness  Whole Meat vs. Meat MealProtein quality, Digestibility, Taste  Changing DemographicsSmaller breeds, rising cat ownership  30 year Established BrandFounded in 1986  Industry Leading Product SourcingHolistic, Whole, Non-GMO, GAP-2 and MSC certified  Leader in “Whole” MeatThe only relevant shelf stable brand in retail with no meat meals and comparable to “fresh”  +5 Industry AwardsRecognition for Innovation, Category Captain & Best Vegan Pet Food  Product Testing, Messaging, ProductionNew product innovation launched  YouTube + TV + DigitalLeading presence on these platforms  Poopsie & FurfluencersLeading brand influencers with loyal following  Social Media TractionOver 15+ million active followers across all platforms  Significant Online Sales Growth Driven by Channel Shift45% of sales with majoritymonthly subscription base   Meaningful Growth in Key International MarketsAsia & Australia   Channel ExpansionInternationalFood, Drug, MassDirect to Consumer  Innovative Growth Oriented ProductsVegan and Supplements                                  Millennials Driving Better IngredientsDissatisfaction, Transparency, Holistic, Protein  Established Premium Brand Positioned for Long Term Growth  12 
 

 Growth Opportunities  Actionable Near-Term Growth Opportunities  Following the Brand’s pivot in 2019, Halo has ample runway for near-term and long-term sustainability & growth  13  E-Commerce  Vegan Products  Food, Drug and Mass: New Product Innovation  Fastest growing channel in pet foodPrioritizing with Amazon and ChewyRecent advertising using Amazon Media Group has cross-channel impact   Strong reception to launch of Garden of Vegan® dog food Second Product (Ocean of Vegan®) launch underway Great for families with vegan lifestyles as well as protein sensitivitiesAwarded #1 Brand in the Vegan Dog Category by VegNews  In addition to recent innovation (including Vegan line), plan to launch differentiated product for Food, Drug, Mass AccountsInitial conversations with retailers already underway    International  Large and growing natural pet market in Asia and other marketsSuccessful traction and accelerating sales growth in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, China and AustraliaGrowth in Asia is fueled by increasing levels of economic financial status and demand for premium, western manufactured products  
 

 TruPet Overview  14 
 

 Founded in 2013 by Lori Taylor and based in Tampa, FL, TruPet produces and markets raw freeze-dried and dehydrated food, treats, and supplements for dogs and cats Well positioned as industry shifts toward products that create longer, better, lives for pets and helping pet owners understand the benefits of feeding a species an appropriate diet. Brands include:TruDog – DTC Pet Wellness ProductsRawgo! – DTC Dehydrated Dog FoodOrapup and TruDog Dental – DTC Oral Care ProductsTruCat – DTC Cat Wellness ProductsTruGold – Hemp-derived CBD Canine Supplements  Company Overview  TruPet is a data-driven, subscription based, ultra premium brand focused on direct, high-touch engagement with its customers   15  Strong, Loyal & Growing Recurring Customer Base  Direct to Consumer Expertise  TruPet at a Glance  Social Networks  Google  Email  Direct Mail  Radio  YouTube  Customer Acquisition Channels  $1.0mMONTHLY REPEAT CUSTOMER REVENUE  150kMONTHLY OPT-IN EMAILS  50kMONTHLY OPT-IN SMS  17.5kAVERAGE MONTHLY ORDERS  10%YOY AOV GROWTH  $63AVERAGE ORDER VALUE (AOV)  $200kMONTHLY NEW CUSTOMER REVENUE  $40AVERAGE COST TO ACQUIRE CUSTOMER  $13AVERAGE AD SPEND PER ORDER  Source: Company Management.  Average Customer LTV of $190 (representing a 25%+ increase YoY) 
 

   Financials  16 
 

 Better Choice – Historical Pro Forma Financial Information  17    Source: Public Company Filings 
 

 Comparable Pet Industry Transaction Multiples  18    ($ Millions)  Source: S&P Capital IQ 
 

   Appendix – BTTR Team  19 
 

 Earnings Call Team  Werner von PeinChief Executive Officer  Corporate growth professional, formally at Three Dog Bakery, Nutrivet, Rexall, Lavazza, Quaker OatsBegan his career with Procter & Gamble over 37 years ago, and has extensive experience in the Pet food spaceAs president of Three Dog Bakery, he increased distribution and significantly grew annual salesHeld a number of different leadership positions across food and beverage sectors internationally as well as domestically in the U.S.  Extensive experience investing in and operating commodity-related, healthcare and consumer-facing businessesWorked at Bain Capital, Silver Point, King Street and Magnetar (managed $2.5 Bn+ AUM)Founded middle-market special situations investment firm Albaron PartnersUndergraduate and MBA from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania  Damian Dalla-LongaExecutive Vice President, Corporate Development;Director  Significant experience leading the sourcing, diligence, execution and management of growth equity investmentsDeployed $100m+ of growth equity capital at Pegasus Capital Advisors (~$2.0bn AUM); prior to Pegasus worked at Credit SuisseMember of Halo Board of Directors for 2+ years, leading the successful restructuring of business and subsequent sale processUndergraduate from Harvard College   Robert SauermannExecutive Vice President, Strategy & Finance  20 
 

 21  Former Co-Head of Trading and Managing Director at GMP Securities in Toronto and New YorkBoard Member of ICC Labs (acquired by Aurora) and Founding Shareholder and Board Member of Nuverra (acquired by Aphria)Extensive management and trading experience in the US and Canadian capital markets that has built a strong network of North American and international investors  Mike YoungChairman  Renowned for transforming the California insurance broker’s role in the small group health benefits marketplace Mr. Word founded the Word & Brown General Agency in 1984 to market and distribute health plans through California’s huge brokerage community In 1986, the company was recognized as the largest independent small group health distributor nationwide, and the first to launch a COBRA administration operation  John Word, IIIDirector  For 23 years, built brands at Procter & Gamble in numerous product sectors (CPG, beauty, pharma) and for numerous global markets (USA, Canada, Germany etc.)Angel investor, Board member and CEO of Orabrush, the first company to commercialize a brand leveraging only YouTubeHas run global billion-dollar business, and has successfully launched two start-ups with an exitUndergraduate from University of Utah  Jeff DavisDirector  Founded TruPet in 2013Forbes “Top 50” social media influencers two years in row (top 20 for women)Top 100 marketers in 2017 Multiple national DMA Echo awardsLaunched Kroger loyalty program in early 2000s Undergraduate from University of Missouri-Columbia  Lori TaylorDirector  CEO of CHOICE Administrators, responsible for two health insurance programsPrevious COO of The Word & Brown Companies, where he oversaw IT, marketing and strategic business developmentPresident of Quotit Corp and Health Compare (both sold to National General Holdings Corp). President of CONEXIS, a leading benefits administrator, before its acquisition by WageWorks in 2014Undergraduate degree from Ohio State University  Michael CloseDirector  Clinton Gee has been Chief Financial Officer for The Word & Brown Companies since June of 2006Before joining The Word & Brown Companies, Clinton was a Vice President at several insurance organizations, including Nationwide Insurance Companies, CalFarm Insurance Company, and Foundation Health PlansUndergraduate from California State University, Chico, with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Computer Science  Clinton GeeDirector  * 7th Director is Damian Dalla-Longa, bio on preceding page  Board of Directors