Already known for its diverse product offerings, Youngevity International Inc. has announced its intent to launch a slate of small business services. The company has tapped direct sales executive David Rutz to lead the expansion as Vice President of Global Services.
“We have intentions of launching offerings to include: small business lending, tele-care virtual doctor appointments, cloud storage and encryption services, identity theft protection, online cash back shopping apps, and credit card processing services,” Dave Briskie, President and CFO, said in a statement. “David Rutz has been charged with leading Youngevity’s advancement into these highly profitable sectors.”
As head of Global Services, Rutz will draw from more than 25 years of experience in the direct selling space, both as a national field sales leader and a corporate executive. He is the founder of Escape International, a nutrition and lifestyle company that merged with Youngevity in July 2010. During his decade-long tenure as President and CEO, Escape was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in North America.
Rutz previously founded a direct selling telecom and Internet provider, The Free Network, where as president he helped the business grow to more than 300,000 customers in its first three years. Before striking out on his own, he worked in business consulting with Accenture and financial analysis with General Motors.
“I am very pleased to be joining the Youngevity executive team and I anticipate several service offerings that will assimilate very well into the existing network culture,” said Rutz. “I envision a whole new audience that Youngevity will attract because of these services, and I look forward to the challenges and rewards that Youngevity promises.”
Youngevity’s existing product offerings span the categories of health and wellness, beauty and care, food and beverage, and home and family. The Chula Vista, California-based company, set to release 2015 earnings on Wednesday, March 30, posted revenue of $134 million in 2014, ranking No. 81 on the DSN Global 100, a list of the top direct selling companies in the world.
