The Founding and Early History
In 1989, Jonathan Lizotte, along with Linda Lizotte, RD, CDN, established Designs for Health as a family-run business. Its origins were rooted in providing nutritional counseling and educational services, catering primarily to healthcare professionals who shared their philosophy on natural medicine and functional nutrition. This "Science First" philosophy, a guiding principle that prioritizes research-driven formulations, became a cornerstone of the company's identity. The founders recognized a significant need within the healthcare community for high-quality, professional-grade nutraceuticals designed specifically by and for healthcare practitioners.
Over the next several decades, Designs for Health built a strong reputation within the integrative medicine community. Its focus on education and practitioner support, including seminars and advanced training courses, helped establish a loyal customer base. Jonathan Lizotte remained at the helm, guiding the company's mission and growth into a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional supplements. His entrepreneurial drive led to the creation of multiple company locations and a significant expansion of the product line. The company’s growth was driven by its unwavering commitment to quality and integrity, ensuring its supplements were exclusively sold to health professionals.
The Strategic Investment from RoundTable Healthcare Partners
A significant shift in the company's ownership structure occurred in September 2020, when private equity firm RoundTable Healthcare Partners announced a minority investment in Designs for Health. This partnership was strategic, aimed at supporting the company's continued growth and expansion. While the exact financial terms were not disclosed, this transaction meant that Designs for Health was no longer solely family-owned. The founder and his family, including Vice Chair Phil Lizotte, continued to play a key role in the company's direction. RoundTable's investment provided additional resources and expertise to help scale the business, while Designs for Health maintained its foundational principles and focus on the practitioner channel. This model, often referred to as a founder/owner partnership, allows a company to secure capital for expansion without a complete change of control.
The Role of Private Equity in Corporate Growth
Private equity investments often provide capital for companies looking to accelerate growth, expand market reach, and invest in research and development. For Designs for Health, the partnership with RoundTable likely facilitated several strategic initiatives:
- Market Expansion: Funding could be used to enter new markets or increase market penetration in existing regions like the US, Canada, and Australia.
- Product Innovation: Investment can fuel research and development for new, cutting-edge formulations and functional health technology.
- Technology Upgrades: Capital might be directed towards improving digital infrastructure, such as the new website platform rolled out in late 2025, which enhanced the virtual dispensary and eScripting tools.
- Manufacturing and Operations: Resources could be allocated to bolster manufacturing capabilities, ensuring continued adherence to high-quality standards in company-owned facilities.
Current Leadership and Ownership Structure
Today, the ownership and leadership of Designs for Health reflect a blend of its founding family values and professional corporate management. The company's corporate structure is best described as a partnership between the founding Lizotte family and the investment firm RoundTable Healthcare Partners.
- Jonathan Lizotte: He remains actively involved as the Founder and Chairman of the Board. His decades of experience and dedication to the company's mission are still central to its long-term strategy.
- Amardeep Kahlon: In September 2023, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Jonathan Lizotte. Kahlon, who previously served as Chief Commercial Officer, brings extensive industry experience to his role, leading day-to-day operations and strategic execution.
- RoundTable Healthcare Partners: As a minority investor, RoundTable provides strategic guidance and financial support but does not control the company outright.
Key Milestones in Designs for Health's Evolution
- 1989: Founded by Jonathan and Linda Lizotte as a family-owned educational services provider.
- Mid-1990s: Shifted focus to manufacturing and distributing professional-grade nutritional supplements.
- 1996: Established dedicated divisions for Professional Products, Research and Education, and Practice Development.
- September 2020: Entered into a strategic partnership with RoundTable Healthcare Partners, marking a significant change in ownership structure.
- September 2023: Jonathan Lizotte transitions from CEO to Chairman, and Amardeep Kahlon is appointed as the new CEO.
Comparison: Then vs. Now
| Feature | Prior to 2020 Investment | After 2020 Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ownership | Solely the Lizotte family, led by founder Jonathan Lizotte. | The Lizotte family in partnership with private equity firm RoundTable Healthcare Partners. |
| Corporate Control | Completely family-controlled and guided. | Shared control, with the founder remaining Chairman and an external private equity partner holding a minority stake. |
| Leadership | Jonathan Lizotte served as the long-time CEO and guiding force. | Jonathan Lizotte is Chairman, with Amardeep Kahlon appointed CEO in 2023 for day-to-day leadership. |
| Growth Strategy | Organic growth funded primarily by company revenues. | Accelerated growth supported by private equity investment, alongside internal funding. |
| Corporate Focus | Primarily practitioner-focused with a strong emphasis on education. | Maintains its practitioner focus while also investing heavily in technology and global market expansion. |
Conclusion
While Designs for Health maintains its deep roots in the vision of its founder, Jonathan Lizotte, the company's ownership has evolved from a purely family-owned enterprise to a strategic partnership. The Lizotte family continues to hold a significant ownership stake, with Jonathan Lizotte serving as Chairman, but they now share ownership with private equity firm RoundTable Healthcare Partners, which made a minority investment in 2020. This change has facilitated the company's aggressive growth strategy and transition in leadership, with Amardeep Kahlon stepping in as CEO in 2023. This hybrid ownership model allows Designs for Health to leverage outside capital and expertise while staying true to its "Science First" and practitioner-centric philosophy. The company’s official website provides further details on its history and mission Designs for Health: Superior Natural Products.
