management

Jon Slavet — founder, chairman & ceo

Jon is responsible for the strategic vision and overall direction of The Balance Company. Jon stays balanced by focusing on his #1 priority — his wife Lexi and baby daughters Celia and Hazel. Prior to The Balance Company, Jon was Co-CEO of Guru Worldwide Inc., a human capital management company backed by American Express. Jon's previous work includes executive positions at National Public Radio, Wired Inc., and a subsidiary of Disney. Jon is an honors graduate of Dartmouth College.

Sue Fredrickson — vp, sales and field development

Sue guides the company's field sales leaders to reach their career and personal goals. She finds her balance by spending time with her three children, through daily exercise, and recreational travel. Sue has a balanced career background having built an independent direct sales organization herself, worked as an industry consultant, and as an executive in four direct selling companies, most recently with Excel Communications and Shaklee Corporation. Sue earned a B.S. Degree in Education from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Bill Lilla — senior marketing advisor

Bill leads marketing and product development at The Balance Company. Bill stays balanced by spending time with his wife Donna and their three horses. Previously, Bill was Vice-President of Marketing at Peet's Coffee & Tea, a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ, and helped to take the company public. Bill also spent six years as a Vice-President of Marketing in the wine industry, managing brands such as Beaulieu Vineyard, Glen Ellen and Blossom Hill. Bill holds an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California.

Dr. James Rouse — chief balance expert

Dr. James is the driving force behind the company's BalanceGuide™ philosophy of living a balanced and healthy life. Dr. James stays balanced by spending time with his wife and two daughters, and by hiking, running and biking in the wilderness of Colorado. Dr. James is a nationally-known expert in the field of healthy living and is the wellness anchor on several major network affiliates. Dr. James is a master yoga practitioner, a practicing naturopathic doctor, and is the founder of Optimal Wellness magazine. Dr. James holds a Ph.D. from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Dr. Courtney Johnson — director of research

Dr. Courtney Johnson is the mind behind the BalanceGuide™ Survey. She stays balanced through a regular meditation practice. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has nearly finished a second Ph.D. (ABD) in statistics at Duke. She also holds an M.S. in applied measurement in psychology and a math undergraduate degree from The University of Illinois. Dr. Johnson has extensive experience in clinical psychology, psychological testing, and statistics.

David Yorde - senior operations consultant

David Yorde brings over 20 years of experience as a supply chain management executive in manufacturing and distribution companies. His areas of expertise embrace the entire SCM spectrum, including procurement, inventory, logistics, technology, strategic planning, and operations. Prior to joining TBC, David was responsible for overall global supply chain in 60 countries for Herbalife International. David holds a B.S. degree in Production & Operations Management, Bowling Green State University, and has been a Certified Member of APICS since 1982.