Mitch Gould, founder and CEO of Nutritional Products International, described visiting Walmart headquarters as one of the defining moments of his career, comparing it to walking onto the field to play the Super Bowl. For Gould, who has spent decades helping global brands enter and expand in the U.S. retail market, the Bentonville headquarters represented the pinnacle of retail achievement, founded by Sam Walton and built by grit, vision, and sheer execution. The visit occurred during the rollout of Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt Energy Drink, a project that epitomized NPI's ability to move quickly from concept to shelf.
Working with Seagal—a world-renowned actor, martial artist, and master herbologist—Gould developed an all-natural energy drink infused with Tibetan goji berries, Asian cordyceps, and B vitamins. He assembled a world-class beverage team, designed the packaging, and managed the launch strategy that landed Lightning Bolt in 3,500 Walmart Supercenters, along with major distribution through 7-Eleven and Amazon. The meeting in Bentonville was unforgettable, as Walmart recognized the scale of the opportunity presented by a product backed by one of the biggest action stars on the planet. Gould emphasized that striking the deal wasn't just about getting on the shelf—it was about making history.
Behind the scenes, Gould's wife Sherry coordinated the complex logistics that achieved a 99% Walmart fill rate, ensuring Lightning Bolt consistently met the retailer's strict performance standards. Gould noted that Walmart grades you on execution, requiring flawless delivery beyond just making the sale. This logistical precision proved crucial for maintaining the partnership. Gould's Walmart journey continued with a later trip to Bentonville, where he returned with Steven Seagal to meet with Walmart's international beverage division. Dressed in a crisp navy-blue suit while Seagal wore a burgundy Nehru jacket, they made an unforgettable impression that resulted in approval to expand Lightning Bolt into Walmart's Asian and Central American markets.
That second visit demonstrated how far the project had progressed, from concept to international expansion through the world's largest retailer. Gould stated it proved that anything is possible when you combine vision, persistence, and execution. The success of Lightning Bolt became one of many landmark moments in Gould's career. Through NPI and its sister company InHealth Media, Gould has orchestrated U.S. launches for hundreds of brands and celebrities—from Hulk Hogan and Ronnie Coleman to Wayne Gretzky—leveraging his proprietary 'Evolution of Distribution' model. This system seamlessly integrates sales, marketing, and logistics to help brands penetrate the American market with speed and efficiency.
Gould explained that whether it's a celebrity brand or a small international startup, NPI's process levels the playing field. That approach made the Walmart success possible and continues to position NPI as the go-to partner for companies ready to compete in the biggest retail arena on earth. The experience underscores how strategic partnerships with major retailers like Walmart can transform product concepts into national and international successes when backed by comprehensive execution models. Gould's reflection on these milestones highlights the importance of operational excellence in achieving retail distribution at scale, particularly within demanding retail environments that prioritize performance metrics and consistent delivery.
