Melaleuca Recognizes Team Member Loyalty with $2.8 Million in Longevity Bonuses

The packed auditorium erupted as Melaleuca Team Members celebrated their colleagues crossing the stage to receive bonus checks honoring years of dedication and service. This year, Melaleuca: The Wellness Company awarded $2,834,388 in Longevity and Long-Term Contribution Bonuses to 240 Team Members across Idaho, Tennessee, Missouri and Hawaii.

These bonuses—ranging from $5,000 to $40,000—rewards Team Members who reached milestone anniversaries of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years with The Wellness Company.

“Melaleuca loves to share the wealth with our Team Members who go the distance with us,” said Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot. “This program is our way of showing deep appreciation for their loyalty, commitment, and the years they have spent enhancing lives.”

A Legacy of Loyalty

Since the longevity program began in 2007, Melaleuca: The Wellness Company has paid out $44,924,880 to loyal Team Members. Every employee, regardless of position or pay level, is eligible. Length of service is the only qualification.

“Longevity at Melaleuca truly means something,” said Melaleuca President Cole Clinger. “When we celebrate a Team Member’s tenth, twentieth, or thirtieth year, it’s more than marking a date on the calendar. We’re honoring years of innovation, dedication, and contribution that have shaped Melaleuca’s success. It’s the commitment of these outstanding individuals over time that keeps our company strong and moving forward.”

Melaleuca Team Members stay an average of 8.7 years, more than twice as long as the typical U.S. worker, whose median tenure is 3.9 years, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At the company’s Tennessee manufacturing and distribution facilities, Team Members average 13 years of service. Many cite Melaleuca’s culture of respect and recognition as inspiration to build long-term careers.

“We’re so proud of the four Tennessee Team Members who reached their 25-year milestones this year,” said Teri Williams, Vice President of East Coast Operations. “Trish Cook, Deana Ownby, Barbara See, and Anna Vella represent the heart of our Tennessee team.”  

“It’s a tight-knit group,” Williams added, “Our Team Members enjoy working together, take real pride in their work, and look out for one another. They say this place feels like home.”

That reputation for stability and opportunity makes Melaleuca one of the most sought-after employers in the region. So far this year, more than 18,500 people have applied to join the company. Word has spread about its strong workplace culture, consistent growth and outstanding benefits.

Celebrating Milestones

Among this year’s honorees were Team Members celebrating their 40-year, 35-year, and 30-year anniversaries. One Team Member received a $40,000 check, while eight others received $35,000 or $30,000 checks. Fourteen received $25,000 checks and many more received large checks commemorating their 20-, 15-, 10-, and 5-year milestones.

For these folks, these bonuses represent far more than financial rewards—they stand as symbols of friendship, teamwork, and personal growth.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years,” said Melaleuca staff accountant Jenifer Brown. “Melaleuca has been such a steady part of my life. I’ve worked with good people who care about doing things right and helping each other succeed. The company has grown a lot, but it’s never lost that sense of family. I’m grateful to have spent my career here with people I respect and enjoy being around every day.”

A Great Place to Work

Forbes has recently named Melaleuca one of America’s Best Employers, and USA Today has recognized The Wellness Company as both one of America’s Best Stores and one of America’s Most Trusted Brands.

But not all recognition comes from the outside. Over the last nine months, Melaleuca Team Members have referred 1,320 applicants—friends and family they wanted to see succeed in the same positive environment they enjoy. That kind of enthusiasm can’t be manufactured. It comes from those who truly believe in where they work.

“When you’ve been at Melaleuca as long as I have, it really starts to feel like family,” said Kari Powell, Director of International Events, who is celebrating her 25-year milestone. “We’re growing old together, like Frank says. I don’t know of any place that cares about people as much as we do here.

“In my position, I’ve had the chance to travel the world and experience things most people only dream about,” Powell added. “I’ve now been to 40 countries with my job—visiting more countries than states—and I still love it! Yes, it’s work, but it’s also an adventure. Melaleuca has given me opportunities I never could have imagined.”

Growing Within Melaleuca

Career advancement is also built into the company’s DNA. “Promote-from-within” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a long-standing practice. In 2024, 321 Team Members earned internal promotions, and another 178 have already advanced into new roles this year, with many more expected before year’s end. That upward mobility shows Melaleuca develops leaders from within its ranks.

“Melaleuca has kept me challenged and engaged every step of the way,” said Jace Poole, Vice President of Engineering, who celebrated his 35-year anniversary. “This is a multifaceted company with a lot of moving parts, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. I’ve been able to grow into new roles, work with incredibly capable people, and tackle important projects that make you think. I’m grateful to work for a company that values thoughtful engineering, trusts its people to solve problems, and gives us the opportunity to make a lasting impact.”

Retiring as Millionaires

Melaleuca executive leadership strongly encourage all Team Members to invest their longevity bonuses into the company’s 401(k) program. By consistently investing these funds over a 30-year career and earning a modest rate of return, every Melaleuca Team Member has the potential to retire as a millionaire.

“Just take that money and invest it wisely and safely,” Frank advised. “The number one investing secret is to start now! You want that money to compound as long as it can. They say that those who understand interest earn it, and those who don’t understand it pay it.”

A Team Member only needs to take advantage of the company’s 401(k) matching program, invest their longevity bonuses and achieve a modest rate of return on that investment.

If you’d like to join Melaleuca’s mission to enhance lives, visit MelaleucaJobs.com. Melaleuca currently has many job openings, ranging from part- and full-time machine and call center operators to scientists, analysts, engineers, project managers, web developers, graphic designers and more.