VCU School of Business presents 2016 executive-in-residence

By Leila Ugincius

Craig Dubitsky, founder and CEO of Hello Products, visits the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business this week as the fall 2016 Executive-in-Residence.

Hello Products manufactures natural, bio-friendly oral health care products such as toothpaste and breath spray. The company’s guiding philosophy is natural friendliness and it strives to make the world better through human relationships, kindness and the chance to help people elevate their every day. 

Not only did Dubitsky want to make a healthier, friendlier product, he also realized the need for friendlier packaging. Rather than the harsh, aggressive packaging that advocates for fighting and killing plaque and germs, Hello Products feature welcoming and uplifting packages.                   
 

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Dubitsky will make presentations, followed by question-and-answer sessions, to several classes at Snead Hall, 301. W. Main St.:

10 a.m.  “Challenging the status quo to disrupt markets, questioning how things are done”  

11 a.m.  “How organizational structure can be a challenge, how partnerships & missions work well together”  

2 p.m.  “The product development process, including chemistry, containers, and packaging, through reinvestment stage” 

In addition, at 6 p.m., the VCU School of Business Foundation’s Investors Circle hosts Dubitsky at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard. Dubitsky will present “Innovation in Plain Sight,” followed by a question-and-answer session with Ed Grier, dean of the VCU School of Business. The Investors Circle event is co-sponsored by U.S. Trust.

Prior to launching New Jersey-based Hello Products, Dubitsky disrupted the home products industry as a founding board member of green-cleaning upstart Method Products and created a sensation again as co-founder of lip and skincare maker eos Products. 

His creative work and ingenuity continue to gain attention and garner awards. He was named one of 2014’s 50 Most Creative People by AdAge, one of 2014’s 100 Marketing Leaders by The Internationalist and won a 2015 WorldStar Award from the World Packaging Organization. Also in 2014, Inc. magazine named Hello the Most Audacious Company.  

Dubinsky notes that his specialties include the proven ability to identify and exploit meaningful “white space” opportunities across various consumer sectors, running between the legs of giants, and turning commodities into desirables. 

The Investors Circle was established in 1996 to recognize lead donors who generously support the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business annually. Each year, the circle recognizes alumni, recent graduates, faculty and community and business partners who make a one-time or cumulative leadership gift to any fund within VCU School of Business.