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Last Update: Wednesday July 24, 2019

They're manufacturing in America and exporting to the World!

She was California's Exporter of the Year.

El Cajon, California: Sissy Harrington-McGill is an unmitigated lover of animals, especially Great Danes. And like so many small business owners, Sissy turned a first love into a full-time profession and even a cause. But there are very few of us who create a new industry, fight off the FDA, then dominate the market.

This is a story about how one little lady has virtually become the leading nutritionist for animals, especially dogs and cats, in Japan although she is based in California. It is a story about not buckling under the weight of the FDA* and then being recognized as a superstar by the SBA. (*The FDA did get her to add a line -- "Our products are not designed to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease" -- on her packaging and advertising, but they could not shut her down.)

Sissy Harrington McGill is a fighter. She walks her talk. She is a Columbia University-trained nutritionist who turned her basic knowledge about health food and directed it to the animals she loved. Zsa Zsa Gabor couldn't be happier (she is a loyal customer and fan). Then there are people like our friends whose home is a magnet for every stray animal within 100 miles (and even a friendly turtle), would not feed their entourage anything else.

You will often see food labels with "no sugar, no salt, no fat, no preservatives." Sissy Harrington-McGill is one of the nutritionists who has worked for thirty years to educate her customers about the fact: you are what you eat.

Today, Solid Gold Health Products for Pets primarily manufactures a line of healthy dog food. With over $7.5 million in sales, the Japanese buy nearly one-third of her production. 

She teaches us how to take a product from our imagination to the market.

View all the video clips from this episode of the show...

Walk the Walk. Business is about creating something of value. You create an abundance and you have something to sell. No short cuts. Learn here from business owners who are loved within their community, respected in their industry and around the world. More...

Entrepreneurs always have four choices. What do you want to do?

George Hill and Arnold Joseff, Diversified Chemicals, Detroit, Michigan

Start a Business

Arnold Joseff and George Hill were friends from high school. They were chemistry wizards. They wanted to do something important with their lives, so they started a business. Today they are changing the world.

Key Question: What products could I make or sell?

JackNouvir.jpg Grow a Business

The Millers bootstrapped their business. Most of us do. Financing the start or early-stage growth is never easy. Yet, today their lighting products light the world's most important objects.

Key Question: Where do I find the money?


Buy a Business
They manufacture bike racks in Wisconsin and sell to the world. They also source the world -- even for the best designers. Yet, Sara & Chris Fortune bought a business that had some land mines. Their story is about integrity over all.

Key Question: Can my business be my legacy?


Sell a Business
Biosite manufactures medical diagnostic devices in San Diego. The industry said, "It couldn't be done." Their colleagues said, "It's a stupid idea." They pushed forward. They sold. Then they sold through an IPO. Then a customer (and much larger company) bought the majority share from the founders. Together they're a global powerhouse.

Key Question: Who is the best buyer?

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