Functional Brands is a health and wellness company with headquarters in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The company specializes in the production and distribution of nutritional supplements for various health concerns, including prenatal wellness and autism. All products under the Functional Brands umbrella are made in the USA, in an FDA-compliant, cGMP-certified facility. Some of the brands in their portfolio include Kirkman®; P2i™ by Kirkman®; and Tru2u.health. The Kirkman® brand has a 75-year legacy available in 35 countries.
On November 5, 2025, Functional Brands officially began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol MEHA, which stands for “Make Everyone Healthy Again”. In this interview, CEO Eric Gripentrog reflects on the company’s path to this milestone and its decision to go public.
Q: Functional Brands started trading on Nasdaq in early November 2025. What did that moment mean to you personally and professionally?
Eric Gripentrog: It was a meaningful moment for the team and me. There’s a big feeling of responsibility that comes with going public. It puts a spotlight on our operations and how we execute our plans. I saw it as a moment to pause, reflect on the years of hard work that got us here, and focus on what comes next. It also reinforced the importance of being open and consistent in how we lead the business. That mindset guides my decision-making process going forward.
Q: The company chose a direct listing instead of a traditional IPO. Why was that the right path for Functional Brands?
Eric Gripentrog: Our choice to execute a direct listing was based on our existing shareholder base, and NASDAQ guidelines. We were expecting to execute an IPO earlier in 2025, but for reasons outside of our control, the IPO did not occur. So, we decided to pivot towards direct listing because we met the NASDAQ criteria. That choice helped us correspond with how we think about progress and accountability.
Q: The mission behind the MEHA ticker is “Making Everyone Healthy Again.” How does that concept guide leadership decisions?
Eric Gripentrog: That mission forms how we think as a team every day. It’s a reminder that our work impacts real people and families. When we review products or plans, we ask if they support healthier results clearly and honestly. It keeps us focused on quality, transparency, and trust. Those values help create consistency in teams and leadership, and they guide how we prioritize projects and resources. When choices become complex, the mission offers clarity and direction. It encourages us to think about the future and pay close attention to the impact of our decisions.
Q: Kirkman is a big part of the Functional Brands portfolio. Why is that legacy so important as the company grows?
Eric Gripentrog: Kirkman represents years of trust built with families and practitioners. That trust didn’t happen in one day. We pay close attention to the manufacturing process so that every product has consistent quality. Having our own facility allows us to stay closely involved in how products are made. As the company grows, that level of control helps us stay in tune with the standards people expect from the brand. It also supports confidence as we expand into new channels.
Q: What is something curious investors and customers know about the next chapter for Functional Brands?
Eric Gripentrog: The next chapter will involve steady progress. We are growing our reach through digital channels and improving how we connect with customers. We are also being thoughtful about how we invest and grow. Being a public company adds responsibility, and we take that seriously. Our focus remains on building trust, supporting health, and delivering long-term value through consistent work. That method forms how we measure success over time.
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