Get to Know Vishnu Potini

President- Hale Cosmeceuticals Inc; current Kellogg-EMBA student

May 2021

My name is Vishnu Potini, and I am currently a student in the Kellogg Executive MBA (EMBA) program. I am extremely proud and grateful to be a part of the Kellogg community, and especially the Family Enterprise Club. I was born in Chicago and went to Northwestern for my undergraduate education (double-Wildcat!!). When I was looking for an MBA program, Kellogg was at the top of my list and I am so thankful to be a part of this community.

I am currently the president of my family's business, Hale Cosmeceuticals Inc (www.halecosmeceuticals.com), which we started while I was in elementary school. We have been in the Skincare and Beauty space for nearly 30 years, functioning primarily in new product development and contract manufacturing for several large companies. We also have our own product line in which we do B2B distribution and private labeling within the Professional Skincare community. All of our operations from Research and Development, Manufacturing, Filling, and Shipping are in-house and all based in Illinois.

My father started our company based on his expertise as a formulation chemist. Our manufacturing operations grew organically as our products were widely distributed nationally and internationally. What started out as my parents, sister, and myself working on nights and weekends to make and fill products grew to a company of over 50+ employees. Many of our current employees have been with us for over 15-20 years, and we pride ourselves on maintaining our family-based values in the organization. My personal career interests took me towards the medical field, and I am currently a practicing board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon.

While I never initially expected to get back into the family business, as I got older I became more interested in carrying on our family's company and legacy. Getting an MBA was an important piece for me to successfully transition from practicing Orthopaedic surgery to running the family business. As I was looking at programs, the Kellogg Center for Family Enterprises was really appealing to me for its educational programming and research into the family business community. Since we were looking to transition our company to the next generation and position ourselves for the future, I was excited about the opportunity to learn about the topics and issues that are unique to family enterprises. My family and I were ecstatic when I was accepted into Kellogg. Unfortunately, before I started my Kellogg education, my father passed away unexpectedly, and I have been running our company since 2019.

Since I started my Kellogg EMBA program, I have been continuing to practice medicine part-time as well as running the company. I am grateful that our company has incredibly experienced personnel to ease my transition. As an EMBA student I have been an active member of the Family Enterprise Club and have participated in many virtual lectures and also the quarterly Mentoring Circles! The advice and discussions I have had with fellow students, alumni, and staff has been invaluable to me. With the help and resources of Kellogg and the KCFE I have been able to seek advice and education to make real-time decisions which have improved our company's operations and strategy. Only halfway through my program, the value of the Kellogg degree to my personal and professional growth has already proven to be invaluable.

Between my Orthopaedic practice, family business, and Kellogg, I love spending my remaining time with my wife and three daughters: ages 5, 3, and 6-months. I am excited to continue learning and meeting people within the Kellogg and KCFE community for our company to continue to thrive and grow so that my children can have a part in this company if they choose. I am excited to continue this journey and hope to meet many of you along the way!!

Vishnu Potini, MD
[email protected].