Darin McOwen
CMO | Vitalpax
How have you leveraged your position as a C-suite executive to influence business dynamics in Utah?
As a C-suite executive, I’ve had the opportunity to help position Utah as more than just a place where supplement manufacturing happens. I see Utah as a growing hub for innovation, wellness, operational excellence and responsible manufacturing. In my role as CMO, I’ve focused on connecting market trends with real manufacturing capabilities. That means helping brands identify where consumer demand is heading — whether that is functional wellness, clean-label products, pet health, hydration, sleep, beauty or personalized nutrition — and then helping translate those opportunities into products that can actually be developed, manufactured, packaged and brought to market.
I’ve also worked to strengthen the bridge between local manufacturing, national brands and global opportunities. By promoting Utah-based capabilities in a way that speaks to both emerging brands and established companies, we are helping create more visibility for the state’s manufacturing sector, supporting business growth and contributing to a stronger regional economy. For me, influence is not just about visibility; it is about helping build systems, partnerships and opportunities that allow Utah companies to compete at a higher level.
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to lead through complexity. The supplement industry moves quickly. Consumer trends change, regulatory expectations matter, supply chains shift, clients have different needs and the market is highly competitive. As a leader, you have to make decisions with incomplete information, balance creativity with compliance and keep teams moving forward even when conditions are changing.
I’ve also had to learn how to bring different parts of the business together. Marketing cannot operate in a silo. It has to align with sales, operations, R&D, manufacturing, fulfillment and leadership. That kind of alignment takes communication, patience and consistency. Like many executives, I’ve had moments where I had to grow into the next version of myself before the opportunity felt comfortable. Overcoming that has required discipline, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning.
What future endeavors are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to continuing to help our company expand its role as an innovation-driven manufacturing partner. The supplement industry is evolving quickly, and there are exciting opportunities ahead in areas like functional wellness, advanced delivery formats, women’s health, pet wellness, hydration, healthy aging and personalized nutrition. I’m especially excited about helping brands move from trend awareness to real product execution.
I’m also looking forward to strengthening partnerships with larger brands, emerging entrepreneurs and organizations that are looking for a manufacturing partner with both technical capability and strategic insight. Beyond company growth, I’m excited about helping raise the profile of Utah’s supplement manufacturing industry. There is tremendous talent and capability here, and I believe Utah can continue to be recognized as a serious center for wellness innovation and manufacturing excellence.
