Corporate Team
JARED WHEAT - CEO & Founder
Jared Wheat is the Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Hi-Tech was founded in 1994 with one goal in mind: To produce the highest-quality, scientifically proven sports nutrition supplements and performance nutraceuticals in the world. Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals is an enormously successful company that creates, manufactures and sells high-quality herbal products sold by the large, major retailers across the United States. These retailers include: GNC, Rite Aid, Kroger, Albertson's, CVS, Duane Reade, Hannaford, Cardinal Health, Harmon Stores, Fred Meyer, Osco Drugs, Supervalu, Roundy's, Walgreens, Sav-On Drugs, Meijer, Fruth Pharmacy, Kinney Drug, Kinray, USA Drugs, A&P, Kmart, Walgreens.com, Target.com, Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, over 5,000 health food retailers and adult novelty stores, as well as in more than 80,000 convenience stores throughout the United States.
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals' revolutionary line of nutraceutical products is at the forefront of the dietary supplement industry. Hi-Tech holds a key position as the leader and the innovator of natural, proprietary, and preventative healthcare products. We boast a portfolio of 45 state-of-the-art nutritional supplements that offers real solutions in the areas of muscle and strength development, fat loss, sexual performance and healthcare. Hi-Tech develops world-class, novel nutraceuticals that are "Found in Nature...Backed by Science™." All of our revolutionary products are unlike any other dietary supplements that you may have tried! We are dedicated to setting a higher standard of scientific excellence for the dietary supplement industry. When you experience a Hi-Tech product, you will notice the difference because of one simple fact - It Works! Hi-Tech responds to the varying nutrient demands of men and women, from an active lifestyle to that of the well-conditioned athlete.
Hi-Tech remains true to the principals that the company was built on - innovation, quality and consistency, and will always be dedicated to ensuring that these principals remain uncompromised. Hi-Tech will continue to provide the finest-quality, innovative, science-based nutritional supplements possible for generations to come.
“Hi-Tech is an extraordinary company with extraordinary customer loyalty. I am excited every day to be working with our outstanding corporate team to expand our leadership position in this emerging weight loss-sports nutrition and healthcare business. We fully realize that there are unlimited growth opportunities for us both domestically and internationally, and expect to continue to be an innovator in the supplement field and grow the Hi-Tech brand” said Wheat.
Tom Holda- Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations
Tom Holda joined the Hi-Tech corporate team in 1997, to oversee and ensure efficient product distribution and warehouse operations. Mr. Holda helped Mr. Wheat build sell over $150 million in direct-to-consumer Nutraceuticals. He now oversees all manufacturing and product production to ensure that Hi-Tech's products continue to be the finest-quality, innovative, science-based nutritional supplements possible. Tom also has vast experience in international relations, making him a key member of the Hi-Tech team as the company continues to expand globally.
Stephen Smith - Senior Vice President of Sales
Stephen Smith joined the Hi-Tech corporate team in January 1998, as the Director of Operations. In 2004, Mr. Smith became the Vice President of Sales where he has greatly expanded Hi-Tech’s sales force. Since taking over as head of sales in 2004 Mr.Smith has helped to either expand our existing relationships or build new ones with the following retailers: GNC, Rite Aid, Kroger, Albertson's, CVS, Duane Reade, Hannaford, Cardinal Health, Harmon Stores, Fred Meyer, Osco Drugs, Supervalu, Roundy's, Walgreens, Sav-On Drugs, Meijer, Fruth Pharmacy, Kinney Drug, Kinray, USA Drugs, A&P, Kmart, Walgreens.com, Target.com, Amazon.com His knowledge and expertise in Hi-Tech operations and marketing make him a valuable asset to our team.
Olen Harris - Head of Inside Sales
Olen Harris is involved in the nutritional supplement industry since 1997 specializing in the Bodybuilding category. Mr. Harris has extensive experience in business management, business development strategy, sales management, marketing and operations management. Director of business operations for the 5,000 health food retailers in the US and international markets. Mr. Harris is involved managing all twelve inside sales reps, directing marketing, developing new markets, training sales team and daily management of operations. Mr. Harris is a bodybuilder himself and this enables him to work closely with sports distributors like Europa, USA Sports, and Lone Star distribution to name a few.
Brandon Schopp- Vice President of Contract Manufacturing Sales
Brandon Schopp has over 10 years in the supplement industry and offers a premier private label vitamin and dietary supplement line. A division of Hi-tech Pharmaceuticals, a leading contract manufacturer for over a decade, Mr.Schopp has the experience you need in your private label manufacturer. Brandon is always available to help you manage your private label line and its growth. "We understand it is your good name that goes on the label . . . you can depend on Hi-Tech to fulfill your expectations for industry leading quality, safety and purity."
Mr. Schopp has worked with a select and diverse group of retailers, both large and small. Mr. Schopp Has also worked with some of the top companies in the sports nutrition field to help formulate and market new to market products. Brandon's goal is to be your partner with professional products, staff and resources available to help you build and grow your own private label line of nutritional supplements, vitamins, and dietary supplements. One of Hi-Tech's key differences from other contract manufacturers in the lead times to make the product. Most products can be turned in 2 weeks. Hi-Tech is one of the only vertically integrated companies that controls every aspect of contract manufacturing. Hi-Tech is a direct importer of raw materials- has a full scale printing facility to make labels-has an in-house lab for GMP testing- and handle tablets, capsules, blister packing, pouching, powders, liquids (shots, hot fill teas, and RTD drinks), and many other contract packaging needs you may have. Hi-tech is a one-stop- shop for all your manufacturing needs and Brandon will help guide you to success!
Lindsey Wheat - Corporate Controller
Lindsey Wheat joined Hi-Tech as Corporate Controller in March 2003. Mrs. Wheat had been involved in other areas of Hi-Tech's business since 2001. For the past nine years, she has managed accounts receivable/payable, and regular generation and reporting of accounts. Mrs. Wheat is responsible for all financial matters relative to corporate activities such as: Developing business, improving processes, increasing the bottom line. Mrs. Wheat also conducts regular audits and reviews of plant financial systems and activities to ensure compliance with company policy. Mrs. Wheat also oversees and monitors the master budget including expense allocations, revenue projections and inventory and materials requirements.
Michelle Harris - Office Manager and Raw Material Coordinator
Michelle Harris joined Hi-Tech as a customer service representative in August 2001. Mrs. Harris. was promoted to office manager in late 2003. For the past nine years, has been responsible for a diverse set of administrative tasks. Mrs. Harris helps calculate payroll and evaluating office procedures and looking for more efficient ways of conducting processes. Mrs. Harris is adept at supervising other employees in a fair, consistent manner. She has the ability to motivate others, encouraging them to increase both productivity and work quality. She is tasked with include hiring and firing employees, as well as resolving disputes or other issues that arise among employees. Mrs. Harris also is responsible for ensuring that systems operate cohesively. Mrs. Harris is also in charge of purchasing over $20 million dollars annually in raw materials to make Hi-Tech's branded products. Mrs. Harris collaborates with Plant Management to establish inventory safety stock levels, reorder amounts, and lead times for all raw materials and finished goods. She also collaborate with Lab Management to source new and alternative raw material. Mrs. Harris has done a terrific job at Establishing, building, and maintaining relationships with all key suppliers and works hard at negotiate pricing, contracts, and payment terms with suppliers.
Choat Soviravong- Creative Director
Choat Soviravong holds a Bachelors degree in Fine Art, with a concentration in graphic design from Georgia State University. Over the last 10 years, Choat has contributed his design and creative vision to a variety of market places including letterpress printing, fashion, nutrition and photography. His training in hand and digital typography, fine art and concept design supports his contemporary, clean design style, which is the basis for his marketing and advertising concepts for the health and fitness consumers. His professional experience in combination with his love for the health and fitness makes Hi-Tech a perfect match. Mr. Soviravong is also Hi-Tech's head of user interface design, web marketing, eCommerce, multimedia, development structure, SEO and how it all relates for the customer and the company.
Hi-Tech Scientific Team
Steve Swartz Director of Quality
- Direct the company towards compliance with regulatory and internal corporate requirements.
- Ensures that all dietary supplements meet final product specification.
- Provides quality oversight of the manufacturing processes.
- Provides quality oversight of the laboratory operations.
- Perform quality approval of SOPs, protocols, change control and master batch records.
- Developed HAACP plan for food beverage manufacturing processes
- Advises four technicians in the Raw Materials Quality Control Laboratory, which is responsible for testing and release of all process raw materials
- Performs audit and release functions of the finished goods section of the laboratory. This included review of analysts’ data, assigning disposition to finished goods lots, and maintaining various databases.
- Provides quality oversight of finished goods products manufactured at the site. Testing involved various analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, TLC, FTIR, AA, UV, Particle Size by Microtrac, and Surface Area by BET.
- Performs method validation and method transfers of analytical test methods.
Steve Swartz received his B.S. in Biology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1986. Mr. Swartz has more than 23 years of experience in the FDA-regulated pharmaceutical industry, including recent work at the Cherokee Pharmaceuticals facility, a subsidiary of Merck, Sharp and Dohme, and its predecessor, Merck and Co., Inc., involving quality control in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. He also worked at various Merck and Co., Inc. positions from March 1989 to October 2012 including: Quality Manager of Fermentation of API facility(2010-2012), Quality Lead Adviser(2000-2010), Analyst-Quality Operations(1992-2000), Senior Lab Technician(1989-1992).
From start to finish, our quality processes are robust. Hi-Tech’s staff of experienced scientists and technicians fully understand the concept of product quality. More importantly, our skilled professionals are well versed in applying in-depth technical understanding to meet your needs. We test. We check. We verify. We are vigilant. We integrate leading-edge science and research to understand and identify the characteristics of our ingredients. We work closely with our suppliers and have learned from over 32 years of experience how to select and test these ingredients prior to manufacturing. This scrutiny yields products that we are confident taking ourselves and recommending to our own loved ones. Ultimately, we go to these lengths to earn and keep your trust. In the event that a mistake is made, we work to correct it by initiating procedures that prevent it from happening again.
In order to bring you products that are both affordable and of the highest quality, we refuse to cut corners. Instead, we rely on our other strengths—strong buying power, reduced overhead expenses, managed distribution costs, and efficient manufacturing. Year after year we have significantly increased our investment in quality above and beyond our industry colleagues. These collective measures result in contemporary formulas that meet today’s needs; products that are developed with safety in mind and are the highest quality in the industry. At Hi-Tech, we have the best professional staff to ensure the highest quality products available. Our team of highly qualified scientists and technicians has many years’ of combined experience in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industry, and in other relevant industries. We have many professional disciplines, including chemists, biochemists, exercise physiologists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, and product formulators. Our team of scientists includes many with advanced degrees, including Ph.D.'s and two M.D.s. We also work with respected industry consultants. All of our lab chemists are degreed and many of our experienced product formulation and quality control staff have professional qualifications which set them apart from their industry colleagues. Some of our scientists have published research and analytical methods in scientific and technical journals. Our scientists have also given numerous presentations on their work at scientific and technical conferences.
Here are some of our Professional and Technical Staff. We have chemists, food technologists, nutritionists, biochemists, microbiologists; some with Ph.D. degrees, an M.D., many M.S. degreed, and many B.S. educated and trained. Our staff comes with many years experience in developing and testing pharmaceutical and natural products, and with professional expertise in quality control, quality assurance, product formulation, product development, pharmaceutical testing and many other disciplines. It takes this whole range of training and skills to truly ensure the highest quality of our products.
Timothy S. Gaginella Research & Development Group Chief
Timothy S. Gaginella earned a B.S. degree in Pharmacy in 1968, an M.S. in 1972, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology in 1974, all from the University of Wisconsin. After a two year Research Fellowship in gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic he joined The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy as Assistant Professor of Pharmacology in 1976. Subsequently, he held positions of Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the College of Pharmacy and Associate Professor of Medicine and Physiology at the College of Medicine, The Ohio State University; Research Group Chief, Department of Pharmacology, Hoffmann LaRoche, Inc.; Director of Gastrointestinal Biology, Searle Research and Development; and Vice President, Aphton Corporation. His previous research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and the pharmaceutical industry. A recipient of an NIH Research Career Development Award and he has served on various NIH grant review committees, co-inventor on one patent. Dr. Gaginella’s bibliography includes over 150 peer reviewed research articles and reviews. He has edited or co-authored six academic books as well.
Stacey D. Alexander Chief Scientific Officer
Stacey has a strong work ethic, competencies, and experience that he brings to help Hi-Tech's growth and success in the industry. He has a chemical engineering degree and 14 years of experience in Pharmaceutical industry. Stacey is self-motivated, attention-to-detail, task-oriented, problem solving leader with proven multi-tasking capabilities and the strong capacity to plan and prioritize. Stacey is exceptionally organized and disciplined with the ability to communicate effectively. Highly adaptable with well developed interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and direct others in a supportive, cooperative team environment. Stacye has experience in many areas such as: Solid dose tablets/Capsules including controlled substances and semisolids. Oral Solutions, Oral Suspensions, Creams, Ointments, Personal Care Products, Powders, Liquids and Plasma proteins (such as Fibrinogen and Thrombin).
Stacey also has Extensive Methods and Equipment Experience: Pre-formulations, Formulations, Tech Transfer, Scale-up to launch. Equipment Validation (IQ, OQ, PQ), Process Validation, Cleaning Validation, Validation protocols, Stability Testing, P&IDs, Tank farm set-up, AutoCAD, Production Supervision, Capital projects, Equipment troubleshooting, Project Management, CAPA, R&D Liaison to QA/Regulatory Affairs, FDA inquiries.Stacey also has sound knowledge of FDA regulations, ANDA submissions, Regulatory Affairs and QA procedures. Stacey has Extensive lab instrumentation experience including HPLC, FPLC, GC, Malvern Particle Size Analyzers and Varian Dissolution Apparatus, Hardness & thickness testers, Refractive Indexers, UV analyzers, Tablet presses, In-line homogenizers, Colloid mixers, Tablet coaters, Blenders, and Granulators including fluid bed.
Prior to joining Hi-Tech's team Stacey worked for several years at Direct Pharmaceuticals as a Senior R&D Formulation Scientist/Process Engineer and Contracted work for Azo Pharma, Coldstream Labs, and ANI Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Direct Pharmaceuticals he worked for Qualitest for 7 years in various roles including: Production Supervisor, Stability Chemist/Finished Product Chemist, and Research and Formulation Manager. At Qualites he Formulated new generic drugs (OTC and RX) such as: Valproic Acid, Amitriptyline, Albuterol Sulfate, Metoclopramide, APAP/Codeine, etc.; and also worked on creams, ointments, gel caps and capsules. He also worked on test methods for APIs, preservatives, related compounds, and residual solvents for raw material, solid, semi-solid and solution NDAs and ANDAs and supervised team consisting of eight R&D chemist and analytical chemist, two formulators, and three engineers. With Stacey as Hi-Tech's CSO we believe we will be able to continue to grow in our industry and branch out into other areas due to his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Patrick Jacobs Ph.D Research and Clinical Study Chief
Dr. Jacobs I earned a Ph.D in Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami in 1997 and earned a B.S. degree in Education in 1978 and a M.A. in Education from Northern Arizona University in 1982. He was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery from 6/2000-5/2004 at the University of Miami. He then became an Associate professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery from 6/2004-8/2005. Later he joined Florida Atlantic University from 6/2006-5/2010 in the Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion.Dr. Jacobs has been elected as a Fellow of The National Strength and Conditioning Association (FNSCA), 2009; He has been elected as a Fellow of The American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM), 2002; and he is a Member in the following Professional and Honorary rganizations:
1998 – present: American Society of Exercise Physiologists
1998 – present: International Council of Motorsports Sciences
1997 – present: International Federation of Sports Medicine
1997 – present: International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society
1990 – present: American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
1988 - present: American Running and Fitness Association
1987 – present: American College of Sports Medicine
1981 - present National Strength and Conditioning Association
Dr. Jacobs has also published 10 International Referenced Journal Articles; 39 National Referenced Journal articles; three Book Chapters and three White Papers. He has have made twelve refereed International Presentations; 51 refereed National Presentations and have made dozens more Invited Presentations. Dr. Jacobs has been awarded, as an independent investigator and as research team member, $8,473,374.00 in Federal Grants and over $400,000 by other granting agencies. He has also been an Ad Hoc Manuscript Reviewer for the following Peer-Review Journals: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (American College of Sports Medicine); Journal of Applied Physiology (American Physiological Society); Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine); Sports Medicine; Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Mayo Clinic); Strength and Conditioning Journal (National Strength and Conditioning Association); British Journal of Sports Medicine; Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development; Journal of Biomechanics; Muscle and Nerve
Mollee S. Amspacher Quality Assurance Technician
Ms. Amspacher has a degree in Biology. Ms Amspacher has extensive training in Organic Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry and Toxicology to impart a level of scientific knowledge and acumen that makes her uniquely positioned in quality assurance operations. Ms. Amspacher has a wealth of Scientific experience relating to pharmaceutical manufacturing and QA/QC drug production compliance. She also has strong organizational skills and a very deep understanding and knowledge of US FDA rules and regulations, with particular emphasis on cGMP regulations. Further, Ms. Amspacher has had extensive experience and on-the-job training at this facility, working with the company's more senior, industry-experienced personnel in all aspects of the company's manufacturing and quality operations
Lastly, the company has recently engaged an industry-experienced outside attorney, Kurt Ehresman, who has considerable experience in FDA compliance matters. Mr. Ehresman’s experience includes more than 8 years at Zeneca Pharmaceuticals in positions including quality assurance and production, and more than 16 years of private practice experience in advising FDA-regulated companies. Mr. Ehresman is currently engaged to assist the company and its quality control personnel, including the revision and drafting of SOPs and policies.
Hi-Tech Legal Team
Arthur W. Leach - Outside Counsel & "Bet the Company Litigator"
Arthur Leach has long been regarded as one of the toughest litigators in the United States. Art's win in the HealthSouth $2.8 billion case with Richard Scrushy was the largest in the US at the time. This legendary litigator Art Leach, whose firm is best known for defending individuals in criminal and civil matters. Art Leach is now equally well known for handling “bet-the-company” civil litigation at the trial and appellate levels. The firm serves as national coordinating and trial counsel for Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals in litigation concerning the FDA, FTC and other product liability cases. In addition, Art has represented numerous law firms and professional firms in professional-responsibility and other litigation; Art leach is the litigator that other law firms “turn to when they’re in trouble.” Arthur Leach is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants. He is widely known as one of the top attorneys in the United States in antitrust law, and has secured favorable results for his clients in a wide variety of other areas including patent, securities, trade secret, professional malpractice, and complex corporate disputes in both federal and state trial and appellate courts. According to many lawyers, for complex civil and criminal litigation and Bet-the-Company Litigation, “Arthur Leach is the go-to lawyer when a business person just can’t afford to lose a lawsuit.”
Art Leach became an assistant U.S. attorney in Savannah from 1983-1992. Art Leach was detailed out of Savannah to Washington, D.C. for all of 1992 to serve as the Assistant Director for Policy and Operations in the Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture and in January 1993 he became an assistant U.S. Attorney in Atlanta where he would become Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force. He went into private practice in 2003 and has been working with Hi-Tech for 7 years now.
Sills Cummis & Gross
Jack Wenik has extensive federal and state bench and jury trial experience. Mr. Wenik has represented a wide array of corporations and individuals in complex civil litigation. He has extensive experience representing pharmaceutical companies in product liability litigation and dietary supplement companies in FTC litigation and proceedings. Mr. Wenik also counsels health care institutions, individuals and corporations on regulatory matters.