Jay Kaufman, President of Paragon Laboratories, has always had a passion for creating supplements that meet the highest standards. “From an early age, I was fascinated by manufacturing—especially the process of transforming high-quality ingredients into finished tablets, capsules, and powders,” said Kaufman. “The coordination of people, machinery, and precision in formulation to create products that enhance consumer health always felt like meaningful work to me.” Beyond his work at Paragon, Kaufman was among the industry representatives on the inaugural committee that helped shape the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), advocating for stronger Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to elevate product quality, foster consumer trust, and promote greater transparency.
Founded more than five decades ago, Paragon Laboratories has built its reputation on manufacturing excellence, exceptional customer service, and reliability. “Our mission has always been to protect our customers' brands by ensuring the highest quality manufacturing,” Kaufman explained. “We take great pride in hearing how the products we help formulate positively impact consumers.” The company’s diverse manufacturing capabilities, from tablets and capsules to powders, are supported by rigorous quality assurance processes that ensure compliance with industry regulations. “Our success is ultimately driven by our people—experienced professionals committed to producing high-quality supplements,” Kaufman added.
Paragon’s leadership team is guided by core values that shape its culture and approach. “Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching,” Kaufman emphasized. The company strives for excellence in every product, encourages humility and a hunger to learn, as well as promotes enthusiastic teamwork through open communication and collaboration. “By aligning our team around these principles, we ensure that we’re not only serving our customers with excellence but also fostering a strong internal culture,” said Kaufman.
Central to Paragon’s success is its ability to cultivate long-term client relationships built on trust and collaboration. “We actively listen to client feedback and adapt our processes to better meet their evolving needs,” Kaufman noted. Dedicated account teams, proactive communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement ensure that each client receives tailored solutions designed to meet their unique needs.
With e-commerce now accounting for 20–40% of total nutritional product sales, according to Kaufman, Paragon has evolved its operations to meet the growing demands of online markets. “We’ve optimized our production and packaging processes to support the unique requirements of e-commerce,” Kaufman explained. The company’s NSF, GMP, and UL GMP certifications offer added assurance that its products meet the highest quality and compliance standards. Additionally, flexible supply chain solutions help streamline logistics and inventory management, enabling clients to scale their direct-to-consumer businesses. This proactive approach allows Paragon to stay ahead of market shifts while continuing to deliver exceptional service.
Looking ahead, Kaufman sees several key trends shaping the future of the dietary supplement industry. The company’s R&D team is preparing to launch new dosage formats in 2025, responding to the growing demand for personalized nutrition with customized supplements tailored to individual needs. Consumers are also increasingly seeking transparency in ingredient sourcing and environmentally friendly packaging, prompting Paragon to prioritize clean label formulations and sustainability initiatives.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Kaufman shares a key lesson that has guided his approach: “From the beginning, I understood that success in this industry depends on the people and the team. However, as I’ve gained more experience, I’ve come to realize that this is even more critical than I initially thought,” he added. “Surrounding yourself with the right talent, fostering a strong culture, and continuously investing in people is what truly drives long-term success.”
With a focus on quality, innovation, and strong relationships, Kaufman continues to lead Paragon Laboratories with a forward-thinking mindset. His dedication to the people within the company, the clients they serve, and the consumers who use these products reflects a deep commitment to advancing the dietary supplement industry. As Paragon looks to the future, Kaufman remains driven by the belief that success comes from combining passion, purpose, and continuous improvement.