He holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from California State University at Dominguez Hills and JD at Loyola Law School. He is now serving his third term as a member of the board of trustees for the American Herbal Products Association.

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Health E-Insights: What technology puts Paragon at the top of the list for contract manufacturing?

Mr. Kaufman: There is not one particular type of technology that sets us (Paragon) apart. We are always interested in continuous improvement on how we operate our business. As such, we look to identify the best approaches toward improvement. It could involve a modification to an existing manufacturing procedure, it can be trying a new processing aid, it can be using a new piece of automated equipment, it could be the development of a new analytical procedure. In addition, our employees, our certifications, and our reputation in the industry puts as the top of the list for contract manufacturers in our industry.
 
Health E-Insights: Do you consider your product development to be turnkey?
 
Mr. Kaufman: I interpret turnkey as being the management of all aspects regarding or related to manufacturing a finished product. This means to me taking a marketing concept for a product, then formulating it into a finished product and identifying all relevant specifications in order to comply with GMPs in manufacturing the product, procuring all the ingredients and packaging components, manufacturing the product and then delivering the product to our customer.
 
Health E-Insights: In your many years in business, what are a few challenges you’ve faced?
 
Mr. Kaufman: Ramping up to address runaway demand of a product that outpaces normal lead times in order to fill the void created by back orders. We addressed it by closely coordinating with all parties that assure bringing that product to market, which included financing, securing the raw material, purchasing additional tooling and equipment, and utilizing overtime to maximize output.
 
Health E-Insights: As COO, what's the newest, freshest approach you are bringing to Paragon?
 
Mr. Kaufman: It’s not so new for me but rather an ongoing process to see where there are opportunities for improvement in how it is that Paragon operates. I always ask the question: what is it that we can do better?
 
Health E-Insights: What pending legislation could impact the company?
 
Mr. Kaufman: I would say developments as it relates to NDI guidance from FDA and FSMA are the two most likely areas of legislation that will impact our business in the near future.
 
Health E-Insights: What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
 
Mr. Kaufman: There several approaches I take. They include but are not limited to reading books on the best ways to assure business success, engaging my direct reports to identify goals for their departments, staying abreast of developments within our industry, and networking with industry leaders and trade groups to stay abreast of the most current developments in our industry.
 
Health E-Insights: What is your most treasured possession?
 
Mr. Kaufman: The time I am able to spend with my family, and particularly with my kids as they are growing up and one day will move on to carrying out their own lives and schedules independently.
 
Health E-Insights: I haven’t asked this question in a while. What’s your favorite color and why?
 
Mr. Kaufman: Green because it is highly represented in nature and many other colors go well together with the color green.

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Sheldon Baker is CEO for the Baker Dillon Group and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing and public relations campaigns for many well-known companies and brands. For Health E-Insights interview consideration and campaign development, contact him at Sheldon@BakerDillon.com.