2026 Business Leaders of the Year: Nancy Bogart

Starting Jordan Essentials in her kitchen 26 years ago, Nancy Bogart saw her direct sales wellness and skincare company as a way to aid busy women earn an income while they fulfill other life priorities. Since its launch, she’s remained committed to the company’s values of integrity, optimism, innovation and people-first leadership.

As the Nixa-based company’s founder and CEO, Bogart says the venture began as a passion to help people live healthier lives and has since grown to positively impact countless families and communities across the country.

“I am especially proud that we have remained family-owned, debt-free and grounded in Midwest values while continuing to grow in a highly competitive industry,” she says. “In a business environment that often prioritizes short-term results, we have worked hard to build something sustainable, resilient and meaningful for both our customers and our team.”

Bogart says she’s proud to have built a culture at Jordan Essentials where people feel valued, encouraged, challenged and inspired to become more than they thought possible. She says the company, which manufactures clean, nontoxic, American-made products, has empowered thousands of independent consultants nationwide.

“Watching team members, leaders and consultants grow personally and professionally over the years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey,” she says.

Amid economic shifts, industry disruption and personal adversity, Bogart says she strives to lead the company with resilience, transparency, faith and vision.

Bogart says one of her greatest leadership lessons comes from being the mother of a daughter with special needs. Through parenting, she’s learned leadership isn’t about comparing people to others but rather helping every person achieve their personal best.

“Her journey has inspired our family and our company to hire individuals with differing abilities and adapt our workplace so they can thrive,” Bogart says. “In turn, they have enriched our culture and helped Jordan Essentials make an even greater impact.”

As business and life both bring unexpected challenges, Bogart says strong leaders must be willing to evolve, continue learning and make difficult decisions with courage and integrity while still treating people with dignity and respect.

But leadership extends far beyond the walls of a company, Bogart says, adding she’s always viewed business as a platform to encourage, mentor and positively impact people professionally and personally.

“Over the years, I have mentored business owners, encouraged emerging leaders, spoken at trainings and events, and invested time in helping others navigate both leadership and life challenges,” she says. “One of the most meaningful parts of leadership for me is helping people realize they are capable of more than they imagined.”