Meet Donny Makower | CEO & Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donny Makower and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donny, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
RDCL Superfoods champions and promotes the health, ecological, and ethical benefits of plant-based nutrition. For starters, we believe in the power of plants to achieve optimal well-being, so all of our products are vegan and utilize real, whole-food ingredients that provide nutritional and/or functional benefits. Additionally, given that animal agriculture is one of the most significant drivers of environmental destruction and climate change, we make a positive impact on our planet by avoiding the use of any animal-based ingredients. Over time, the benefits of this practice accrue quite significantly, and we can play an important role in reducing harmful emissions, and saving significant amounts of key resources such as grain, water, and forest land. We also use organic ingredients and support regenerative farming wherever possible, which helps restore healthy, living soil. And finally, it’s important to note that approximately 73 billion land animals and trillions of marine animals are killed worldwide each year for food. By promoting plant-based nutrition, we are doing our part in lessening the exploitation of animals.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career trajectory changed after my sister had a serious health scare a number of years ago. I’m a 20-year veteran of the digital marketing space who successfully built and sold an agency. But when my sister reversed her breast cancer (which was starting to spread after surgery removed the main sites) by adopting a no-junk-food, no-sugar, whole-food, vegan diet, I became fascinated by plant-based living and its many benefits. Over time, I realigned my personal and professional endeavors around my conviction for vegan, cruelty-free living. I’m now excited to be building a company that can have such a positive impact on issues that I care so deeply about – namely, helping to improve people’s health and well-being, saving animals, and protecting our planet. I was amazed to learn that such a diet was scientifically proven to prevent, treat or reverse so many of our leading causes of death, including certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. But it was only after learned about the suffering caused by animal agriculture that I ceased all forms animal exploitation, whether for food, clothing, entertainment, or otherwise. With this new conviction I not only became CEO and Co-Founder RDCL Superfoods, but also Chairman of the Board of the Gentle Barn, a national nonprofit organization specializing in the rehabilitation of abused and neglected animals. I also make time for another passion of mine – public speaking. My latest talk, The Blindspot of Compassion, addresses the most common objections to veganism and shines a light on why people who otherwise love animals engage in day-to-day behaviors that run counter to their sensibilities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to begin! One of my favorite pastimes – particularly over the last year when COVID has prevented us from taking part in indoor activities – is hiking. Fortunately, the weather here allows me to hike almost every weekend with friends and family. A perfect day with an out-of-town friend might be a hike at Murphy Ranch – a secret gem that many people aren’t familiar with. It’s not only beautiful and partially shaded, but also has an interesting history. From there, I would head over to Café Gratitude in Venice for their amazing buckwheat flax pancakes and a delicious latté. Another favorite hike is at Lake Hollywood, where you walk around the lake and see the famous Hollywood sign – and afterwards we can drive to West Hollywood to visit Pura Vita Pizzeria for the best vegan organic pizza. I also love taking friends to Santa Monica or Malibu to the walk around and watch the sunset. And as far as restaurant go, some other favorites include Nic’s on Beverly, Gracias Madre, Crossroads Kitchen, Sage Plant-Based Bistro, and (if you’re in the mood for a fast-food treat) Honeybee Burger – the Brekky Bee is delish.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes! Without a doubt I’d like to give a shoutout to my wife and kids. Building a new company from the ground up takes an extraordinary amount of work, patience, and dedication. Without the incredible, unwavering support I get on a daily basis, this journey would be far more challenging. When I first adopted a vegan lifestyle in early 2018 (which marked an important step that led me to RDCL Superfoods), my family quickly jumped on board and we’ve all been vegan ever since. And from the moment I co-founded RDCL, my family has been cheering me on every step of the way (and testing products whenever asked, with a smile). I love them more than words can describe and will forever be grateful.

Website: https://rdclsuperfoods.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdclsuperfoods/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnymakower/