Johan Ohlsson: From Network Marketing Novice to Hemp Industry Trailblazer
Despite being a mere 34 years old, Johan Ohlsson boasts over 16 years of experience in the field of Network Marketing. His journey began right after high school in Sweden when he joined a prominent American company renowned for its soap and other goods. Reflecting on his early days, Johan admits, “I wish I could share a remarkable success story or claim to have made a fortune in my first year, but that’s not the reality. In truth, I failed miserably.” However, Johan’s determination kept him going, as he remarks, “I was too stubborn to give up.”
During his upbringing, Johan adopted the traditional approach to business, relying on meetings, home parties, and hotel presentations. This period allowed him to gain valuable insights about the industry and himself. After years of training and mentorship, he finally grasped the true dynamics of the field. According to Johan, the secret ingredient he discovered was that this business is not about oneself, but about others. It revolves around people, and to achieve success, one must genuinely appreciate and prioritize them. He believes you have to support others in their journey towards success. And that it is not about doing everything for them or forcing them along; instead, it’s about meeting them halfway.
Fast forward a few years and a couple of company changes, Johan found himself discussing a fresh opportunity with a friend. This time, it was another American company, but the product was entirely different: cannabis. Johan recalls his initial misunderstanding, stating, “When my friend mentioned it, I thought he meant selling small bags of weed on the street corner. Then he clarified it was hemp, which piqued my interest.”
Upon exploring the world of hemp and CBD, Johan decided to try out some products. He recalls that even though they tasted awful, he noticed that they significantly improved his sleep, and that he became hooked on the positive results. He soon realized that education was crucial for selling CBD products since the general public in Sweden had limited knowledge about them. It presented a genuine challenge.
Being an enthusiastic weightlifter and rugby player, Johan frequented the gym every day. Improved sleep led to increased energy, which, in turn, resulted in better workouts. His remarkable results became a living endorsement for CBD. Naturally, he began sharing the products with people at the gym, and some of his customers started showing interest in the business. Progress was being made, but Johan felt that the principles and ethics of the company were far from ideal and didn’t align with his vision. Johan explains that because the company was publicly traded, their sole focus was the bottom line and to him it just didn’t feel right. He now tells people that there’s a significant distinction between a Network Marketing company and a company with a network. In his mind, it should be about more than just sales; it should be about people, and not merely profits.
This realization hit home hard when Johan’s long-time girlfriend, now his wife Christina, fell ill. He vividly recalls receiving a phone call from his mentor at the time. “We spoke for about 5 minutes, and I shared the news about her condition and the uncertainty surrounding her recovery. But his next question wasn’t about her; instead, he expressed concern about my sales targets for the month.”
Soon after, Johan received another phone call. It turned out that a new company, Liv Labs, was considering expanding into Europe. This company, owned by experienced networkers David and Debbie Reeder, caught Johan’s attention. After meeting them and engaging in a two-hour discussion about the company, its products, and its mission, Johan asked, “When can we get started?”
Shortly thereafter, Johan’s wife faced a setback in her health, causing him deep concern. However, a call from David Reeder, the owner of Liv Labs, changed everything. “During that period, I had numerous conversations with David. He checked in on me every single week, always emphasizing, ‘Hey, don’t worry about business. Take care of your wife. The business will still be here when you come back.’” At that moment, Johan realized that Liv Labs was truly his home. “It made an immense difference. Here, family comes first, unlike the sole focus on making a few dollars.”
Today, Johan and Liv Labs have achieved significant progress. The company continues to thrive, with ongoing development and launch of new products, while the market becomes more sophisticated. Johan highlights, “Undoubtedly, there are now numerous CBD products available, but very few, if any, match our quality. Even fewer carry a Certificate of Analysis, providing precise information about the contents of our products.” Such confidence and quality leave a lasting impression. Johan emphasizes that when people try Liv Labs products, they not only enjoy the great taste but also experience tangible results. “And once people find a product that works for them, they become repeat customers,” adds Johan.
As for the future of the business, Johan notes that the economic situation in Greece, where he and his wife reside, compels people to seek new avenues for additional income. Johan says that what he really appreciates is the stability of the company. Although Liv Labs is nearly five years old, they are still relatively small, leaving ample room for growth. What excites Johan inparticularly is the expanding product line. He likes that the company now offers various products beyond CBD, products that now cater to the overall well-being of individuals. The fact that the company now provides products focused on holistic body wellness signifies to Johan that Liv Labs now has something suitable for everyone, and that will create a thriving business.”
