Stuart's H2Ocean Gets Distribution Deal

Online, July 1, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Stuart-based H2Ocean has struck a deal that puts its products in Walgreens stores from Indian River to Palm Beach counties.

And for the 10-year-old company that has done business in Martin County since 2008, the launch into Walgreens is the first step in a plan to achieve nationwide distribution and double its staff in the next three years.

"This is our first walk into a national chain, and it's nice that it's happening here locally in our back yard," said Scott Stier, executive director of operations for the company that sold to 5,000 independent retail locations before its Walgreens launch.

"We've got high hopes for the opportunity that this presents."

H2Ocean manufactures and distributes several lines of natural skincare products developed from patented combinations of sea salt and water that Eddie Kolos, a fisherman, surfer and company CEO, formulated.

The family owned business serves multiple sectors, selling to dental offices, medical centers, veterinarians, tattoo and piercing parlors, podiatrists and other clients.

Its product lines include mouthwash, lotions, nasal mist, first-aid spray, ointment, tattoo and piercing aftercare, skin protectant, diabetic-friendly healthcare merchandise and a natural remedy for sore throats, allergies and minor cuts or scrapes.

"We are excited for the future of this local company," Tim Dougher, interim executive director of the Business Development Board of Martin County, the area's economic development arm, said in a statement.

"We have a one-of-a-kind business right here in our backyard, and the Business Development Board of Martin County looks forward to continuing to work with Eddie and his team on their expansion."

The business development board heralded the company as a leader in creating natural remedies using sea salt.

Walgreens' district manager, Vily Markovich, met H2Ocean's executives at one of the pharmacy chain's Walk for Diabetes campaigns, which the local manufacturer had long supported.

He was impressed enough with the brand to add H2Ocean to Walgreens shelves in four counties.

For the 30-employee business, access to a new mass market is a chance to grow its warehousing and other operations from its base on Jack James Drive.

"This launch is just the beginning," said Mr. Kolos, who owns the company with his wife, Geri. "We look forward to introducing our environmentally friendly, low-impact products to the world, starting right here in Stuart."

Company Contact:
Scott Stier
321-863-4896
[email protected]