Julie Smolyansky

Most specialty foods appeal to a narrow market. For example, Lifeway Foods uses kefir, cultured milk products with probiotics, in all its food products. Research finds that probiotics ? beneficial bacteria ? improve immunity and reduce depression and anxiety, among other things. Michael Smolyansky, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union knew that kefir, which has its origins in the north Caucasus Mountains, would appeal to other immigrants. When he needed money to grow the company, he took the company public. By 2002, the company had grown to $70 million. He died suddenly that year.