Greg Renker

Growing up, Renker's family moved a lot due to his father's work managing country clubs and hotels.

Renker met future business partner Bill Guthy at one of the country clubs managed by his father.

[2] Renker's family moved every year due to his father's work managing a chain of country clubs and hotels.

The family was not wealthy, but due to his father's work, they spent a lot of time in high-end resorts socializing with "the rich and famous.

[13][14] That November, they formed Guthy-Renker,[15] which eventually grew into one of the largest direct-response companies, selling beauty, health, self-help products, and other services.

[11] In 1990, Renker testified before a Congressional subcommittee after the Federal Trade Commission was suggesting new regulations for the infomercial industry.

"[17] Renker also testified in front of the Congressional Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance in 2009 at a hearing focused on the use of testimonials from customers that experienced extraordinary results that are not typical among general users.

[9] According to the Horatio Alger Association, the award "honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in society who have succeeded in spite of adversity.