30 Most Innovative Companies of the Year 2024
Business Fortune

Perhaps the most well-known herbal product you’ve never heard of is kratom. Kratom, derived from the leaves of an Asian tree, has mild effects akin to those of opioids. Grown in Southeast Asia, the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen member of the coffee family. Kratom users often report its helpfulness in relieving pain, managing diabetes, treating diarrhea, and assisting with opioid withdrawal.
MIT45 stands out as a leading manufacturer and retailer of kratom products in the United States. For over a decade, the company has been devoted to responsibly integrating kratom into society. What began as humble beginnings has blossomed into a vibrant community of individuals from diverse backgrounds who utilize kratom to enrich their life experiences.
From humble beginnings to transforming the natural wellness space with an unmatched commitment to the customer
MIT45 was established by Shawn Brady and Dalton Locke. With CEO Ryan Niddel joining the founders, the company has witnessed extraordinary growth, substantially boosting its revenue over the past few years.
MIT45 owes its remarkable success to a steadfast commitment to harnessing the power of the ancient Southeast Asian herb, kratom, in the creation of all-natural and effective health products. MIT45 ensures that all its products, including powders, capsules, and candies, meet high standards for purity, potency, and safety through modern extraction methods and thorough third-party lab testing.
However, MIT45’s successes can be credited to more than just its outstanding products. The company’s achievements are proof of the value of cooperation, coordination, and a common goal. Together with CEO Ryan Niddel, co-founders Shawn Brady and Dalton Locke have fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement that influences every facet of the company.
“At MIT45, we believe that our success is directly tied to the strength of our team,” says Dalton Locke. “Everyone in our organization, from our skilled vendors to our customer service team, plays a key role in helping us achieve our mission of providing the highest quality kratom products and exceptional customer experiences.”
This collaborative mindset is evident in every aspect of MIT45’s product development and customer service. The company regularly seeks feedback from team members and customers to better meet the needs of its diverse clients. MIT45 continually seeks ways to enhance the consumer experience through new flavors, improved packaging, and faster ordering.
“Our customers are at the core of everything we do,” explains Shawn Brady. “We’re not just selling products; we’re building relationships and fostering a sense of community. By listening to our customers and involving them in our decisions, we create products and experiences that truly meet their needs.”
This approach to customer-centricity goes beyond the creation of new products. MIT45 prioritizes openness and education because it understands that knowledgeable consumers are empowered consumers. The company provides accurate and up-to-date information about kratom, its potential benefits, and responsible usage guidelines through its website, social media channels, and direct customer interactions. Through persistent efforts to eliminate misunderstandings and encourage conscientious consumption, MIT45 has garnered the confidence and allegiance of its clientele.
The company’s dedication to customer service, quality, and transparency has not gone unnoticed. MIT45 has amassed a fervent fan base of enthusiastic clients who value the business’ commitment to their welfare.
MIT45 is committed to its basic ideals of innovation, cooperation, and customer-centricity even as it grows and expands. With the backing of its visionary co-founders and dedicated executive team, MIT45 is poised to elevate its impact on the natural wellness industry even further.
Transforming the natural wellness sector through stellar leadership
Under CEO Ryan Niddel’s guidance, MIT45 has achieved impressive growth, significantly boosting its revenue within a short span of time.
Ryan’s diverse background, which spans business consulting and mechanical engineering, has deeply influenced his leadership style at MIT45. His diverse background has greatly influenced his leadership style and fostered an environment where challenging the status quo is not only welcomed but expected.
Upon taking the helm at MIT45 in 2019, Ryan identified immediate opportunities for improvement. “The unsexy truth was we had to streamline some very basic things,” Ryan shares. Implementing systems like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and refining communication protocols, he transformed foundational business practices.
However, Ryan has more in mind than just financial indicators. He promotes a wholistic style of leadership that strikes a balance between the “core four” pillars of family, finances, faith, and physical health. This balance informs MIT45’s culture and shapes the company’s mission to provide safe, natural wellness products.
In addition to Ryan’s accomplishments as a CEO, the MIT45 founders have played a pivotal role in shaping the American kratom industry, with Shawn Brady being inducted into the American Kratom Association (AKA) Hall of Fame as a Legacy Vendor and Advocate, recognizing his tireless advocacy work and contributions.
“Shawn’s dedication to responsible business practices and consumer education has set a high standard,” said AKA Executive Director Mac Haddow. “His advocacy work has been crucial in promoting understanding of kratom.”
Brady, a Canoga Park, California native, transformed MIT45 from a small startup into a prominent business. In his business strategy, he places a strong emphasis on personal growth and a variety of viewpoints.
The AKA is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of kratom users and fostering research into the potential health benefits of the plant.
Meet the CEO
Ryan Niddel is the CEO of MIT45. Ryan's visionary leadership remains instrumental to MIT45's culture as it innovates and expands its market presence. With its strong focus on providing safe, high-quality kratom products and ensuring consumer education, MIT45 is well-prepared to make a significant impact on the wellness sector.
True success often comes from embracing your unique path, prioritizing well-being, and daring to explore new opportunities. Ryan Niddel and MIT45 exemplify this philosophy. Ryan and MIT45 are paving the way for a healthier future in the wellness industry.