Bill Gookin wasn't just the founder of Vitalyte. He was a cornerstone of the San Diego running community and a true innovator who never sought the spotlight.

After finishing at San Diego State, Bill joined teammates in forming the San Diego Track and Field Association, which became the San Diego Track Club. He served as club president many times and established the first long distance running events in San Diego, including the Balboa 8 Mile and the Mission Bay Marathon.

The San Diego Indoor Games became a global event under his direction, featuring Olympians from around the world, including the Soviet Union. Bill directed some of the first running events that allowed women entrants. He designed club logos, created team uniforms, and was famous for working all night to set up a race course and then jumping in to win the race the next morning.

Beyond running, Bill was passionate about orienteering, the Scandinavian sport where competitors use a map and compass to race through mountainous terrain. He formed the San Diego Orienteering Club and competed internationally.

As an inspirational science teacher for over 50 years at schools including Montgomery Junior High, La Jolla High School, Crawford High School, and Clairemont High School, Bill's hands-on approach and field trips inspired generations of students.

Bill Gookin passed away peacefully on January 28, 2019, but his impact continues every day through the dedication of those who carry forward his mission.

When you call Vitalyte's office or order from our website, you're experiencing the work of Evan Lucas, who has been the guardian of Bill's legacy for over 25 years.

Evan joined Vitalyte in 1998 as a 23-year-old looking for work. Bill hired him, and Evan found his calling. For more than two decades, he has been moving quietly behind the scenes at Vitalyte's San Diego office, ensuring that the very best electrolyte drink available makes it into the hands of customers who need it.

What started in Bill's garage in Mira Mesa with the entire Gookin family taping up boxes and putting stamps on envelopes has grown into a respected brand. But the core mission never changed. Evan embodies the work ethic and commitment that Bill valued. He ensures that every decision honors Bill's original vision: helping people through effective, science-based hydration.

Today, Evan runs Vitalyte from the warehouse in Escondido, California, managing operations while protecting the integrity of Bill's formula and refusing to compromise on quality for profit.

From the rickety wooden garage door at the family home to a robust metal door that opens to a warehouse, Vitalyte has grown. But the heart of the company remains the same: real people, real science, real results.