Hopkins Company Enjoys the Sweet Smell of Success

Bill McGilvray and Jill Rivard knew a good thing when they saw it—or in their case, when they smelled it.

The husband and wife team are the owners and operators of , which is based in Hopkins on Excelsior Boulevard. The company markets plant oils, most of them originating in Australia, McGilvray’s native country.

The oils are used in the growing field of aromatherapy.

“I grew up right by the Australian bush and have been familiar with the plants and their oils for years,” said McGilvray, a chemist by profession.

Plant Extracts International serves primarily as the distribution and marketing arm in North America for Australian Essential Oils, a company McGilvray runs.

He and Rivard met nine years ago. They fell in love, got married and decided to launch their company in 2006.

“Things are going according to our plans,” Rivard said when asked how the company was doing. “We are very pleased.”

The company markets more than 40 different essential oils, primarily to the health care field as well as online to individuals. It also sells a diffuser called an H2EO Air Care Diffuser, which emits the vapors of the oil into a room

The oils can be used through inhaling or applied to the skin, depending upon the intended use. The company provides a written, as well as an online, list of various ailments and maladies and then matches one of its oils for the treatment process.

Plant Extracts International has its own private labels and prides itself on one-day shipping.

“We are also hoping to eventually take over the manufacturing of our own diffusers,” Rivard said.

Aromatherapy has been a growing part of possible treatments for health issues.

Linda Halcon, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing who is also attached to the U of M’s Department of Epidemiology as well as the Center for Spirituality and Healing, said most Twin Cities hospitals now provide some aspect of aromatherapy.

“It is becoming more accepted,” Halcon said. “However, I would not say it is yet widespread.”

She said that essential oils are being studied for use in several areas, not the least of which as a way to counter drug-resistant bacteria.

Essential oils come from all over the world, she said, adding the U.S. is a source for peppermint.

“Warm, tropical locations are a big source,” Halcon said.

McGilvray said the surface is just being scratched.

“There are many plants which we have yet to research,” he added.