In 1837, the United States faced similar circumstances that we are facing today. The U.S. was in a financial panic. Markets were plunging, banks were locking their doors, and people were wondering if the economy would ever recover. But in the midst of this tough economy, a visionary by the name of Alexander Norris had an idea and planted a seed that would affect all of us, even today.
Alexander Norris had two daughters. One was married to a candle-maker, the other to a soap-maker. Each man's business depended heavily on animal fats. Rather than seeing his daughter's husbands compete for the same raw materials in a depressed economy, Norris begged them to go into business together. To keep the family peace, they both reluctlantly agreed.
Today, the two brothers are known for turning animal fat into a fortune. From Pepto-Bismal to Pampers, William and James created a company that has more then 250 brand name products and has become a worldwide powerhouse with annual sales of more than $40 billion and more than one hundred thousand employees.
William and James last names? Proctor and Gamble.
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