Thursday, August 18, 2011

William and James

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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