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Learn How Product Diversification Can Benefit a Business - That's What Samuel Johnson Did!

 

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Samuel Johnson is famous the world over because of Johnson Wax. By turning Johnson Wax into a household name, he became one of the most successful business leaders of the 20th century.

He is also responsible for famous brand names, such as Glade, Raid, Pledge, Windex, and Ziploc.

Samuel Johnson - Wax Empire... and Then Some

For many years, almost every household in America had a tin of Johnson Wax. But Johnson knew that sustained success meant not being afraid to try something new. Educated at Cornell University and obtaining his MBA from Harvard University, Johnson took over the family business in 1966. He changed the way the company was run once he was appointed chairman. He comes from the fourth generation in a long line of Johnsons who managed the company.

More than just selling wax, he knew that he had to shake things up in the company and bring his own unique contribution to make things better. Through Johnson's efforts, the company grew by leaps and bounds. As with all business leaders with foresight around the world, Johnson knew that the key to success was globalization.

Instead of merely focusing on a single tried and true product, Johnson introduced new products in the market and turned them into formidable brand names as well.

Who does not recognize the brand names Glade, Raid, and Pledge? Or Windex and Ziploc? These were the brands Johnson created under his leadership. This business leader knew that he had to keep up with the times.

He diversified his product offerings so that the company would not meet the same fate as the many whose chief failure was the lack of flexibility or adaptability. Johnson's massive success, which increased profits for the Johnson Wax Company in ways no one ever imagined, is also firmly rooted in his belief in the importance of his employees.

While Johnson believed in innovation, he also retained many of the traditional values that his forefathers had taught him, carrying out the same principles in the company even during modern times. Moreover, while most companies gave only two percent to charity, Johnson gave as much as five percent. Aside from his contributions to the environment, he also gave significant contributions to education and the arts.

The Samuel Johnson Quick Bio

Full name:  Samuel C. Johnson II

Birth date:  1928

Birth place: Wisconsin

Company:  Johnson Wax Company

Industry:  Personal Care Home Products

Key success traits:  giving value to family and employees, risk-taking, flexibility

Additional:

Like his father, Samuel Johnson was also an aviation enthusiast.

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