In 1928, Herbert died suddenly, leaving H.F. to take the reins of the company at just 28 years old. And soon after that, the Great Depression began, devastating the American economy and hurting business everywhere.
Many companies lost sales and cut back on new products. But H.F. pressed onward…and science played an important part. Propelled by its investments in research and development, the company created a revolutionary self-polishing wax called Glo-Coat. It would become one of our most popular and enduring products.
First, we had to get people to try it. This is where H.F.’s bravery was critical. He authorized the shipment of about a half a million pints – without orders! – to the company’s retailers around the United States. Stores were invited to sell it or return it at the company’s expense.
But the product worked wonderfully, and national advertising was already building demand. So as a company history book gratefully reported, “In the midst of the Depressions, when you couldn’t sell peanuts, retailers sold Glo-Coat.”
The success of Glo-Coat proved that a superior product can thrive even during poor economic times, and it further strengthened our commitment to R&D that endures today.