B.J. Johnson Biography: Life, Career, Success & Wealth

B.J. Johnson was an American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the Johnson Wax Company, which became one of the largest wax manufacturers in the world. Born on December 27, 1846, in Massachusetts, Johnson began his career as a salesman for a company that produced paraffin wax. In 1886, he established his own wax manufacturing company, which he named Johnson Wax Company.

Under Johnson’s leadership, the company focused on developing innovative wax products that were more reliable and effective than those of their competitors. One of the company’s most notable achievements was the invention of the first commercial floor wax, which became known as Johnson’s Prepared Wax. The product quickly gained popularity among consumers, and the Johnson Wax Company grew rapidly as a result.

Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his commitment to quality products and ethical business practices. He believed that a successful business could only be built on a foundation of trust and honesty with customers and employees alike. This philosophy helped the Johnson Wax Company establish a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the industry.

At the time of his death in 1917, B.J. Johnson was one of the wealthiest businessmen in the United States, with an estimated net worth of $13 million (equivalent to over $300 million in today’s currency). His legacy continued through the Johnson Wax Company, which remained a leader in the wax manufacturing industry for many years after his death.

In addition to his success in business, Johnson was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He established the Johnson Foundation, which focused on supporting medical research and providing assistance to the less fortunate. Today, the foundation remains active and continues to support a variety of charitable causes.

Overall, B.J. Johnson was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist whose commitment to quality and ethical business practices helped him build a successful company and leave a lasting legacy.

Here is a timeline of B.J. Johnson’s life:

• 1846: B.J. Johnson is born in Massachusetts.
• 1867: Johnson begins his career as a salesman for a company that produces paraffin wax.
• 1886: Johnson establishes his own wax manufacturing company, which he names Johnson Wax Company.
• 1890: The company introduces the first commercial floor wax, which becomes known as Johnson’s Prepared Wax.
• 1917: B.J. Johnson dies at the age of 70, leaving behind an estimated net worth of $13 million.
• 1935: The Johnson Wax Building, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is completed and becomes a landmark of modern architecture.
• 1944: The Johnson Foundation is established, with a focus on supporting medical research and assisting the less fortunate.
• 1953: The Johnson Wax Research Tower, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is completed and becomes a symbol of innovation and scientific advancement.
• 1975: The company changes its name to S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., in honor of B.J. Johnson and his son, who helped build the company into a global leader in consumer goods.
• 2019: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. remains a leading manufacturer of household and cleaning products, with operations in over 70 countries around the world.

Note: This timeline is not comprehensive and only includes a few key events from B.J. Johnson’s life and the history of the Johnson Wax Company.

5 Interesting Facts About B.J. Johnson:

1. B.J. Johnson’s son, Herbert F. Johnson, succeeded him as CEO of the Johnson Wax Company and helped the company become a global leader in consumer goods.
2. Johnson was known for his innovative marketing tactics, including sending salespeople dressed in white suits to demonstrate the effectiveness of Johnson’s Prepared Wax.
3. Johnson was a strong advocate for employee welfare and was one of the first business owners to introduce a profit-sharing plan for employees.
4. In addition to his philanthropic work, Johnson was an avid art collector and amassed a large collection of works by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
5. Johnson’s commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in the company’s motto, “The Best is Always Better.”

5 Quotes From B.J. Johnson:

1. “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
2. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
3. “I would rather hire a man with enthusiasm than a man who knows everything.”
4. “The best way to keep a competitive edge is to invest in innovation.”
5. “We must remember that life is not measured by what we accumulate, but by what we give away.”