JOHNSON/S WAX
HOW JOHNSON’S WAX BEGAN
Johnson's Wax was created by Samuel Curtis Johnson in 1886 for his parquet flooring business. He developed the wax as a solution to customer complaints about floor wear and tear. Initially, he provided samples of the wax to customers who purchased flooring from the company, but the wax soon became the star of the business. As demand for Johnson's Wax grew, the company stopped offering it as a free sample and began selling it as an independent product.
POLISHING A LEGACY
By 1898 his products exceeded the sales of the original parquet flooring business and the company soon began advertising Johnson's Wax nationwide. The product's success marked a turning point for the company, shifting its focus from flooring sales to the manufacture of waxes and other household care products. Johnson's wax was bringing in so much revenue that the company introduced one of the first ever paid vacation programs in the U.S. to show their appreciation for their workers. As the company grew, Johnson's Wax expanded its product line to include specialized waxes and polishes like the famous Glo-Coat for hardwood floors, furniture, leather goods, and automobiles, helping establish the brand as a leader in household care products.
