13 Weird Ways Big Companies Got Their Start
This post may contain affiliate links.
When most people think of big companies, they envision established giants with clear origins and straightforward paths to success.
However, many of today’s corporate titans have unusual and unexpected beginnings that are fascinating and inspiring. Here are 13 big companies that got their start in surprisingly weird ways.
Nintendo: From Playing Cards to Video Games
Founded in 1889, Nintendo originally produced handmade playing cards. Over time, the company explored various businesses, including a taxi company, a love hotel chain, and even a TV network, before eventually finding its niche as a video game giant.
Samsung: Groceries to Electronics
Established in 1938 as a trading company, Samsung initially dealt in groceries, dried fish, noodles, and other goods.
In the 1960s, Samsung diversified into electronics, paving the way to becoming the technology powerhouse we know today. This transition was largely driven by the company’s visionary leadership and ability to adapt to changing market trends.
Wrigley: Soap to Chewing Gum
The Wrigley Company started selling soap and baking powder in 1891. William Wrigley Jr. included chewing gum as a premium with his products, eventually becoming more popular than soap and baking powder, leading him to focus on gum.
Avon: Books to Beauty
Originally called the California Perfume Company, Avon was founded in 1886 by David H. McConnell.
He started selling books door-to-door and gave away perfume samples to entice customers. The perfume’s popularity led him to pivot and focus on selling fragrances instead.
Nokia: Paper Mill to Mobile Phones
Before becoming known for mobile phones, Nokia began as a paper mill in 1865 in Finland. The company’s transition into producing rubber products, cables, electronics, and telecommunications equipment not only marked a significant shift in its business model but also profoundly impacted the telecommunications industry, paving the way for the development of mobile phones.
American Express: Mail to Finance
Established in 1850, American Express started as a freight forwarding company in Buffalo, New York. It mainly transported goods, valuables, and species between New York City, Buffalo, and points in the Midwest. The company’s decision to introduce financial services, including money orders and traveler’s checks, in 1891 was largely influenced by the changing economic landscape and the increasing need for secure and reliable financial transactions.
The company didn’t introduce financial services, including money orders and traveler’s checks, until 1891.
Hasbro: Textiles to Toys
The toy company, known for its brands like Transformers and Monopoly, started in 1923 by selling textile remnants. It later moved into producing pencil boxes and school supplies before focusing on toys.
3M: Mining to Innovation
Called initially Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, 3M began in 1902 as a mining venture to harvest corundum, a mineral used to make sandpaper and grinding wheels. The company eventually focused on innovative products like Scotch Tape and Post-it Notes.
Marriott: Root Beer Stands for Hotels
Founded in 1927 as a root beer stand by J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice, Marriott & Co. expanded into a chain of restaurants and motels, eventually becoming the global hospitality giant it is today.
The company’s transformation was largely driven by J. Willard Marriott’s vision of providing high-quality, affordable accommodations to travelers, a vision that continues to guide the company’s operations to this day.
Toyota: Textiles to Automobiles
Before producing cars, Toyota started as a textile company in 1926, known as Toyoda Automatic Loom Works.
The company shifted to automobile production in the 1930s and has since become one of the world’s leading automakers.
Yamaha: Organs to Motorcycles
Yamaha, known for motorcycles and musical instruments, was founded in 1887 as a manufacturer of pianos and reed organs. The company’s transition into motorcycles, electronics, and other products was largely influenced by changing cultural and societal attitudes towards transportation and entertainment, its commitment to innovation, and its ability to adapt to these changing attitudes.
The company later diversified into motorcycles, electronics, and other products, becoming a household name in multiple industries.
Colgate-Palmolive: Soap to Consumer Goods
William Colgate established the company in 1806 as a starch, soap, and candle business. It evolved into a significant consumer products firm known for its toothpaste and household goods, which are found in bathrooms worldwide.
Sony: Rice Cookers to Electronics
Founded in 1946, Sony started as an electronics shop in a bomb-damaged department store in Tokyo.
The company produced rice cookers and later transitioned to transistor radios, televisions, and other consumer electronics, a move largely driven by the changing consumer preferences and the increasing competition in the consumer electronics market. Despite the challenges, the company’s commitment to innovation and ability to anticipate and respond to market trends allowed it to become a global leader in technology.
These stories of unusual beginnings underscore the unpredictable nature of success. They highlight many companies’ transformative journeys, offering valuable lessons in flexibility, innovation, and vision. Whether starting with soap or playing cards, success can be as unexpected as rewarding, a fact that should intrigue and inspire entrepreneurs and history buffs alike.
Vacation Nails: Ultimate Guide for Stunning Holiday Manicures
Vacation nails are the perfect way to express your sense of style while basking in the joy of a well-deserved holiday. From bright hues to unique patterns, there is no shortage of nail art ideas to inspire and elevate your vacation vibes. Whether you prefer tropical themes or simple, solid colors, vacation nails offer an opportunity to get creative and showcase your personality during your travels.
Vacation Nails: Ultimate Guide for Stunning Holiday Manicures
17 Unusual Things That Europeans Find Peculiar About America
Peculiarities are a part of human nature, and no other bond is quite as bizarrely endearing as the one shared between Europeans and their cousins across the pond. It is a love-hate affair characterized by selfies with supersized food and shared bewilderment at baffling healthcare bills.
17 Unusual Things That Europeans Find Peculiar About America
15 Easy-to-Use Products That Simplify Everyday Life at Home
Let’s face it—we’re all about that easy life—the kind where you kick back, relax, and let technology do the work. So, let’s delve into the realm of gadgets that play the role of your faithful, modern-day Alfred (sans the posh British accent).
