How William Colgate Made The "Colgate" Brand

More than 200 years ago, a poor man named William Colgate survived by making soap and candles. The small business that allowed him to put food on the table became one of the most successful multi-billion dollar corporations and William Colgate became one of the richest men in the World. Here’s his incredible success story.

1. William Colgate Moved to New York

William Colgate was born in 1783 in England, the family moved to a farm when he was six years old, but when they moved to the US, his father, who was a farmer along with his friend, began making candles and soaps. But unfortunately, after two years they suffered a big loss and had to close their business, so their first venture was a big failure. At the age of 16, William Colgate decided to leave his home and find work to make ends meet when he moved to new york city in 1804.

2. Started working in Soap Manufacturing Business

A man gave him this advice. “Someone will soon be the leading soap maker in new york. You can be that person”. Despite the previous failures, he became determined to become successful, so William Colgate began working for a soap maker and started his journey in the manufacturing business. He closely watched the techniques of making soap and learned everything about the business.

3. Started his Own Shop of Soap and Candles

So after working there for two years and gathering plenty of knowledge and skills, he quit his job and established his soap and candle business. This small shop eventually grew into a massive and successful company, and then the business was expanded by introducing the Colgate toothpaste that over time became the number one best-selling toothpaste in the world.

4. Became a Billionaire by Selling Colgate

William Colgate became one of the wealthiest and most generous men in new york city. Quite generous, when the man told him, “that someone will soon be the leading soap maker in new york. You can be that person, he also said to him, but you must never lose sight of the fact that the soap you make has been given to you by god. Honor him by sharing what you earn”. So William Colgate lived by these words throughout his life, giving away a big part of his fortune. William Colgate went from being a young man who survived by making soaping candles to becoming one of the richest men in the world today, Colgate Palmolive is one of the most successful multi-billion dollar corporations. Remember right now, you may not be where you want to be in life but you’re also not where you used to be, so take a second to realize how far you’ve come.