Samuel C. Johnson Dies at 76

Samuel C. Johnson, former chairman of S.C. Johnson, died May 22. He was 76. Mr. Johnson became chairman of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., and turned a $171 million wax company into a thriving, multi-billion dollar privately-held empire of four global companies employing more than 28,000 people.

The fourth generation of his family to lead the family business, he observed that “every generation must bring something new” to the enterprise. Mr. Johnson did just that, creating billion dollar brands like Glade, Raid and Pledge and bringing Windex and Ziploc into the family’s portfolio. According to the company, Mr. Johnson created the modern new product development organization in 1957 that remains the definitive model for companies still today.

He summed up his business strategy simply as, “New products, new geographies, and every few years, an acquisition.” Today the Johnson name sells household packaged goods, institutional products and services, an array of financial services and outdoor recreation products in more than 110 countries worldwide.

Mr. Johnson brought family front and center in the family enterprises. He pioneered groundbreaking family-friendly policies, which have helped to earn his business’ “best place to work” recognition around the world, even integrating family into corporate marketing campaigns. His film, Carnauba, A Son’s Memoir was a testament to the importance he placed on family personally and professionally. He cultivated and sustained the strong values and high ethical standards of the Johnson leaders before him, and upon which the companies have flourished. He was the catalyst and architect of This We Believe in 1975, which is the touchstone of these principles and philosophy, and continues to guide corporate actions yet today.

As his companies and profits multiplied, so did his philanthropic endeavors. While most companies hold corporate giving below 2%, Mr. Johnson kept his at 5%, giving generously to efforts to improve the quality of life around the world, particularly in the areas of environment, education and the arts. Scholarships, grants and endowments totaled more than $200 million while he was chairman, benefiting a variety of notable local, national and global causes and organizations, including among others: Cornell University, The 21st Century Preparatory School, Next Generation Now, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthplace Museum, Sustainable Racine, The Nature Conservancy, the Smithsonian, The Prairie School, the Racine Art Museum and the Downtown Racine Corporation.

Described by Fortune magazine as “corporate America’s leading environmentalist,” Sam was a founding member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and was named in 1993 to the U.S. President’s Council on Sustainable Development. From 1990 to 2000, he served on the Board of Governors for The Nature Conservancy, acting the last two years as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Most recently, he was a director of the World Resources institute.

Sam’s leadership was recognized with many awards throughout his life. In 1992, he received a Lifetime Environmental Stewardship Award from the United Nations Environment Programme. In 1993, he was inducted into the U.S. National Business Hall of Fame by the Board of Editors of Fortune magazine. In 1994, he was presented the Charles A. Lindbergh award for his lifetime of contributions to furthering the balance between technological advancement and environmental preservation. In 1995, he was presented the Rene Dubos Environmental award for leadership and commitment to improving both natural and cultural environments. In 1997, he was presented the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Freedom of Flight award for his contributions to aviation. Among his many other awards, he was honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Emperor of Japan, the Silver Medal of Paris by Jacques Chirac, and the Order of the Civil Merit by the King of Spain.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 50 years, Imogene (Powers), their four children — Curt, Helen, Fisk and Winnie and their spouses; 12 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; his sister, Karen (William) Boyd; his cousin, Dr. Timothy Louis and many nieces and nephews.