window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Once again, the Gardners started thinking about selling their 33-year-old business. based on Chicagos South Side, evolved into one of the nations largest Black-owned businesses. In 2007, after 16-year-old Blair Holt was shot and killed while riding the bus home from school, Ed Gardner purchased thousands of dollars worth of billboards with messages about Black-on- Black Love. The company's presence in overseas markets was also likely to increase, supported by L'Oreal's vast global reach. With this war chest, he mounted a campaign that registered more than 200,000 voters. See Photos. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicago State University, https://www.csu.edu/foundation/donate.htm. He helped elect the citys first Black mayor, Harold Washington, in 1983 loaning the Washington campaign his creative staff as well as helping fund a voter registration campaign. "L'Oreal is, in fact, a company that was started by a man and his wife, and that's basically the story of Soft Sheen," said Terri Gardner, president of Soft Sheen and daughter of the company's founder. A lifelong resident of the Chicagos South Side, Gardner is the retired president and co-founder of Namast Laboratories, the nations largest minority-owned hair care company and the former president of Soft Sheen Products, Inc. CCCs seven-member board, serve three-year terms as appointed by the Mayor of Chicago with See Photos. page_type: 'article', TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Soft Sheen's research and development staff were to be included as part of the new facility. He taught me to garden. Master of Business Administration, Northwestern University, 1980. cat: 'fashion-beauty', Click here to get the full experience on your screen. A private family service is planned. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', WebGardner began mixing hair and beauty products for blacks out of his basement during the 1940s. Chicago, IL 60601 Soft Sheen founder Ed Gardner meets with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel over lack of blacks in construction jobs, Hair discrimination laws: A reprieve from the crime of knowing and loving ourselves. He was the embodiment of the hard-working, family-focused, responsible Black father. He often stated his primary reason for establishing Soft Sheen Products, Inc., was to create employment opportunities for young Black and Brown men and women. The gentle, conditioning Optimum Care quickly became the industry's best-selling relaxer. }).render('ba25868856a746c68da2b09b1b55bc48'); One of her first moves was to purge Soft Sheen's product line of unprofitable products and package sizes, eliminating 40 of the company's 250 SKUs. In September 2012, at the age of eighty-seven, Edward Gardner led over a thousand demonstrators protesting the lack of Black workers on local construction crews. Last month he signed a law to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, despite months of strikes, One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites, Philippines, China to discuss fishing rights in South China Sea-Marcos. Early in 1998, they began talks with French-owned cosmetics company, L'Oreal S.A. L'Oreal--which operated in 150 countries and had a collection of brands that included Maybelline, Redkin, and Lancme--needed a portal to the ethnic market. In the 1980s, Ed and his wife Bettiann became co-owners of the Chicago Bulls basketball team, cementing their love for Chicago and its award-winning franchise. He also cut operational costs, in an effort to boost profits. Instead of flowers, donations to Chicago State University can be made here. He started off on [his wifes] stove. In the early 1980s Mr. Gardner founded Black on Black Love an organization tailored towards curtailing violence in Chicago. The planned research and development center was almost certain to result in substantial innovations in ethnic hair care products and a steady flow of new product introductions. The 44-year-old Mr. Gardner struck out on his own three years ago after a disagreement with family members about Soft Sheen's future. He employs fewer than 25 administrators and marketers and outsources manufacturing and packaging operations, sources say. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! I looked up to him Gary Gardner stated on Wednesday. 1964: Gary and Bettiann Gardner begin Soft Sheen in the basement of their home. 1979: Soft Sheen introduces Care Free Curl, causing revenues to increase dramatically. 1985: Gary Gardner becomes president and CEO of Soft Sheen. 1996: Gary Gardner resigns, and is replaced by his sister, Terri Gardner. What he faced as the newly appointed president, however, was less a matter of getting a fledgling company off the ground and more a matter of controlling a business that was growing too fast. He was also a board member of Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League, as well as co-owner of the Chicago Bulls. He helped elect the citys first Black mayor, Harold Washington, in 1983 loaning the Washington campaign his creative staff as well as helping fund a voter registration campaign. Gary Gardner, President, Soft Sheen Products Inc., 1993 Elizabeth Garrett, Professor of law, deputy dean for academic affairs, Univ. Ed Gardner proudly walked arm-in-arm at the front of the line with his long- time colleagues, Manford Byrd, Lerone Bennett and Timuel Black. Ed Gardners greatest contribution to the city he loved was doing everything he could to help Chicago elect its first Black Mayor, Harold Washington, in 1983. Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney leading Trump case, says rhetoric wont intimidate office, Video shows sheriffs deputies and hospital workers pinned Irvo Otieno to floor before his death, I agree to storage of my email according to, WATCH: Brittney Griner delivers remarks to the media, OPINION: The College Boards secret apology, Harry Belafonte mourned by entertainment world, Biden, Obama, Carolyn Bryant Donham, at center of Emmett Till death, dies, FIRST PERSON: For this Black mom, Ralph Yarl could have been her son. Mr. Gardner told the Chicago Citizen that he and Mrs. Gardner are blessed to have been honored for their many contributions over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicago State University: www.csu.edu/foundation/donate.htm. In addition to his son Gary and daughter Terri, survivors include two other children, Guy and Tracy, and his wife, Bettiann, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson. As an activist and civic leader, Gardner raised $300,000 with Soft Sheens resources 40 years ago, according to a news release. Mr. Gardner, a co-founder of Soft Sheen Products Inc., died Monday at his home in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, where he spent almost all of his life. Gary Gardner. WebGardner, Gary Edward was born on August 22, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Soft Sheens Edward G. Gardner showed what Black life could be He built his family a beautiful home on the South Side of the city and co-founded a business that provided steady employment so others could do the same. }); EVENTS Privacy Policy. Gardner also took steps to revive the company's languishing product development department, hiring a new vice-president of science and technology. 'We saw a strategic partner with muscle through which we could fulfill our vision for the company,' she said. Ed Gardner was a well-known and admired businessman. Upon assuming her position, she almost immediately began making significant changes in the company's operations. He was 98, his family said. Son of Edward George and Betty Ann (Gueno) Gardner. He was also a board member of Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League, as well as co-owner of the Chicago Bulls. View our. tude.cmd.push(function() { In the fall of 1997, the company launched Alternatives, a line of relaxers and styling products designed for younger women who varied their hairstyles from day to day. The Gardners are still active in the community today and enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren. In 1964, he left a career as a popular teacher and assistant principal to Once the Soft Sheen acquisition was complete, L'Oreal began strategizing how to best grow its new subsidiary and expand its beachhead in the ethnic market. ]); As the oldest, I think I spent the most time with him as a child. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. By the late 1980s, the company was one of the largest Black-owned beauty brands in the country. Food -- how it is prepared and consumed -- can be a reflection of social status. His survivors also include two other children, Guy and Tracy, his wife, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson, the Sun-Times reports. Ads tout the products' natural ingredients, herbs and vitamins. cat: 'fashion-beauty', WebLater, she executed the merger of a major competitor, as president of Soft Sheen/Carson division of LOral USA, overseeing 500 worldwide employees and revenues over $150 million by 2000. Analyst Ken Smikle, of Target Market News, said of Soft Sheen: Edward Gardners early efforts at making Black hair care products started in the family kitchen, with his wifes pots and pans. Around 1960, he began working for another beauty supply business and when it went bankrupt, Gardner took its customers and began producing his His enterprise still isn't widely known, even among ethnic hair care industry executives and consultants. He was 98. By May 1997, Soft Sheen had released two new lines, Mizani and Hair Werks, that were designed exclusively for use in salons. Throughout his ownership of the company, he continued to offer exclusive products for his beloved salon customers. url: 'honoring,the,legacy,of,a,great,chicagoan,and,black,business,giant,edward,g,gardner,passes,away,at,98', Gardner, the co-founder of the hair care company Soft Sheen Products Inc., died Monday surrounded by family. New products, new innovations and new ideas propelled Soft Sheens remarkable success, yet, while keeping an eye on his business, his heart was always with the people especially the youth. In fact, he created a nonprofit organization called Black On Black Love to address violence. url: 'honoring,the,legacy,of,a,great,chicagoan,and,black,business,giant,edward,g,gardner,passes,away,at,98', "Gary and Denise have found another category where there is a tremendous need, another major niche," says Lafayette Jones, president and CEO of industry consulting firm Segmented Marketing Services Inc. in North Carolina. As it turned out, Gardner's slowing-down tactics were timely. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. I feel blessed to have had Ed Gardner as my father. Career Paris (AFP) - France's President Emmanuel Macron faces more nationwide protests on Monday as he seeks to steer the country on from a divisive pension law that has sparked anger, pan-bashing and social unrest. env: 'prod', "Today our presence is almost all over the world, with the exception of people of African descent, who have very specific needs in terms of hair," Peyrelongue said. Yes, yes, yes. My father saw the untapped potential of his community. He served in the Army during World War II and later took advantage of the GI Bill to get a bachelors degree at Chicago Teachers College, now Chicago State University, and a masters in education from the University of Chicago. Beauticians would tell him what they liked, didnt like or what they wished they could buy. Ed Gardner was a well-known and admired businessman. The company expected its global expansion to drive sales up to $150 million by the middle of the 1990s. Two of the company's early products were Soft Sheen Hair & Scalp Conditioner and Miss Cool Five Minute Fast Set, a quick-setting lotion that eliminated the need for sleeping in rollers. pos: 'right_rail_3', He believed that with access to opportunity, hard work, a quality education and safe neighborhoods, there is nothing we cant achieve.. Gardner sold the business in 1998. According to CBS News, a private family service is planned. Gary Gardner, scion of the family that built one of Chicago's most successful minority-owned businesses, has emerged with a new venture in ethnic hair care products that appears to have struck pay dirt. Gardner sold the business in 1998. In fact, he created a nonprofit organization called Black On Black Love to address violence. pos: 'right_rail_2', The company produces embroidery application softtware for the craft and industrial market. Another of her initiatives involved restructuring and consolidating the company's warehouse operations, a move that increased on-time shipments and improved service levels. 'Going forward, this opportunity will magnify Soft Sheen's success on multiple levels,' she observed. We went from small mom and pop to a major player in the business, said Gary Gardner. of Chicago Law School, 2000 Ronald G. Garriques Jones adamant Wallabies can be best in the world. The company also began selling its products in foreign markets. In 1987, Soft Sheen moved to compensate for diminishing domestic sales by expanding its presence in overseas markets. It acquired 66 percent of Dyke and Dryden, Ltd., a London-based manufacturer of ethnic hair care products and the largest black-owned business in Europe. Shaking in dogs could mean a number of different things. He was 98, his family said. Everything changed in 1979, however, when Soft Sheen introduced a new product called Care Free Curl. } ]); . He reduced employment 27 percent, to 620 employees, between 1984 and 1988 by not replacing workers who left. 1995 sales were about $94 million, considerably short of Gardner's expectations. In 1964, he left a career as a popular teacher and assistant principal to start a haircare company, Soft Sheen Products, Inc. with his wife Bettiann. Mr. Gardner persevered, later moving to his garage in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, and by the 1980s, owning one of the largest and most successful Black hair care companies in the United States, Soft Sheen Products. Born in 1925 to a warehouse worker and a seamstress in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, Gardner was a teacher and administrator for several years in Chicago Public Schools during a time when he was getting his hair care line off the ground. Member of American Health and Beauty Aids Institute. Dallas/Fort Worth Area. He was my father, my hero, my teacher, Gary Gardner said in a news release. tude.cmd.push(function() { That's how executives, speaking publicly for the first time since the acquisition July 1, explained the deal Thursday. 31. Dyke and Dryden distributed its products in the United Kingdom and in Africa, giving Soft Sheen solid entry into a market of approximately 440 million potential customers. Meanwhile, Soft Sheen continued to introduce new products. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; You replace crime by realizing that as a mother and as a father you have a responsibility to do all you can to give that child the best chance for a happy life. Terri had previously served as Soft Sheen's executive vice-president of advertising, as well as president of Brainstorm Communications, the company's ad agency. Its distribution system was inefficient and slow, with orders taking ten days to be filled. Gardners death was confirmed by his children in a statement. Missing Crain's in print? kw: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', The Gardners married in 1950 and from their union four children were born. Since the 1970s, its flagship product Black Enterprise magazine has covered African-American businesses with a readership of 3.7 million. Its founders, Edward and Bettiann Gardner, began the business when they became aware that there was a decided lack of hair care products formulated for people of color. Soft Sheen started as a garage-based business and grew to an international empire that influenced how people all over the world beautified themselves. These operational shortcomings, along with adverse market conditions, put the brakes on Soft Sheen's sales growth. Soft Sheen Products, Inc. A commonly available ingredient cooked in lower- or middle-class kitchens can be seen as mediocre, but the same thing prepared by a renowned chef and served in a star-studded restaurant can be a symbol. In the middle of Soft Sheen's astonishing growth spurt, Edward and Bettiann Gardner turned the company's presidency over to their oldest son, Gary. Gary In 1964, he left a career as a popular teacher and assistant principal to start a haircare company, Soft Sheen Products, Inc. with his wife Bettiann. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Jul 1984 - Present38 years 10 months. Mr. Gardner declined a request for an interview with a curt "I'm not going to talk to you about it.". His and his wifes love of theater inspired him to re-create one of Chicagos most historic entertainment venues, the Regal Theater. Three boys and one girl: Gary, Guy, Tracy and Terri. Warning of exceptionally low staffing levels as nurses strike, NHS services across England facing major disruption after nurses walk out in 28 hour strike over pay, Bangladesh journalists living in fear after PMs enemy of the people remark, Reporters say even seemingly innocuous stories are putting them at risk of assault, intimidation and police action under the Digital Security Act, Macron Faces Labor Day Protests over Divisive Pension Law, France's President Emmanuel Macron faces more nationwide protests on Monday as he seeks to steer the country on from a divisive pension law that has sparked anger, pan-bashing and social unrest. He was 98. In a September 1998 interview with Black Enterprise, Gardner explained the company's decision to join L'Oreal. Edward G. Gardner was a humanitarian, a philanthropist, and a successful businessman, who loved the city of Chicago and Chicago loved him in return. kw: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', Contact By Mary Mitchell Mar 22, 2023, 5:23pm PDT Pocket Copyright 2023 inkl. CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO OPEN TWO NEW LOCATIONS IN MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS, AND FUNDING FOR A NEW BRANCH IN WOODLAWN, Cubs Adbert Alzolay Helps Distribute Food at Advocate Health Cares Food Farmacy Day, REP. KELLY, SENATORS DUCKWORTH, DURBIN INTRODUCE TWO BILLS TO INCREASE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon Gives Employers Incentive to Hire Formerly Incarcerated Individuals, CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS VOWS TO FIGHT TO KEEP SUPPORT SYSTEMS INTACT WHILE REPUBLICANS SLASH BENEFITS IN DEBT CEILING PROPOSAL, Treasurer Pappas to participate in Cities Summit and share digital knowhow with leaders from the Western Hemisphere, The Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center Announces 30th Anniversary of Sistas Are Doin' It For Themselves Short Film Showcase and Virtual Film Festival, ComEd Invests $963 Million with Diversity-Certified Suppliers in 2022, MAYOR LIGHTFOOT JOINS CITY OFFICIALS FOR A JOINT RIBBON-CUTTING AND GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR 43 GREEN, Dions Chicago Dream launches Feed the Dream fundraising competition. Soft Sheen will become a division of Cosmair while L'Oreal will expand its ethnic research and development activities to Chicago. In 1994, the company posted only a .6 percent increase over 1993 sales. "At the trade shows, everyone is bunched up around his table trying to find out more about it.". Gardner and his wife Bettiann founded the company in 1964. Principal Competitors: Alberto-Culver Company; Carson Inc.; Massimo Enterprises Inc.; Revlon, Inc. He taught me how to build, how to fix things, how to drive, and how not to drive. WebMr. Three boys and one girl: Gary, Guy, Tracy and Terri. Yes. He taught me how to engage people with humanity and humility., Gardners daughter, Terri, said: My father saw the untapped potential of his community. We never got the wax out of the pan. Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products and beloved philanthropist, dead at 98 Mr. Gardner donated tens of thousands of dollars to causes that sought to end gun violence and helped create the nonprofit Black On Black Love. The pioneering Gardners saw the opportunity to offer better products to people of color and, taking matters into their own hands, began experimenting with shampoo and pomade 'recipes.'. Gary Gardner. He was 98. See Photos. The company had also lagged in product development, not introducing a major new product for more than two years. Edward G. Gardner, a breakthrough businessman in the beauty industry and co-founder of Soft Sheen Products, has passed away, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. They eventually moved into an old factory at 87th and Dobson and renovated the building that would become Soft Sheens new campus. If there was a violent event where someone was at the hospital and needed help, he would write a check to that family, Gary Gardner said. It acquired 66 percent of Dyke and Dryden, Ltd., a London-based manufacturer of ethnic hair care products and the largest black-owned business in Europe. Gardner, a co-founder of Soft Sheen Products Inc., died Monday at his home in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, where he spent almost all of his life. In 1987, Soft Sheen moved to compensate for diminishing domestic sales by expanding its presence in overseas markets. WebThe 27-year-old Gary Gardner had been involved with Soft Sheen since its earliest days, when he and his siblings helped their parents by filling shampoo bottles. Principal Subsidiaries: Dyke & Dryden, Ltd. (U.K.; 66%); Soft Sheen Products, Ltd. (Jamaica); Soft Sheen International. He stuttered as a child. WebSoft Sheen was sold to hair care giant L'Oreal for over $100 million (US). She transitioned him to the basement, Terri Gardner said. Gardner and his wife Bettiann founded the company in 1964. Soft Sheen built on that success by launching a full line of Care Free Curl products, including shampoos, conditioners, gels, and sprays, that were sold both in salons and in drugstores. Women of Power Summit Soft Sheen Products Inc. is the top U.S. producer of ethnic hair care products. I feel blessed to have had Ed Gardner as my father. Most importantly, he taught me how to engage all people with humanity and humility, said Gary Gardner. Mr. Gardner, the former CEO of Soft Sheen Products Inc., and his wife, Denise, are marketing a line of products designed to restore growth to damaged hair and relieve flaky scalps -- conditions caused by braiding and overuse of chemical-based dyes and relaxers, like the ones Soft Sheen made its fortune selling. According to Terri Gardner, One of my dads greatest qualities was his perseverance. "My father saw the untapped potential of his community. He believed that with access to opportunity, hard work, a quality education and safe neighborhoods, there is nothing we cant achieve.. Juris Doctor, Northwestern University, 1980. And in 2012, at the age of 87 and walking with a cane, he led a protest down Western Avenue, his son said. Consumer interest in the products was not overwhelming but was enough to keep the Gardners plugging away at their slowly growing business. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { It expanded its offerings to a myriad of social services including after-school programs and employment training. Soft Sheen Products officially launched in 1964 while Mr. Gardner was still an assistant principal at a local school. Michelle Harris (8th) praised the Gardners saying that they are the epitome of what an African American entrepreneur is. By the middle of 1995, Soft Sheen's stalled growth led the Gardners to begin questioning the wisest course of action for the company's future. Gary Gardner described the goings on in the family kitchen as somewhere between a science lab and a cooking experiment.. cat: 'fashion-beauty', Michael L. Pfleger of St. Sabina Church said the Gardners warned of the impending violence in Chicago years agobut their pleas fell on deaf ears. In 1996, the Gardners established an Hell on earth: Indias taboos around womens pain leave endometriosis sufferers in agony, Despite the pain of the condition, diagnoses take seven years on average globally. At some point during his tenure as a salesman, Mr. Gardner learned that Black salons were unhappy with the limited supply of beauty products available to the African American consumer and therefore decided to take matters into his own hands. See Photos. Although there was no change in ownership, the company's decision-making process did result in a change in leadership. Keep in mind the child is an extension of youeverything that they do is a reflection of you. As consumers, we often take for granted all the hard work that goes into building a great company. Betty and Ed Gardner celebrate their street dedication ceremony with members of the Illinois legislature and Chicago City Council. playerId: '4c4274f6-883d-4331-88d6-3a01a54156b9' Black Men XCEL Ed Gardner was a well-known and admired businessman. Throughout the decades, Eds faith in God and humanity, and his belief in the power of the written word to stop the violence, persisted. kw: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. } Peyrelongue and Gardner are unsure of the impact on employee rolls. According to CBS News, a private family service is planned. All he needed to know was that you thought he couldnt do something, and that would make him do it even more, Terri Gardner said. He was 98. James Gunn names decisive factor in Marvel re-hiring after Guardians of the Galaxy 3 sacking, Director was fired and rehired on the hit Marvel franchise, Fauci says the general public somehow didnt get his messaging that the vulnerable are really, really heavily weighted toward the elderly, Did we say hat the elderly were much more vulnerable? Staying current is easy with Crain's news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge. Soft Sheen Products Inc., a relatively small Chicago-based company, will help its new parent fill that hole. The product wasnt exactly an overnight success but after taking advice from hairstylists and others in the industry, Gardner was able to eventually tweak the formula to perfection.
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