Benjamin Faunce
Benjamin Rice Faunce Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1873 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | 1949 |
| Occupation(s) | Pharmacist, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Inventing the soft drink Boost!, founding the Boost! Company |
Benjamin Rice Faunce Jr. (1873–1949) was an American pharmacist and entrepreneur recognized for inventing the soft drink Boost! and founding the Boost! Company.
Early life
Born in 1873 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Faunce was the son of Benjamin Rice Faunce and Clarinda Lockard.
Career
After relocating to Riverside, New Jersey, Faunce obtained his druggist license in 1905. His product offerings included headache capsules, cough syrups, and toothpaste. Around 1910, he developed a concentrated soft drink named "Tak-Aboost," which was served flat from soda fountains. He officially secured the trademark for this brand in 1913.
Faunce founded the Boost! Company on May 15, 1915, to produce and distribute this beverage. He expanded the business by opening Boost outlets in neighboring communities such as Burlington and Palmyra. He held the position of company president until his passing on April 27, 1949.
Personal life
Faunce was married first to Mable C. Lewis and later to Maude F. Faunce. He had three sons—B. Paul Faunce, Randle B. Faunce, and E. Lester Stockton, Sr.—all of whom were involved in the Boost! Company operations. His granddaughter, Helen Faunce Anderson, also played a role in the family business.