Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr.
Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 2, 1928 Racine, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | May 22, 2004 (aged 76) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, business executive, philanthropist |
| Known for | Chairman of S. C. Johnson & Son; environmental advocacy; corporate philanthropy |
Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. (March 2, 1928 – May 22, 2004) was a prominent American entrepreneur and the fourth generation to oversee S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., a consumer goods corporation based in Racine, Wisconsin. As the son of Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr., he significantly expanded the firm from its origins as a small wax manufacturer into a global powerhouse valued in the multibillion-dollar range.
Known for his commitment to philanthropy and environmental stewardship, Johnson championed corporate responsibility with a focus on "safeguarding the planet and improving it for future generations." He believed that "a capable executive... always finds time to contribute to causes beyond business, particularly those benefiting the community."
Early years
Raised in Racine, Wisconsin, Johnson completed his secondary education at the Asheville School in North Carolina. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from Cornell University in 1950, where he was inducted into the Sphinx Head Society. He then earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1952. Additionally, he served two years as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Career
Johnson assumed the role of chairman at S. C. Johnson & Son in 1967, overseeing its evolution from a $171 million floor wax enterprise into a multibillion-dollar conglomerate consisting of four international companies employing over 28,000 individuals and distributing products across 110 countries by 2004.
A core element of his leadership was strategic diversification. Johnson remarked, "A corporate leader’s foremost responsibility is to secure the organization’s longevity... Survival depends on growth, and growth requires diversification... Spreading interests across various sectors and regions shields against economic and political volatility."
S.C. Johnson & Son
The company was established in 1886 by Johnson's great-grandfather, Samuel Curtis Johnson Sr., initially producing parquet floor materials. It was renamed S.C. Johnson & Son in 1906 when Herbert Fisk Johnson Sr. joined the business. The firm broadened its focus to wax products for hardwood flooring, which eventually outperformed parquet flooring by innovating waxes suitable for multiple surfaces such as dance floors and aircraft.
Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr., Samuel Jr.’s father, took over as president in 1928. Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. began his career there in 1954 as assistant to the president and advanced to new products director by 1955, where he spearheaded development of an aerosol insecticide, noted as "the first Johnson Wax product without wax." He also pioneered aerosol variants of air fresheners (Glade), insect repellents (OFF!), and furniture polishes (Pledge).
In 1958, he was appointed vice president of the New Service Products Division and became European regional director in 1960 based in London. Witnessing American goods’ reception in Italy inspired him to accelerate global expansion efforts. His subsequent roles included international vice president (1962), executive vice president (1963), and chairman and CEO (1967). Although he relinquished the presidency in 1972, he continued as chairman and CEO until 1988. From 1993 until his retirement in 2000, he served as non-executive chairman before becoming chairman emeritus of SC Johnson – A Family Company.
JohnsonDiversey
In 1979, Johnson expanded his business interests by establishing Worldwide Innochem, a company specializing in chemicals that was later renamed Johnson Professional and Johnson Polymer. This entity became independent in 1997. In 2002, it acquired DiverseyLever, resulting in the creation of JohnsonDiversey, Inc., which grew to become the world's second-largest provider of hygiene products for business-to-business markets. The company’s slogan, "Clean is just the beginning," underscores its leading role in delivering cleaning and hygiene solutions across commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors.
Johnson Financial Group
Johnson ventured into the financial sector in 1970 by founding Heritage Bank & Trust (now known as Johnson Bank) located in Racine. This venture evolved into Johnson Financial Group, Inc., which includes Johnson Trust, Johnson Asset Management, Johnson Insurance, Johnson Investment Services, along with operations extending to Europe and the Caribbean. Johnson Bank is recognized as one of the top five largest privately held community banks, while Johnson Insurance ranks among the top 100 insurance brokerage firms in the United States. At the time of his death, Johnson held the position of Chairman of the Board.
Johnson Outdoors
Moving beyond wax manufacturing, Johnson entered the outdoor industry in 1970 through the merger of Johnson Reels and Minn Kota Motors to form Johnson Diversified, Inc. Over two decades, this company acquired Eureka! Tent (1973), Scubapro, Old Town Canoe (1974), and fourteen additional businesses. The firm was renamed Johnson Worldwide Associates (JWA) in 1977, underwent a family buyout in 1986, and subsequently went public during 1987 and 1988. In 2000, JWA was rebranded as Johnson Outdoors, Inc. At his passing, Johnson served as Chairman of the Executive Committee and was a member of the Board of Directors.
Environmentalism
In 1993, Fortune magazine described Johnson as "corporate America's leading environmentalist," highlighting his strong commitment to sustainability and prudent management of natural resources.
Leader of the CFC ban
As an early advocate for environmental responsibility, Johnson eliminated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from all S.C. Johnson products in 1975 despite opposition from industry peers. He openly justified this forward-thinking decision during a period of scientific uncertainty to safeguard both consumers and the environment. Subsequently, he spearheaded the development of aerosol propellants free from CFCs and withdrew aerosol products from markets requiring their use. Three years later, U.S. regulators confirmed CFCs' harmful effects and implemented a nationwide ban, affirming Johnson’s pioneering role and dedication to sustainable business practices.
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Johnson played a key role as a founding member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), embedding environmentally conscious principles within his corporate strategy. He promoted eco-efficiency as a strategic advantage by emphasizing that minimizing waste and reducing risk in products and processes not only cuts costs but also strengthens competitive positioning. In recognition of his contributions to sustainability, the WBCSD honored him in 2003 with membership in the Order of Outstanding Contributors to Sustainable Development.
The President's Council on Sustainable Development
Owing to his involvement with WBCSD, President Bill Clinton appointed Johnson to serve on the President's Council on Sustainable Development in 1993. This council provided guidance to the administration on initiatives aimed at community revitalization through economic growth, environmental protection, and fostering equal opportunity until its conclusion in 1999.
Opposition to Coal Pollution
In 2003, Johnson personally financed a grassroots initiative aimed at challenging Wisconsin Energy Corporation's proposal to construct three additional coal plants in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Operating under the banner RESET (Responsible Energy for Southeastern Wisconsin's Tomorrow), the effort employed print and radio advertisements combined with public education on policy issues to draw attention to the environmental and health hazards involved. Highlighting that current coal plants in Wisconsin were significantly surpassing Clean Air Act pollution thresholds, the campaign managed to postpone, though not completely prevent, the development of new coal-fired facilities.
Collaboration with The Nature Conservancy
As a longstanding member of both the President's Conservation Council and the National Development Council of the Nature Conservancy, Johnson collaborated with the organization to establish a protected area in Brazil's Caatinga biome, dedicated to his father’s memory. This reserve, recognized as the largest private Caatinga conservation area in Brazil, safeguards 173 bird species, 40 mammal species, and 140 types of plants. In recognition of his contributions, the Ceará Legislative Assembly granted him honorary citizenship in 2000, and in 2001, he was named Honorary Trustee by The Nature Conservancy’s Wisconsin Chapter.
Philanthropic Engagement
Johnson’s philanthropic activities extended well beyond environmental causes, encompassing substantial support for education, healthcare, and community advancement worldwide. While his corporate philanthropy averaged approximately 5% annually, he placed strong emphasis on hands-on participation. In 1988, he expressed that meaningful volunteerism demands leadership from senior executives who dedicate considerable time—he himself committed about 20-30% of his efforts to nonprofit work—underscoring that volunteering involves active service beyond mere fundraising.
Involvement with Mayo Clinic
Johnson held the distinction of being the longest-serving public member on the Mayo Foundation Board of Trustees from 1967 through 1990 and also fulfilled the role of Chairman. Mayo Clinic honored him in 1991 during the groundbreaking ceremony for the $26 million S.C. Johnson Medical Research Center on its Scottsdale campus. Later, in 2004, Johnson along with his family and the S.C. Johnson Fund contributed over $12 million to create the Samuel C. Johnson Program in the Genomics of Addiction. Reflecting on his dedication in 1991, Johnson highlighted his conviction that scientific research plays a crucial role in reducing human suffering through medical innovation.
Support for The Smithsonian Institution
Johnson publicly demonstrated his commitment to the arts in 1962 by sponsoring S.C. Johnson's ART:USA—a corporate-sponsored traveling exhibition featuring 102 Contemporary American Paintings. This collection toured eighteen international cities over two years before visiting twenty-five U.S. cities for an additional two and a half years, achieving record-breaking attendance worldwide. In the mid-1960s, Johnson donated ART:USA to the Smithsonian Institution, emphasizing its global impact and its contribution to enhancing S.C. Johnson’s reputation for excellence and innovation.
Contributions to Cornell University and Its Business School
As a Trustee Emeritus and Presidential Councillor at his alma mater Cornell University, Johnson and his family endowed $20 million in 1984 to establish the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, named after his great-grandfather who founded Johnson Wax. Honored for his leadership, he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor in 1989. Additional donations included $5 million in 2004 to create the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise and $2.5 million to support the S.C. Johnson Professorship in Sustainable Global Enterprise, advancing sustainability-focused business education. Further funding also contributed to constructing a new building for the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
The Prairie School
Established in 1965 by Imogene Powers Johnson, spouse of Samuel C. Johnson, together with Willie Hilpert, The Prairie School was created to fulfill a community demand for a college preparatory education that would complement the offerings of local public schools. Primarily serving children of employees from S.C. Johnson, this private institution provides education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, focusing on small class sizes, challenging academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and active community involvement. The school's architectural style draws inspiration from the works of Frank Lloyd Wright. Samuel Johnson led the school's board as chairman until 1983 and later held the title of Founding Chairman Emeritus until his passing; thereafter, Imogene Powers Johnson assumed the role of board chair.
Downtown Racine, Wisconsin
During the 1980s, Johnson played a key role in founding the Downtown Racine Development Corporation aimed at rejuvenating the historic core of his hometown. Employees under his leadership were among the earliest contributors of both time and financial resources, successfully encouraging municipal authorities to allocate millions toward restoration initiatives, which included transforming the Lake Michigan harbor into a venue for festivals.
In 2002, Johnson advanced these revitalization efforts by commissioning renowned sustainable architect William McDonough to design the Johnson Building. This structure, erected on land formerly used as a parking area, functions as the international headquarters for both Johnson Outdoors and Johnson Financial Group. In honor of his contributions, local government officials designated the neighboring street as "Sam Johnson Parkway."
Personal life
Johnson met his future wife, Imogene Powers Johnson, while attending Cornell University in 1946; they wed in 1954 and remained married for five decades until his death. Together they had four children: Samuel Curtis "Curt" Johnson III, Helen Johnson-Leipold, Herbert Fisk "Fisk" Johnson III, and Winifred "Winnie" (Johnson) Marquart, along with twelve grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
Carnauba, A Son's Memoir
In 1935, Johnson’s father, Herbert Fisk "H.F." Johnson Jr., undertook an extensive 7,500-mile expedition to northeast Brazil to establish a reliable source of carnauba wax for Johnson Wax. He dedicated a book recounting this journey to his son with the words: "To Sammy, I hope you make this trip some day. It changed my life."
Decades later, in 1998, Johnson retraced this expedition alongside his two sons aboard a reproduction of the Sikorsky S-38 amphibious aircraft. This experience was captured in the 2001 documentary film Carnauba: A Son's Memoir. The film delves into Johnson’s introspections regarding his complicated relationship with his father as well as his personal battle with alcoholism. He reflected that undertaking this journey enabled him to reconnect with his father on a profound level.