Contact B.E. 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. He served on the boards of Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League. We never got the wax out of the pan. "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. His survivors also include two other children, Guy and Tracy, his wife, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson, the Sun-Times reports. Soft Sheen's plan was to conduct a search for a new president from outside the family and thereby begin transitioning the Gardners into a purely ownership role. The Citizen Newspaper Group (L to R) Back row: State Rep. Marcus Evans (33), Alderman Michelle Harris (8) and State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (16). He was my father, my hero, my teacher, said Gary Gardner, one of Mr. Gardners four children. He was 98, his family said. 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.'. Mr. Gardner declined a request for an interview with a curt "I'm not going to talk to you about it.". L'Oreal, which had a reputation for heavy investment in research and development, expected its new Chicago center to be operational by the year 2001. Simultaneously, his wife Denise resigned from her position as vice-president of marketing. 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. The New Regal Theater brought major acts like Gladys Knight and newcomers like Kanye West and Tyler Perry to audiences on the citys South Side. L'Oreal found it shared a lot "in common values" with Soft Sheen, he added. Industry insiders speculate that Mr. Gardner, flush with cash from the sale of the family business, is funding Namaste by himself. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', In 1996, Gardner stepped down from her position as president of Brainstorm Communications when she was appointed president of Soft Sheen Products, Inc., succeeding her older brother, Gary E. Gardner, who resigned to start his own ethnic hair care company, Namaste Laboratories. Read news from 100s of titles, curated specifically for you. ]); 130 E. Randolph St. pos: 'right_rail_2', The Gardners married in 1950 and from their union four children were born. He started off on [his wifes] stove. In 1964, at age ten, Gardner began working for the family business, Soft Sheen Products, Inc., packaging hair care items with his younger sister in the familys home in Chicago. ", The White House Correspondents Association Dinner Best Dressed. Everything changed in 1979, however, when Soft Sheen introduced a new product called Care Free Curl. He also cut operational costs, in an effort to boost profits. Upon assuming her position, she almost immediately began making significant changes in the company's operations. See Photos. Soft Sheen's research and development staff were to be included as part of the new facility. Its 200-plus products include shampoos, conditioners, relaxers, perms, and gels. At about the time Soft Sheen and L'Oreal began courting, Mr. Gardner was already in business for himself, introducing his high-end line of products without much fanfare. At twelve, he took me to work with him on Saturdays, where I learned to make hair products. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', As an activist and civic leader, Gardner raised $300,000 with Soft Sheens resources 40 years ago, according to a news release. They eventually moved into an old factory at 87th and Dobson and renovated the building that would become Soft Sheens new campus. He overcame it. 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. At Harley-Davidson, a repo shortage is hitting the bottom line, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson names more appointees to transition subcommittees, Booth, Kellogg top the U.S. News ranking of best MBA programs, Big Fulton Market apartment project moves forward with $125 million loan, New lawsuit over 'brazen' moves in Maple & Ash restaurant feud. Career Gary Gardner. (Photo by Jerome Photography). Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS Click here to get the full experience on your screen. In fact, retailers account for approximately 75 percent of its sales, and salons for 20 percent. targeting: { Mr. Gardner was the marketing guru behind Soft Sheen's Care-Free Curl in the mid-1980s and the revolutionary relaxer products that followed. See Photos. aid: '864241', Dismayed by the level of violence in the community, in the 1980s he created the non- profit organization, Black On Black Love. In addition to battling the soft market and growing competition, Soft Sheen was also struggling with internal problems. Master of Business Administration, Northwestern University, 1980. 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. Gardner, the co-founder of the hair care company Soft Sheen Products Inc., died Monday surrounded by family. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Registry of Corporate Directors. The Gardners married in 1950 and from their union four children were born. Please check your email for confirmation from us. Its an entrepreneurial quality that allowedhim to create a business despite the challenges of institutional and individual racism. Mr. Gardner was a well-known philanthropist and activist. 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. We will introduce items that will grow every category we compete in, from hair color through relaxers, styling aids, conditioners, and wave products.'. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Gary Gardner described the goings on in the family kitchen as somewhere between a science lab and a cooking experiment.. To boost sales, she doubled the company's advertising budget, and began developing new television commercials. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! aid: '864241', Now, retail outlets can't stock enough of the products. WebOwner. She developed new packaging options that helped retailers better manage their inventories, and upgraded the company's computer system to facilitate electronic customer communication. Last year, the $80-million Chicago-based company was sold to French cosmetics giant L'Oreal SA for an estimated $100 million-plus. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! I feel blessed to have had Ed Gardner as my father. Gardner served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and later earned a bachelors degree from Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State University) and a masters degree from the University of Chicago under the GI Bill. SistersInc. cat: 'fashion-beauty', Another major product introduction soon followed. env: 'prod', He got up early in the morning, telling us Were not going to make it this way meaning lets get to work. 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. env: 'prod', Gardner served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and later earned a bachelors degree from Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State University) and a masters degree from the University of Chicago under the GI Bill. He was my father, my hero, my teacher. Words of remembrance and condolences are invited at Edward Gardner In Memoriam Facebook Group page https://www.facebook.com/groups/3117330031746372 Edward G. Gardner was a humanitarian, a philanthropist, and a successful businessman, who loved the city of Chicago and Chicago loved him in return. Its distribution system was inefficient and slow, with orders taking ten days to be filled. According to CBS News, a private family service is planned. Unfortunately, those challenges never went away in spite of his tremendous business success.. Our purpose in this world wasnt to make money, wasnt to build a gigantic factory and hire a lot of people, Mr. Gardner said. His survivors also include two other children, Guy and Tracy, his wife, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson, the Sun-Times reports. page_type: 'article', While Mr. Gardner worked the field and perfected new hair products, Mrs. Gardner ran the operations of their budding business by balancing books and purchasing supplies. Betty and Ed Gardner celebrate their street dedication ceremony with members of the Illinois legislature and Chicago City Council. My father saw the untapped potential of his community. 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. By the late 1980s, the company was one of the largest Black-owned beauty brands in the country. A private family service is planned. He stuttered as a child. He was born with the inner vision to see the world differently, but more importantly, to see and make a difference to what he saw, said another of his children, Gary Gardner. ]); Throughout the decades, Eds faith in God and humanity, and his belief in the power of the written word to stop the violence, persisted. (Provided) Edward Gardners early efforts at making Black hair care products started in the family kitchen, with his From a young age, his four children, Gary, Terri, Guy, and Tracy, along with his wife Bettiann, were intricately involved in the business. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', She made good on her promise. Jones adamant Wallabies can be best in the world. Find your friends on Facebook. Jul 1984 - Present38 years 10 months. In that same spirit, he continued his commitment to support the livelihood of professional cosmetologists by ensuring that his most popular product system, Care Free Curl, was solely available for purchase and application by them. The increased consumer use of gels, sprays, and moisturizers, in tandem with the continued sales growth of the Care Free Curl and Optimum Care lines, elevated Soft Sheen's sales to $87.2 million in 1989. See Photos. Did we say it over and over and over again? See Photos. The company sells its products to salons, beauty supply houses, and such retailers as drug stores and department stores. She transitioned him to the basement, Terri Gardner said. cat: 'fashion-beauty', aid: '864241', kw: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', 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. 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. If he wasnt at work, he was home with family. 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. Principal Competitors: Alberto-Culver Company; Carson Inc.; Massimo Enterprises Inc.; Revlon, Inc. url: 'honoring,the,legacy,of,a,great,chicagoan,and,black,business,giant,edward,g,gardner,passes,away,at,98', Although the company gave no official reason for the resignations, industry insiders speculated that they were due to disagreement over Soft Sheen's future course. 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. Around 1960, he began working for another beauty supply business and when it went bankrupt, Gardner took its customers and began producing his In 2000, Ed converted an 84,600 sq. That gave Mr. Gardner an idea and he began experimenting. 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. Beauticians would tell him what they liked, didnt like or what they wished they could buy. cat: 'fashion-beauty', 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. kw: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', Management 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. The grassroots organization has been a staple in Chicagos activist community for decades. The Citizen Newspaper Group Women of Power Summit Entrepreneurs Summit WebGardner began mixing hair and beauty products for blacks out of his basement during the 1940s. View our. Gardner will remain at the helm of Soft Sheen. He was 98. Gary Gardner Soft Sheen started as a garage-based business and grew to an international empire that influenced how people all over the world beautified themselves. They are marketed under various brand names, including Alternatives, Baby Love, Care Free Curl, Frizz Free, as well as Sportin' Waves, Wave Nouveau, and Optimum Care. The line is being distributed nationwide through retailers including the nation's largest beauty supply chain, Sally Beauty Co. He was a part-owner of the Chicago Bulls, and for many years, attended every home game. These industry giants, with their vast distribution networks and their huge marketing budgets, were formidable competitors. Had America and those in power listened to the Gardners we wouldnt have the murder in our streets that we have right now, if theyd listen to your voice. All rights reserved. I feel blessed to have had Ed Gardner as my father. ". Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! Mid-1980s-90s: Second-Generation Gardner Leadership. Education Bachelor of Science, University Illinois, Chicago, 1975. Edward G. Gardners hair care line started in his home basement and grew to be one the largest Black-owned businesses of its kind in the nation. "At the trade shows, everyone is bunched up around his table trying to find out more about it.". He taught for several years in Chicago Public Schools and was also an administrator. WebGary Edward Gardner, American manufacturing executive. tag: 'mandc,black-haircare,edward-g-gardner,hair-products,haircare,soft-sheen-products', He was 98. 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. Gardner sold the business in 1998. About pos: 'right_rail_3', targeting: { He was 98, his family said. Click below to see everything we have to offer. In July 1998, L'Oreal announced that it planned to open a specialized research and development center in Chicago dedicated to ethnic products, the only such R & D center in the world. As the Gardner family began to grow, Mr. Gardner, an educator by profession, began to seek other avenues to generate additional income. In addition to his son Gary, survivors include three other children, Terri, Guy and Tracy, and his wife, Bettiann. } 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. Ed Gardner was a well-known and admired businessman. ABOUT Background Gardner, Gary Edward was born on August 22, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Soft Sheen Products, Inc. -- Company History He was also a board member of Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League, as well as co-owner of the Chicago Bulls. Gary Gardner. Gardner, the co-founder of the hair care company Soft Sheen Products Inc., died Monday surrounded by family. All rights reserved. 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. Source: International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. "We felt that when we looked at Soft Sheen we saw a great team of people, and we felt if we were able to acquire that expertise and build that expertise, we would have a much better chance of attaining our goals.". WebGardner, Gary Edward was born on August 22, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. And now his work is done; he belongs to the ages. In 1964, he left a career as a popular teacher and assistant principal to } Shaking in dogs could mean a number of different things. 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. Three boys and one girl: Gary, Guy, Tracy and Terri. Honoring the Legacy of A Great Chicagoan and Black St. James Press, 2000. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Many are mourning the loss of Edward Gardner, a Chicago titan in business and philanthropy. Consumer interest in the products was not overwhelming but was enough to keep the Gardners plugging away at their slowly growing business. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicago State University: www.csu.edu/foundation/donate.htm. As a patron of the arts, Gardner and his wife were instrumental in the development of the New Regal Theater (now the Avalon Regal Theater) a noted venue for Black performers. He employs fewer than 25 administrators and marketers and outsources manufacturing and packaging operations, sources say. Terri Gardner's Biography Once again, the Gardners started thinking about selling their 33-year-old business. The company had also lagged in product development, not introducing a major new product for more than two years. He reduced employment 27 percent, to 620 employees, between 1984 and 1988 by not replacing workers who left. A private family service is planned. Soft Sheen finished 1997 with sales of $94.5 million. Analyst Ken Smikle, of Target Market News, said of Soft Sheen: "The industry has changed so radically that if they don't accept a sale offer now, the company's legacy may very well just be lost to the future completely. Gardner owner of Soft Sheen Products, Inc. Photo provided by the Salient Group, Inc. Edward Gardner passed away peacefully Monday March 20, 2023, surrounded by family, and loved ones. subcat: '', targeting: { 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. He also taught me how to make mistakes. He was my father, my hero, my teacher, Gary Gardner said in a news release. By that point in her career, she had worked at Leo Burnett and served as Vice President at Soft Sheen Products, Inc., a family hair care and beauty company founded by her in-laws. Melbourne (AFP) - Coach Eddie Jones insisted Monday he had enough time to transform the Wallabies into a World Cup winning team, boosted by the imminent return of some key players from injury. Gardner In 1996, the Gardners established an Suite 3200 cnx({ As a side job, Gardner would personally deliver the products out of the back of his car to beauty salons on Chicagos South Side, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Harold Washington Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products, died Monday. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV.
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