Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Business Lessons from History - Story of COLGATE

by Rick Williams Jr. May 8, 2004
"In all thy ways, acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:6

Colgate is a household name; and upon hearing that name, most people in America think immediately of toothpaste. But if Americans knew about the man behind that name, they might think immediately about Christ and the path Colgate and Christ walked- together. Readers of this journal should aim for the same witness.
William Colgate drew his first breath on January 25th, 1783 in the parish of Hollingbourn, in the County of Kent, England. William`s father, Robert, was a farmer by trade and was known for a sharp intellect and strong political convictions. The elder Colgate` s outspoken support for the Colonies` struggle for independence, both before and during the Revolutionary War, would eventually bring political persecution from British authorities. God intervened and the family was startled awake in the middle of the night by someone pounding on their front door. The Colgate` s had a friend in Prime Minister William Pitt and he had sent his personal messenger to warn William Colgate to take his family and flee England. If Colgate remained in England, the messenger warned, he would certainly face prison- or even death. But what worldly authorities meant for evil, God would eventually transform into good.


The family boarded a ship in March, 1798 and sailed for America. They settled on a farm in Hartford Co., Maryland. William's father soon formed a partnership with Ralph Maher to manufacture soap and candles. Young William helped the two men and caught on quickly. Despite their hard work, the partnership failed and Robert Colgate returned to farming. But William liked the business and was convinced he could become successful. So William struck out on his own, but within one year the business failed from lack of capital, and William Colgate had to close his doors. Despite the two setbacks, Colgate would not give up- a good lesson for anyone who has a God-given dream. God will still direct your paths, if you acknowledge Him and commit your business to Him in all thy ways-even failure. A Christian friend who worked as a canal-boat captain advised Colgate,
"Give your heart to Christ. Give God all that belongs to Him. Make an honest soap. Give a full pound... Someone will be the leading soap maker in New York. It may be you!"

As William studied the Bible, he was intrigued by the words of Jacob in Genesis 28: 20-22:
"And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."

In 1804, Colgate was employed by another soap maker as an apprentice. Colgate`s observation was keen, and despite his age he was aware of Proverbs admonition to heed instruction, even if that instruction comes from those who fail (Proverbs 24:30-32). Colgate believed the company was being mismanaged and he was right. The company finally was forced to cease production in 1806, but Colgate` s reputation and ambition enabled him to make contacts with dealers in other cities and he was able to establish himself in the business. William Colgate and Company was successful from the very beginning and within six years the company had diversified, adding starch manufacturing to its product line. Soon, the company would also be producing hand soap and other toilet and shaving soap products.

While Colgate was deeply involved in getting his business established, he did not neglect to acknowledge his God and attend to his spiritual needs. Colgate attributed his success to his commitment to Scriptural principles. As Jacob had promised to give the first fruits of his labor to God, so Colgate made a similar promise. Ten percent of Colgate` s profits were faithfully given to God`s work. Colgate soon became one of the most prosperous businessmen in New York. God was directing his paths. Colgate`s business was not the only thing in his life that was growing and prospering. Colgate married Mary Gilbert in 1811- a union that would eventually bear eleven children. His marriage to Mary was what some called, "a happy union with a partner of congenial spirit."

The Colgates even acknowledged God when naming their children: they were fond of giving their children biblical names. This reflected their Christian worldview in every aspect of their lives. The family attended church and read the family bible together. Colgate was active in various Christian civic efforts, including temperance efforts. He also gave large sums of money to various educational institutions, including what was then called Madison College, in Hamilton, New York. Due to his generosity, the school is known today as Colgate University. He was a great supporter of missions, choosing at one time to be the sole supporter of one particular foreign missionary. In 1816, Colgate was instrumental in organizing the American Bible Society and later, the American and Foreign Bible Society. He also served on the board of the American Tract Society. Colgate became known affectionately as "Deacon Colgate."

As Colgate`s business endeavors continued to prosper and be blessed by God, he instructed his accountants to increase his giving- first to 20 percent and then to 30. And as he continued to give, his company began to prosper all the more.

The soap king met the King of Kings on March the 25th 1857. His son succeeded him in business and the company continued its successful course, due to William Colgate`s solid biblical foundations.

Today, Colgate-Palmolive is one of America`s oldest and most successful Fortune 500 companies. Its worldwide sales revenues exceed nine billion dollars annually and it offers its products in 221 countries and provinces around the globe. Its product lines include oral, personal, household, and fabric care, as well as pet nutrition. Brands and products include such well-known names as Colgate, Palmolive, Speed-Stick, Fab, Murphy, Ajax, and Irish Spring. The success of Colgate-Palmolive is a testimony to what God can do with a young apprentice committed to following his dream and committed to acknowledging the God who fulfills dreams.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Now I understand how it became "Xmas"

Christmas time in America!!! always heard of this event as a great festival that is celebrated wonderfully across US of A. Its discount time in every store during this season. Last 2 weeks of the year are holidays, everyone's saying "HAPPY HOLIDAYS", not HAPPY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY NEW YEAR :). But the more sad news I had to hear during "CHRISTMAS" was that there will be no worship service in the Church which we are attending here, but slightly relieved that atleast they have Christmas Eve service. We got ready for the eve service on 24th @ 5pm. But we returned back very sadly, not because the service was not there, but it was just for 30 minutes whereas Sunday worship service is for 60 minutes, very few people attended that service and they cut it short for 30 minutes. I was just reminding myself that if I go to a Wal-mart store, it will take minimum of 30 minutes to just browse through things on shelves. People are taking it as an opportunity as a social & family gatherings, there is no Christ around :). Now I understand how it became "Xmas". Its shopping, fun, eating, parties and what not. Christmas 2008 was my saddest Christmas, good that I brought Christ with me before coming here :), but as a celebration it was dull & sad.

A week to go for 31st Dec & New Year. Again I had to hear bad news from our Church minister that they dont have service neither on 31st nor on 1st. He was saying, "I think you have service in your Church back in India, because thats your Church tradition & thats not part of our Church tradition". I didnt understand how Church tradition is related with Worshipping God who helped us to enter another year in our life :( .

This is what I feel what Christians here think, these are my derivations from their words and deeds & not from their mouth, in the Bible there is written that disciples gathered on Sunday & thats why we gather and the rest like Bible Study, Church Prayer, Youth Camp/Re-union, Sunday School, Cottage prayers, etc.., are Church traditions. I thought we eat as much as we are hungry :).

As the year was closing-in I was googling for a Church in our place where we can attend 31st eve service and finally found one Church website which said "New year eve service from 11-12". I was quite happy and dressed up, started my car, and ran it through to reach the place before time, but it was :( again, the place deserted and doors of the Church locked. The info in the website was incorrect!!! I had to just return back. Entered into a new year sitting at home for the first time.

All these years I know so many friends & relatives travelling to US, but never I heard anyone saying that there are no worship services on Christmas & New Year, may be I didnt listen someone saying. Its really sorrowful to see this happening from a country which once has sent missionaries across the globe. I remember one brother in India saying that "The time has come for the missionaries to be sent from India to the Western world", I felt "How True it is?" The Civilized nations in the world need Christ at this moment, there is neither righteousness nor unrighteousness, its all self-righteousness which is far dangerous than unrighteousness, its "ME" & "I".

I am so happy & blessed to come from a Church in India which is helping me to stand for Christ and follow simple Biblical principles in any place in the world. I say "Praise The Lord".
~abednego injeti