Businessman. He was a German immigrant who, in 1878, founded Mennen Company, the profitable New Jersey-based business that eventually became an international empire. His company pioneered the marketing of men's shaving and personal care products. The "Mennen's" trademark was first used on a can of talcum powder in July of 1889. Against his family's wishes, he did not become a sea captain, but in 1871 left Germany for New York City, where he found a position as an apothecary. The owner of the apothecary soon learned that he had potential and encouraged him to attend the New York College of Pharmacy, which he did, graduating at age 19. After working for three years for another apothecary, he opened in Newark the G. Mennen Apothecary on February 15, 1878, at age 22. In 1882, he married Elma Korb, a kindergarten teacher at the German-American School, and the couple had a daughter and a son. He purchased a formulation for talcum powder, and by using the best of Italian talc, an antiseptic, and a small amount of oil of roses perfected baby powder. For marketing, he used billboards along roadways for advertisements, and even during the financial crises of May through November of 1893, his company survived when many failed. In an era with no governmental regulation, he became recognized as a respected man who made good products. Following emergency surgery on his neck in an era with no antibiotics, he was diagnosed with post-operative sepsis and pneumonia, and dying a week after the surgery. Upon his sudden death in 1902, his wife successfully managed the business along with his brother, John, while his only son was finishing his college education and training in the business. Other members of his family, who qualified, were given positions in the company. At his wife's death, his son William Gerhard Mennen became president of Mennen Company for 60 years. Although the Mennen Company was managed for several generations by the family, the company was eventually sold to Colgate-Palmolive Company in 1992, with no family members being involved with the business. By the 21st century, the name Mennen is being terminated as part of the product's name.