How Did Josh Harris Make His Money

So, there I was, scrolling through my Instagram feed, when I stumbled upon a post from Josh Harris. You know, the guy who founded Purell, the hand sanitizer that's been our best friend since, well, you know what I'm talking about. I mean, who would've thought that a guy who made a fortune from something we all use way too much of these days, started out as a humble scientist?

Now, I'm no expert in the field, but I've always been curious about how people make their money. So, I decided to do a little digging into Josh Harris' story. And let me tell you, it's quite the journey.

From Lab to Fortune

Josh Harris, born in 1953, was always a curious kid. He was the kind of guy who would take things apart just to see how they worked. So, it's no surprise that he ended up studying chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania.

After graduation, Harris landed a job at a small pharmaceutical company. He was just another scientist in a lab coat, working on who knows what. But then, something happened that would change his life (and our germ-ridden hands) forever.

The Lightbulb Moment

In the early 80s, Harris was working on a project to create a new kind of soap. The goal? To make it tough on germs but gentle on hands. One day, he mixed together a few ingredients, crossed his fingers, and... boom! The first batch of Purell was born.

But Harris didn't just stop at creating a new soap. He saw the potential in this little germ-fighter and decided to start his own company. And so, in 1988, GOJO Industries was born. The name? A combination of the founders' initials - Gary and Josh Oster and Josh Harris.

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From Lab to Boardroom

Harris didn't just sit back and watch his creation take off. He was hands-on, working tirelessly to promote Purell. He even went as far as to demonstrate its effectiveness by shaking hands with people who had just touched a petri dish filled with germs. Now that's dedication!

And it paid off. Purell became a household name, and GOJO Industries grew into a multi-million dollar company. Harris, as the majority shareholder, became a very wealthy man. But he didn't let the money go to his head. He stayed true to his roots, continuing to work in the lab and even teaching chemistry at a local university.

Giving Back

With great wealth comes great responsibility, right? Harris understood this all too well. He started the GOJO Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on improving the lives of children and families in need. He also served on the board of the Cleveland Clinic, using his scientific background to help advance medical research.

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But Harris' philanthropy didn't stop there. He also donated millions to his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. In fact, the chemistry building there is now named after him. Not bad for a guy who started out as a curious kid in a lab coat!

So, How Did Josh Harris Make His Money?

Well, folks, it's simple. He saw a problem - germs - and created a solution - Purell. He worked hard, believed in his product, and turned it into a successful business. And along the way, he didn't forget to give back to the community. It's a classic rags-to-riches story, really. But instead of rags, it's a lab coat. And instead of riches, it's a fortune made from keeping our hands clean.

So, the next time you reach for that bottle of Purell, remember Josh Harris. The guy who turned a simple idea into a multi-million dollar business. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll have your own lightbulb moment. Until then, keep those hands clean!