Ad man. Entrepreneur. Executive. Philanthropist. Father, husband and family leader. Horace Hagedorn had many respected roles in his 89 years. We fondly remember the founder of Miracle-Gro for his business principles, his passion and his commitment to using his success to make the world a better place.
Horace had a profound influence on the lawn and garden industry as well as his community. His legacy is in many ways awesome, almost intimidating. It also is surprisingly simple.
He was a marketing genius. He turned a simple blue powder into a trusted friend for gardeners around the world. With this “miracle” solution, gardeners could grow giant vegetables and flowers more beautiful than they ever imagined. He once offered a $100,000 prize to anyone who could grow a world-record tomato – so long, of course, as they used Miracle-Gro.
Upon his retirement in 1997, Horace, along with his wife Amy, spent the remainder of his life sharing his success with others. “Philanthropy
has given me a purpose,” he said at a fund-raising event. He was a tireless and generous supporter of dozens of grassroots and charitable organizations, but his primary focus was on helping less fortunate children.
Horace Hagedorn often used a simple phrase to describe his philosophy on both life and business: “Find a need and fill it.”
Indeed he did.
In His Words: What is Miracle-Gro?
Horace shared these comments with associates upon his retirement in 1997:
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Miracle-Gro is unique among America’s leading brands. |
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Ours is a brand name built on trust earned by a long record of superior performance. |
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It is the name of a trusted friend – simple and uncomplicated, reliable and safe. |
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It is a creator of beauty. It brings enjoyment and satisfaction to millions of people. It occupies a special place in their hearts. |
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It is part of the American language, synonymous with the growth of good things. |
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Truly it is one of America’s most beloved products. |
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As I approach the twilight of my career, as I entrust to others this creation that I have sired, I say to you, remember this always…
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Nothing is more important than believability. |
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Quality of product is essential to success. |
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Keep alive the perception of exclusivity and uniqueness. |
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Make every ad, every public statement seem important. |
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Build into each advertisement your underlying belief that Miracle-Gro is a one-of-a-kind product that gardeners cannot do without. |
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Think of it always as a source of pleasure – never a chore. |
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Respect the gardener, for she is a trusting friend. Treat her fairly. |
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Be not tempted to outsmart her, for she is smarter than thee. |
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Let every ad enhance America’s love of gardening, for as the market grows, so groweth thy sales. |
This is the philosophy of Miracle-Gro.
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