Topic
10 facts from 1 episode, in date order. These are what speakers said on the shows, each linked to the moment it was said. They aren't independently verified.
1932
Forrest Mars asked his father Frank for one third of the company stock in exchange for running it, and Frank refused.
“Let me run things. Give me one third of the stock of the business. You keep two thirds and you relax and I will make you even richer.”
1933
Forrest Mars used the $50,000 from his father to open a small factory in Slough, England, where he began making the Mars bar.
“he moves the family to England, where he uses the $50,000 to open up a small factory in Slough, England, which is a small industrial town about 20 miles west of London.”
1934
In 1934 Forrest Mars acquired the British pet food maker Chapel Brothers, which made Chappies canned dog food, beginning Mars's pet food business.
“So in 1934, just one year after he started the whole thing and started making Mars bars, he comes across this small British company called Chapel Brothers”
1939
Forrest Mars and Hershey president William Murray agreed to a joint venture, later M&M Limited, owned 80% by Forrest and 20% by Murray's son Bruce.
“Forrest and William Murray work out a deal to start a new joint venture candy company that will be 80% owned by Forrest and 20% owned by Murray's son, Bruce.”
1941
Forrest Mars and Bruce Murray formed M&M Limited in 1940, built a factory in Newark, New Jersey, and began production in 1941.
“in the spring of 1940, Forrest and Bruce Murray, the son, set up M&M Limited as a partnership. They build a factory in Newark, New Jersey, and they start production in 1941.”
1942
In 1942 Forrest Mars and a chemist who had developed a parboiling process formed a joint venture in Houston, Texas, that became Uncle Ben's rice.
“in 1942, this chemist and Forrest form another joint venture company in Houston, Texas.”
1949
In 1949 Forrest Mars bought out Bruce Murray's 20% stake in M&M's for $1 million, valuing the business at $5 million.
“They settle on $1 million for the 20% stake. So, they're valuing the M&M's business at $5 million”
1950
In 1950 Forrest Mars hired the ad agency Ted Bates & Company to run a market study of M&M's.
“he goes in 1950 and hires the ad agency Ted Bates & Company to perform a comprehensive market study for the product.”
1964
Forrest Mars gained full control of Mars Incorporated, his father's company, by mid-1964.
“And by mid-1964, he has full control of Mars Incorporated.”
Undated
Mars reportedly set a target of 18% return on total assets for every division and factory.
“supposedly, Forrest had and Mars has or at least used to have a specific target of 18% return on total assets for every division and every factory”
Episodes