The Zippo was invented by George Blaidsall in 1932. His goal was to produce a one handed operable, windproof, and guaranteed to work lighter. He started him company in Bradford, Pennsylvania. "Build your product with integrity, stand behind it 100%, and success will follow"(Meabon). That was George's motto. It was a humble beginning relying on word of mouth for advertising. World War II began around the time that George had perfected his product. He had to modify the lighter due to a shortage of brass. Those Zippo's sale for several hundred dollars in today's market. The Zippo was so coveted that Ernie Pyle, a famous World War II correspondent, said that a zippo was the most coveted item on the battlefield (Meabon).
Through the years, the Zippo has had some iconic moments. I still recall the first time I saw James Dean light a cigarette with his Zippo. But America doesn't smoke anymore. There has been a 50% downturn in smoking since the 1930's (Brown). In spite of these statistics, Zippo has experienced record sales. Their sales growth has exceeded 10% for three years straight and in 2013, they recorded 200 million in total sales (Brown). They have maintained their iconic value by rebranding to the younger generation and introducing a sales team in China. They estimate that 68% of their customers have …show more content…
It has served our soldiers on multiple continents and in multiple battles. It has retained it's iconic status in spite of a changing culture. It has done all of this without changing it's purpose or parts. In a time when technology is changing as quickly as we turn around, the Zippo has stayed the same. George Blaidsall delivered on his promise to build and stand behind a great product. If it hadn't worked so well in those foxholes back in World War II, there would be no Zippo today. And the fact that it could be relied upon in those moments, is why there is an emotional attachment as much as a physical
Through the years, the Zippo has had some iconic moments. I still recall the first time I saw James Dean light a cigarette with his Zippo. But America doesn't smoke anymore. There has been a 50% downturn in smoking since the 1930's (Brown). In spite of these statistics, Zippo has experienced record sales. Their sales growth has exceeded 10% for three years straight and in 2013, they recorded 200 million in total sales (Brown). They have maintained their iconic value by rebranding to the younger generation and introducing a sales team in China. They estimate that 68% of their customers have …show more content…
It has served our soldiers on multiple continents and in multiple battles. It has retained it's iconic status in spite of a changing culture. It has done all of this without changing it's purpose or parts. In a time when technology is changing as quickly as we turn around, the Zippo has stayed the same. George Blaidsall delivered on his promise to build and stand behind a great product. If it hadn't worked so well in those foxholes back in World War II, there would be no Zippo today. And the fact that it could be relied upon in those moments, is why there is an emotional attachment as much as a physical