George Johnson: Building the $75M Afro Sheen Empire & Funding Soul Train

At 97 years old, George E. Johnson Sr. is a living legend. In this extraordinary conversation, the founder of Johnson Products Company—the first Black-owned business to trade on the American Stock Exchange—shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to revolutionizing the beauty industry.

Joined by his co-author, award-winning writer Hilary Beard, Mr. Johnson discusses their new memoir "Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street."

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How George started Johnson Products Company with just $500
• Creating Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen during the natural hair movement
• His mentor S.B. Fuller and the principles that guided his success
• Meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Operation Breadbasket
• The untold story of how he funded and saved Soul Train
• Becoming the first Black-owned company on a major stock exchange
• Why he profit-shared with employees and started his own bank
• Advice for young entrepreneurs from a 97-year-old business pioneer
• Hilary Beard on preserving this crucial piece of American history

This is more than a business story, it's a masterclass in entrepreneurship, perseverance, and living by the Golden Rule.

GUEST: George E. Johnson Sr. - Founder, Johnson Products Company | Author, "Afro Sheen" Hilary Beard - Award-winning writer, speaker, and co-author

GET THE BOOK: "Afro Sheen" by George E. Johnson Sr. and Hilary Beard https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/george-e-johnson/afro-sheen/9780316577366/?lens=little-brown

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