Former Gold Seal Corporate Headquarters
The Gold Seal Company was a Bismarck-based national distributor of various household products, most notably Mr. Bubble, Snowy Bleach, and Glass Floor Wax.
Gold Seal was founded in 1942 by local businessman Harold Schafer, who is also well known for his work involving the Medora Musical. Harold’s son, former North Dakota Governor and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Edward Schafer, later operated the company from 1978-1985.
Gold Seal’s first product was Gold Seal Floor Wax. Gold Seal netted a profit of $901.02 in its first year. Glass Wax was introduced in 1945, and went national three years later. Snowy Bleach boosted Gold Seal’s revenues during the 1950s, and the company’s most well known product, Mr. Bubble, beginning in 1961.
At its height, Gold Seal had annual revenues of $50 million, making it one of the largest and most successful private businesses ever based out of North Dakota.
Gold Seal Companies was sold to Airwick Industries in 1986. Most of its former products are still marketed to this day, including Mr. Bubble, which is distributed by Chaska, MN-based The Village Co.
The former Gold Seal corporate headquarters, located on Divide Avenue in Bismarck, now houses various offices. The building, still known as the Gold Seal Building, is easily recognizable due to its gold-tinted windows. Prior to this location, Gold Seal was headquartered in downtown Bismarck.
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No mention of “Siz” charcoal starting foam?
…or “Firewax” the Jelly based fire starter!
The products listed in the article were Gold Seal’s most successful and most recognized on a national basis, which is why they are the only ones listed.
I was 17 years old when I started my first job at Gold Seal Company’s branch in Elmwood Park, Illinois. I cannot put into words the impact that company has had on my life and work ethic.
Harold Schafer took the entire company, all expenses paid, to LasVegas for a company milestone convention. It was from February 7-11th, just as he had planned! It was to be the first time I would leave Illinois and first time to fly in a plane! One or two years later another trip, this time to Bismark, North Dakota. It was breathtaking to be sure.
He and Sheila were the kindest, most generous people I have met in my lifetime. I look back on them with such fondness. Although I am behind in my condolences on Harold’s passing, I would love for Sheila to know that I am now 64 years old, and that they still hold such a special place in my heart. Bless you Sheila.
Sincerely,
Barbara Kenney Huspen