Amway Story
Based out of Ada, Michigan, USA, Amway was founded in 1959 by Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel. For the last 60 years Amway has empowered millions of Independent Business Owners (IBOs) across the world, supported their dreams, and created an environment to promote freedom—both financially and personally.
There are 16,000+ Amway employees (give or take a few) working globally across six continents and more than 100 countries and territories. They’re working behind the scenes every day to maintain the original core values and fundamentals that still guide the company today. Additionally, they continue to promote the future and define the legacy of the business they’ve created.
Amway offers an opportunity like no other, and the support of a family-owned company to help you reach your goals—whatever they look like.
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1959
Amway is founded
Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel made a pact in high school to become business entrepreneurs together. They started flying school and opened a drive-in restaurant. Eventually, from the basements of their homes, they founded Amway in 1959, building their success on the desire to make other people successful.
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1959
Amway launches its first product
Amway launches its first product, Liquid Organic Cleaner™—one of the world’s first biodegradable, concentrated multi-purpose cleaners. Liquid Organic Cleaner (L.O.C.) becomes a high seller and initiates our legacy of taking stewardship of the earth seriously.
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1962
Amway becomes international
Amway opens its first International office in London, Ontario, Canada. This would be the second of over 100+ countries and territories into which Amway would eventually expand.
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1968
Artistry™ brand debuts
The Artistry cosmetics brand debuts with 11 products and 37 color shades. Artistry would grow to become one of the top-five selling premium skincare brands in the world.
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1972
Amway acquires Nutrilite™
Amway acquires the Nutrilite brand, rounding out their brand offerings to include home, beauty, and nutrition categories. Nutrilite would grow to become the world’s leading brand of vitamin and dietary supplements.
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1980
Amway tops $1 billion
Amway passes $1 billion in sales.
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1990
Amway expands
Amway expands into 33 additional markets around the world, including China and South Africa. Amway would eventually more than double in size during this decade.
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2015
Amway acquires XS™ energy drinks
Amway acquires the XS™ brand of energy drinks and sports nutrition. XS is instantly popular with younger generations and emerging markets, quickly becoming one of Amway’s most popular product categories.
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2019
#1 Direct Selling Company
Amway turns 60 and is the “World’s Number One Direct Selling Company” according to Direct Selling News Global 100.
Learn more at amway.com
