Today we’d like to introduce you to Garry Ridge.
Garry, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all began in 1953, in a small lab in San Diego. The fledgling Rocket Chemical Company – we changed our name in 1969 – and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry. It took them 40 attempts to get their water displacing formula to work, but on the 40th attempt, they got it right in a big way. WD-40 was born. WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That’s the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product.
Fast forward to today and in fiscal year 2017 we generated $381 million in annual revenue, approximately 60 percent of which was generated in countries other than the United States. Our 448 tribe members live and work in 14 countries, speak more than 7 languages and are located in 6 different time zones. Most importantly, the blue and yellow can with the little red top has been leaving end-users in 176 countries and territories with positive lasting memories for nearly 65 years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Straight roads don’t make skillful drivers. Ours is a culture built on continuous learning and mistakes have been made. Many times, people in organizations look at mistakes as career-damaging events rather than opportunities to learn. Therefore, they cover up their mistakes in the hope that no one finds out. At WD-40 Company, when things go wrong we don’t call them “mistakes” we call them “learning moments.” This concept enables our tribe members to look at missteps as learning opportunities which create the chance to learn and grow.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with WD-40 Company – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are best known for being the maker of the can with thousands of uses, WD-40 Multi-Use Product. In addition to WD-40 Multi-Use Product we sell a line of best-in-class specialty products which are geared toward trade professionals called WD-40 Specialist. We also sell comprehensive lines of bike and motorcycle products developed for two-wheel enthusiasts and mechanics. We also own some other well-known brands like 3-IN-ONE, Carpet Fresh, Spot Shot, 2000 Flushes, X-14 and Lava Soap.
While most people know the blue and yellow can with the little red top, very few people understand what the story behind the can is and why the brand is so successful. Our success has a little to do with the “secret sauce” that makes up the formula for WD-40 Multi-Use Product but a lot to do with the fact that we are comprised of a tribe of purpose-driven, passionate people who are guided by our Company’s values.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are very long-term focused here. I don’t anticipate any major changes taking place in our industry in the next 5-10 years but we have an amazing team of tribe members who wake up every day to think about marketing strategy and innovation so that we will never be surprised by what the future holds.
Meet Garry Ridge of WD-40 Company in Scripps Ranch - SDVoyager - San Diego
