In 1889 an industrious 18 year old named Will Rawleigh set out from his Wisconsin, (U.S.A.), home with only $15, a borrowed horse, a mortgaged buggy, four types of medicines and a determination to become a successful businessman.
As he was later to write, "I was as green as a cucumber ... the only business experience I had was making Inks and selling books, and that had been short and local and confined to a few friends and neighbours."
Young Rawleigh knew that people
were unfamiliar with his products and their quality and value, that he would allow his
customers a trial of them on the understanding that if they were satisfied they would pay
him on his next visit. This was the beginning of the Rawleigh 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
Demand for Rawleigh's products rapidly increased to a point that somecustomers expressed interest in purchasing and re-selling them for themseIves. Rawleigh correctly judged that no special training was required to become a retailer and that with only a small amount of money for stock and a desire to be "A Friend of the Family" anybody could establish a profitable and independent Rawleigh business.
Over the years the Rawleigh company went international, first to
Canada, 
then Australia
and New Zealand continuing
to grow and expand the range of products.
Consolidating the business.
Quality, purity,strength and balance of the finished product
was a vital ingredient for continuing use by the consumer. The factory could also produce
products that were in demand and not rely on another factory to make.
This also led Will Rawleigh to print his own sales aids, labels, leaflets and books
The printing plant was also able to make cartons and containers for some of the
product range.
The quality was controlled by incorporating a modern laboratory.
Bottles were another important part of presenting the product, ensuring cleanliness,
shape and sizes.
At the factory they washed and filled 120 bottles a minute.
The bottle making factory on the right was situated in
Freeport.
Since 1889 many things have changed but Will Rawleigh's adage that being "good" or "adequate" was not enough, still guides the company today along with our two basic principles.
1. Sell quality products direct to consumers in their homes.
2. Provide people with an opportunity to own a profitable independent retailing business.
The W. T. Rawleigh
Company still today has great pride in manufacturing and selling products of quality and
value and with the fact that it has been "A Friend of the Family since 1889"
In 1989, W.T.Rawleigh Company was purchased by Golden Pride president, Harry W. Hersey. The company name was then changed to Golden Pride / Rawleigh.
In 1997, the Tarrah Products line was added and the name of the company has been changed again to Golden Pride International.
