Eric G. Johnson (Finding Aid)

Eric G. Johnson

1951 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Seafood Fettuccini Pasta

Favorite Time of Year: Late spring

Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida

Interview Length: 132 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 15, 2000

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Eric Johnson describes his life as a child of the entrepreneur George Johnson. Johnson recalls that he became fascinated with business at a very early age, thanks to his father's dinner table discussions about the business. Johnson talks about the origins of the family business, and outlines some of George Johnson's business strategies. Eric Johnson recalls early childhood memories, which mostly revolve around recreation in his childhood neighborhood of Chatham in Chicago, Illinois. Johnson then describes Chatham as being a close-knit and successful African American community even to this day. Johnson describes his positive experience in school, detailing his time at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School. Johnson says that although his high school was mostly white, there was a high level of activism, thanks to the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement. Johnson then describes his father and other prominent African American entrepreneurs as being integral to supporting the Movement in Chicago. Eric Johnson details the role of black Chicago businesses in funding and supporting the Civil Rights Movement, and calls on current businesses to be equally participatory. Johnson then reflects on Chicago, explaining why such a large number of black businesses succeed there. He believes that Chicago will leave a lasting legacy of opportunity for black entrepreneurs. Johnson then moves into a discussion about Johnson Products Company, which he took over from his father, George Johnson. Eric Johnson describes the peak years of the company's success, and details the strategies behind the success, including the decision to make the company publicly-owned and traded. He talks about Johnson Products Company's symbiotic relationship with the television show 'Soul Train.' Johnson also describes the negative aspects of going public, particularly having to deal with increased and sometimes unfair competition. Eric Johnson details the expansion of Johnson Products Company into Nigeria. He discusses the positives and negatives of operating in an international market, and explains his eventual decision to sell the Nigerian division to local entrepreneurs. He then reflects on the overall success of Johnson Products Company. Johnson describes his undergraduate education at Babson College in the Boston area, saying that while he received a valuable education, he did not feel at home in Boston's black community. Johnson then talks about his success at Procter and Gamble Corporation, where he worked for two years following his graduation. He says he was motivated to succeed after being passed up for a promotion at Procter and Gamble. Johnson then discusses his experience at the University of Chicago's business school, where he integrated quantitative analysis with his natural ability in sales and marketing. Johnson then describes his return to Johnson Products Company after receiving his MBA, detailing his quick promotion Eric Johnson details the resurgence of Johnson Products Company under his leadership, explaining the strategies he implemented in order to increase sales and productivity. He explains that in spite of his success, he felt the need to explore other career options, and describes his difficult decision to step down as head of the company his father started. He then describes the new direction his career took, when he acquired the Baldwin Ice Cream Company, which he quickly transformed into a success. Johnson explains the differences between the food industry and the personal care industry, and says that these differences enabled him to maintain a larger customer base. Johnson then discusses Baldwin's merger with the Richardson Foods Company, which led to even greater success. Johnson reflects on his career as a businessman, stating that his greatest strength was his ability to improve the prospects of an already established business, exemplified by his success with Baldwin Ice Cream. Johnson briefly considers hi This tape contains several photos of Eric Johnson during various stages of his life and career, though they are not narrated. There is also a small section of the interview on this tape, in which Eric Johnson reflects on his family and the African American community. Johnson reiterates his wife's critical role in his businesses, and explains how they are able to have a harmonious relationship at work and at home. He shares the hopes and expectations he has for his children, particularly that they succeed in something they enjoy. Johnson then explains in depth the importance of business ownership and equity in the African American community. He believes that raising wealth in non-liquid assets will have a permanent positive influence in the lives of black Americans. Johnson then shares his concerns for the black community, highlighting the need for improving the education system and making sure young African Americans are properly qualified to thrive in an increasingly technical world. He stresses to young peo

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