Experienced Millionaires: 6 Brands That Made Experienced Millionaires Overnight

Infomercial workers have been falling out of favor for the past decade or so. Since people can do their own research on products and the internet has made information readily available, people are not as dependent on infomercials as they once were. In fact, 54% of Americans say they don’t pay attention to ads at all. However, at one time, infomercials were the driving force behind some of the biggest brands. Here’s a look at six iconic brands that have created clueless millionaires.

1. George Foreman Grill: Transforming Kitchens Everywhere

Launched in 1994, George Foreman Grill became a household name for its promise of fast and healthy cooking. Marketed as the “Lean Mean Fat Burner,” it struck a chord with health-conscious consumers around the world. Endorsed by boxing legend George Foreman, the grill’s appeal rose largely due to his enthusiastic and approachable personality. The product has sold over 100 million units worldwide. When the product was at its peak, George Foreman was earning 40% of the profits earned, which equates to $4.5 million a month. He earned over $200 million a day selling grills. The compact design of the grill and the ability to remove fat changed the way people cook, especially in small kitchens. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of business success.

2. ThighMaster: The Fitness Craze That Swept the Nation

ThighMaster, made famous by actress Suzanne Somers, became one of the most recognizable fitness brands of the 1990s. Promising toned thighs and easy home workouts, it targets fitness enthusiasts and casual exercisers alike. The compact and portable design makes it attractive to those who don’t have access to a gym. Backed by catchy ads featuring Suzanne Somers, the brand sold more than $100 million in units within its first few years. Somers and her husband Alan Hamel say they’ve stopped counting how many ThighMasters they’ll sell after 10 million, but they suspect it’s probably closer to 15 million now. In total, it earned him $300 million+.

3. OxiClean: The Stain Fighter That Ruled the Cleanroom

OxiClean has revolutionized cleaning with its oxygen-based stain-fighting formula. Its success was largely attributed to the late Billy Mays, whose powerful technicians made the product so impressive. At the time of his death in 2009, Mays had an estimated net worth of $10 million. After Billy Mays became the face of OxiClean in 2000, the brand was considered a success. In 2001, OxiClean earned $245 million and was expected to reach $330 million the following year. Demonstrations featuring OxiClean remove stubborn stains from carpets, clothing, and an enthralled audience. The product’s non-toxic and environmentally friendly ingredients are driving its popularity among environmentally conscious consumers. OxiClean quickly made millions in revenue, becoming a must-have in homes around the world. Its success led to the expansion of the product into an entire line of cleaning products.

4. The Snuggie: A Garment With Sleeves That Go Viral

The Snuggie, often referred to as a “sleeve blanket,” turned a simple idea into a multi-million dollar empire. Its humorous and ironic information caught the attention of viewers, making it very popular in the late 2000s. Consumers like the convenience of staying warm while keeping their hands free for activities like reading or using remote controls. Despite initial skepticism, Snuggie sales exceeded $500 million, proving the power of creative marketing. It became a pop culture phenomenon, with parodies and fan-made videos adding to its popularity. The success of the Snuggie demonstrated the power of mixing action with humor.

5. ShamWow: The Super Absorbent Towel That Got TV

ShamWow, a highly absorbent cleaning towel, gained popularity with an infomercial featuring the kind Vince Offer. Demonstrations of a towel soaking up large amounts of liquid left viewers in awe. Its durability and ability to clean almost any area has attracted homes and businesses alike. The brand’s slogan, “You’ll always say wow,” caught on quickly, propelled sales into the millions within weeks. ShamWow’s success spawned variations such as Slap Chop, further cementing Vince Offer’s status as a knowledge legend. Despite both products starting from an infomercial, the value of the Offer is only estimated at around $1 million. However, he still stands among other inexperienced billionaires with a successful product or two under his belt.

6. Bowflex: Redefining Home Fitness

Bowflex brings gym-quality workouts to homes with its resistance-based design. Introduced in the 1980s, the Bowflex machine gained widespread popularity with specifications highlighting its functionality and versatility. Unlike traditional home machines, Bowflex promises a full body workout in just 20 minutes a day. Its sleek design and promise of visible results appealed to fitness enthusiasts looking for luxury. By 2005, Bowflex had helped its parent company, Nautilus, achieve more than $580 million in annual revenue. That said, the company had a financial crisis in 2023 and was facing bankruptcy before being bought by Johnson Health Tech Retail, Inc. in April 2024. Although it may have fallen from grace, it still manages to make millions during its time on informational television.

Turning Ideas into Kingdoms

With the right marketing (and the right timing), every product can have its time in the spotlight. Whether it’s a simple product that will help you get clean or something that will get you in shape, each of these things has created unsuspecting millionaires. Their success stories highlight the power of catchy songs, relatable people, and products that solve everyday problems.

What other information do you remember? Have you ever wondered how much it makes?

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