Companies That Have Lasted And Thrived

Most businesses have a beginning, a middle and an end.  New startups often fail.  So it's amazing that many businesses have survived and thrived for more than 200 years.  Here is a list of just some of the businesses, some started at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, have survived into the 21st century.

Colgate began in 1806 and is a thriving company today.  Brooks Brothers, opened in 1818, has adapted and changed as styles and needs have changed, and doing well today.  Brecks, a garden company selling seeds, also began in 1816.  I had never heard of it, but then I don't buy a lot of seeds, so I guess I wouldn't.  Remington gun company opened in 1886 and is probably bigger and more profitable than ever in this culture.  Louisville Stoneware, a pottery company, opened in 1815.  The Farmers Almanac  was first published in 1792.  It's still published every year.  The New York Stock Exchange opened in 1792, and you know how that has thrived.  King Arthur Flour first opened its doors in 1790 and you'll see it today on the shelf of every supermarket.  Bakers Chocolate began in 1765 and it's still the most popular baking chocolate available.  Other business that have been around for over 200 years are Wiley, a print shop and publisher, Dupont, Crane (paper), and Shreve, Crump and Low (jewelers).

Quite a diverse list!  With retail companies like Sears and K Mart struggling to stay alive, it's amazing to see how many old companies have continued to thrive.  Their leadership has adapted to change, or they wouldn't have made it.  I wonder which of the companies started today (tech companies) will still be around in 200 years.