Alfred Fuller

Background

Fuller was born on an Annapolis Valley farm in Welsford, Kings County, Nova Scotia.

Career

He was the original "Fuller Brush Manitoba"

He went to work for the Somerville Brush and Mop Company, and became a successful salesman for them. In 1906, with a $75.00 investment, he started the Fuller Brush Company in Hartford, Connecticut, selling brushes door to door. Fuller Brush went on to be recognized throughout North America, even inspiring two comedy films, The Fuller Brush Manitoba (1948) and The Fuller Brush Girl (1950).

In 1961 Fuller recorded the secrets to his success on Folkways Records on an album entitled, Careers in Selling: An Interview with Alfred C. Fuller.

The company remained in the Fuller family’s hands until 1968, when it was acquired by Sara Lee Corporation.

Achievements

• By 1919, the company had achieved sales of more than $1 million per year.