Innovation

GOJO’s innovation of a heavy-duty hand cleaner removed very difficult stains and in turn created what we know today as Purell. Today, Purell is an instant hand sanitizer made of ethyl alcohol which kills most of the common germs. Purell is a green certified instant hand sanitizer which was the first hand sanitizer to meet ECOLOGO CCD-170 standards (ECOLOGO is products certified for reduced environmental impact). Since the start of the enterprises success the owners based all the solutions and products within science. So, GOJO routinely sponsored scientific research to improve the quality of life and reduce risks to well-being. This strengthens the understanding that science proves right in solving many of the economic issues from past to present.

Inspiration

GOJO has been in business since 1946. The original owners were Goldie and Jerome Lippman (GOJO). Goldie was a great innovator in her time maintaining a life with her husband. During World War II, factory work was prevalent. With little to no government regulation, factories extruded harmful chemicals into the air. After a day in a rubber factory, Goldie was filthy in tar and other black chemicals on her skin and in her hair. She dedicated herself to finding a non-toxic solution to removing the toxic buildup that covered her after a day’s work. Partnered with her husband they created GOJO. The focus of GOJO was to provide skin care and hygiene products that reduce infection in the workplace and community. GOJO’s innovation of a heavy-duty hand cleaner removed very difficult stains and in turn created what we know today as Purell.

Overall impact

Since the start of the enterprise's success the owners based all the solutions and products within science. So GOJO routinely sponsored scientific research to improve the quality of life and reduce risks to well-being. Two of the studies included the effect of hand sanitizer use on elementary school absenteeism (http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(00)84010-9/abstract*E.J. Fendler, PhD, Y. Ali, PhD, B.S. Hammond, M.K. Lyons, BSN, RN, M.B. Kelley, CRRN, N.A. Vowell, RN ); The impact of alcohol hand sanitizer use on infection rates in an extended care facility (http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(02)56916-9/abstract* Brian Hammond, aYusuf Ali, PhDaEleanor Fendler, PhDa Michael Dolan, aSandra Donovan, RN, MSNb). Both of these studies proved that Purell significantly reduces infection when used frequently and decreases employee sick days. Both studies can be referenced in the AJIC: American Journal of infection Control. GOJO’s Purell and other cleaning products has produced approximately an eighty three million dollar sustainable growth

Business benefit

Goldie / Jerome Lippman and now their nephew CEO Joe Kanfer expresses GOJO’s purpose, vision and value to the planet at the beginning testament of GOJO’s business model. With growth, GOJO experienced a great learning pivot. This pivot caused a new business model that included public opinion. Public opinion has been the success and failure of businesses across the globe.

The idea of science vs. public opinion was a very new view point. Even if science proves the health and well-being of a product safe, the opinion of the consumers holds truth as well. GOJO took public opinion (positive and negative) and made great changes within the infrastructure by creating an idea that includes a flourishing concept.

They introduced a reflection practice called an “After action review.” This review is completed after every single decision or outcome. The after action review breaks down; what is supposed to happen; what actually happened; the difference in change; and what is to be learned from the experience.

The purpose behind the new flourishing innovation was to introduce Appreciative Inquiry which affirms past, present and potential strengths. Also, it gives an aspect of life (health, vitality, and excellence) to living systems. This has been the true growth and connection of GOJO with shareholders and stakeholders.

With incorporating the new business model, Argerie Vasilakes emphasized again the passion at GOJO. GOJO wanted to bring awareness to the connection in the environment which is not just limited to the enterprises’ profitable product growth. GOJO brings purpose to the shareholders, stakeholders, community and planet. Knowing your purpose helps create solutions for concerning issues that would need an immediate resolution.

Social and environmental benefit

This empowerment of ideas with the combination of science and public opinion contributed to the sustainable goals of good health and well-being, economic growth, and innovation and infrastructure. GOJO has systematically created a flourishing enterprise by finding a global solution to promoting good health.

Interview

Argerie Vasilakes, Organizational development