It all started with a great idea and a greater work ethic. Alfred Woelbing started making CARMEX by hand, pouring the medicated lip balm into the now-iconic pots in his kitchen in an attempt to remedy his cold sores. He sold it the old fashioned way, visiting pharmacies one by one.
The operation grows, as Alfred sold CARMEX Classic Lip Balm from the trunk of his car. Only World War II can slow the sales, with the Army buying up lanolin — a key ingredient in CARMEX — to grease equipment and prevent rust.
Production grows with positive word of mouth, and CARMEX becomes too big for Alfred’s kitchen. In 1957, CARMEX moves to Wauwatosa, WI, a suburb of West Milwaukee.
Alfred continues to drive from pharmacy to pharmacy leaving product samples and pre-paid postcards.
CARMEX expands - now available in a squeezable tube.
CARMEX expands - now available in a click stick with SPF.
CARMEX now available in the UK.
CARMEX now available in Cherry & Stawberry flavours.
CARMEX reaches one billion pots sold worldwide.
Limited edition pots launch in the UK.
Paul continues the commitment started by his grandfather to stay true to the corporate culture and way of doing business: by focusing on maintaining product quality, customer satisfaction, and employee happiness, success will follow. To this day, Paul continues the Woelbing tradition of personally responding to customer inquiries with personalised emails and handwritten letters.