Created in California: The stories behind the Golden State’s most iconic companies and cult brands
Created in California is a series delving into companies with unique success stories, perhaps with fascinating histories, distinctive corporate cultures or singular cultural footprints.
Like Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, a product with 18 official uses — and many more that are unofficial or outlandish. Or Wham-O, the fun factory behind the Frisbee and the Hula Hoop. Or family-run Doc Johnson, which has been making pleasure products in North Hollywood since 1976 and is the country’s largest sex toy manufacturer.
Read Created in California for more about these uniquely California operations.
- 1
The Cheesecake Factory has an official taste tester for every dish on that hefty menu. He’s also CEO of the eatery people love or loathe so much it’s meme-worthy.
- 2
Founded in West Hollywood 25 years ago, Barry’s helped launch the era of the modern boutique fitness studio. Its glamorous devotees wouldn’t sweat anywhere else.
- 3
Family-run Doc Johnson has been making pleasure products in North Hollywood since 1976 and is the country’s largest sex toy manufacturer.
- 4
Wham-O, the Frisbee and Hula Hoop toy company founded by two USC grads, is 75 and embracing nostalgia while striving for relevance with a new generation and their dogs.
- 5
He started making peppermint castile soap in his Pershing Square tenement in 1948. Here’s the very California story of the man, the cultish product and the progressive company.
