Henry Parsons Crowell – Quaker Oats

Henry Parsons Crowell, founder of Quaker Oats, was a passionate Christian who believed that he could use his business as a tool to spread the Gospel. As a young boy, Henry experienced the loss of his father. This tragedy led him closer to Christ and changed the trajectory of his life. At eighteen years old, Henry contracted Tuberculosis, the same disease that killed his father. Shortly after his diagnosis, his health rapidly declined. Henry turned to God in faith and prayed for healing in his lungs. 

Henry was advised to move to a more suitable climate for his illness, and made a shocking recovery seven years later. At twenty-six, he acquired Quaker Mill Company, a business facing bankruptcy and severe financial troubles. Henry decided to rebrand the company, naming it “Quaker Oats”. He transformed the packaging from bulk barrels to small boxes for individual consumption. Later on, he ran promotions and competitions to get people excited about his company. Through faith and hard work, Henry grew his business into a huge success.  

Throughout his many years as a businessman, Henry remained faithful and committed to the Lord. He was generous with his finances and his mentorship. He gave over 70% of his income to Christian businesses and religious institutions to spread the Gospel. He evangelized regularly to the men and women he worked with and the larger companies he came into contact with. Furthermore, he shared his business expertise with young entrepreneurs he came across throughout his life. He was a faithful businessman who believed in returning everything he received back to God. He lived this out through his radical generosity and eagerness to share the truth of the Bible with others. Henry is an excellent example of operating a business through a redemptive framework and being a faithful Christian while doing so.