In this episode of the Acquired podcast, listeners are taken on an engaging journey through the fascinating history of Mars Incorporated. It begins with the company’s origins in the early 1900s as a small candy maker led by Frank Mars, but it was his son, Forrest, who would transform it into a global powerhouse. With a sharp focus on innovation, strategic acquisitions, and a rather bold management style, Forrest prioritized quality, efficiency, and expansion. Notably, his clever marketing—like the famous “melts in your mouth, not in your hand” slogan for M&M's—helped Mars surpass Hershey's, establishing it as a leader in both the candy and pet care sectors. The episode delves into Forrest's ambitious drive, his complicated relationship with his father, and how the company evolved into a privately held giant with a distinctive corporate culture.
