Early 20th Century American Business Leader Portrait

This photograph features Austen Colgate, a significant figure in the American business landscape during the early 20th century. Taken by the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920, this image captures Colgate at a time when he was involved in the family business, Colgate & Company, which was already a prominent name in the soap and personal care products industry. Founded in 1806, the Colgate brand played a crucial role in shaping consumer habits and the marketing of household products in the United States.

During the period the photograph was taken, Colgate & Company was expanding its offerings beyond soap to include toothpaste, which would later become a staple in American households. Austen Colgates leadership was pivotal in helping the company navigate the growing consumer market and build its reputation as a leader in hygiene products. The Bain News Service, known for documenting notable personalities of the time, captured him in this moment, contributing to our understanding of American business history and the evolution of mass-market consumer goods.