What's in a Name?: L.L.Bean

You may recognize the name L.L.Bean as a company which produces outdoor clothing and equipment. They are known for their quality products and label customer satisfaction as their number one goal.

But where does the name L.L.Bean come from? Let’s take a look at the humble beginnings of this incredible company and how it has maintained its outstanding reputation for over a century.

Leon L. Bean, the Eponym

Avid hunter Leon Leonwood Bean came home from a trip one day in 1911 experiencing the rather unpleasant sensation of cold, wet feet. Realizing he, and likely other outdoorsmen, could greatly benefit from a more protective type of boot, he designed the first version of the Maine Hunting Shoe using a combination of leather uppers and rubber bottoms.

While he did not get the product perfect on the first try, he continued innovating until he created a 

shoe he could successfully sell. Five years later, he opened up his flagship store for business in Freeport and named the brand after himself. 

Interestingly enough, though, there has been some debate over the years about what the second “L” actually stands for. Throughout his adult life, Leon used the middle name “Leonwood”, but according to the memory of family members, it was likely originally “Linwood”. Various documents including his draft registration and a birth announcement for one of his sons use conflicting spellings. And, as luck would have it, his birth certificate was lost along with many other archived records so there is no real way to know for sure.

The Next Leon

Over time, the L.L.Bean brand continued to thrive as it produced more iconic items such as the Field Coat, Zipper Duffel, Ice Carrier, and other useful hunting tools. Continually supplying quality products made the company a household name.

In 1960, Leon Gorman, L.L.’s grandson, asked for a job at the family business after finishing his service in the Navy and was hired at eighty dollars per week to be a clothing buyer. Then, seven years later, he took over as president of the company following L.L.’s passing.

While he sure had big shoes to fill (literally – the boot outside of the flagship store is a size 410!), the next thirty-four years saw massive growth for the business as expansion and modernization efforts led by Leon turned L.L.Bean into a billion-dollar organization.

The Leon Legacy Lives On

While new leaders have taken over the company, the commitments to manufacturing quality products and providing exceptional customer service remain key aspects of the business model.

L.L.Bean owns and operates its own test lab where they ensure every product’s design, materials, and construction meet the criteria for optimal performance and customer satisfaction. Employees also make a point to use the company’s merchandise in their own outdoor 

adventures to fully understand the needs and expectations of consumers and see how it holds up in real-life applications.

From Leon’s first pair of hunting boots to today’s global corporation, the L.L Bean brand has prided itself on creating top-quality products, providing incredible customer service, and encouraging a love for the outdoors.

Here at Penny Mustard, we want our name to be recognized as a company where you are guaranteed to find outstanding furnishings for your home and feel valued as a consumer. Contact us today to let us demonstrate our commitment to creating the ideal furniture-shopping experience.

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