Lillian Vernon
Lillian Vernon is the founding Chairman of Lillian Vernon Corporation, a leading specialty catalog and online retailer that markets gift, household, kitchen, gardening, children's, and Christmas products.
Born in Germany, Lillian fled to the United States with her family before the onset of World War II and settled in New York City. She started her company on her kitchen table in 1951, with $2000 of wedding gift money by placing a $495 advertisement for a personalized handbag and belt in "Seventeen Magazine." She received $32,000 in orders, and her business was launched.
Over the past 53 years, the company has become a leader in its industry. It receives more than 4 million orders each year and employs over 3500 people during their peak season.
A philanthropist as well as an entrepreneur, Lillian is always willing to give of herself. She has donated funds and merchandise to over 5000 charities. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including New York University, Lincoln Center, The Virginia Opera, and the Kennedy Center National Committee for the Performing Arts. She has received many honors, including induction into the Direct Marketing Association Hall of Fame, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Big Brother/Big Sisters National Hero Award, and Gannett Newspapers Business Leadership Award.
MOST REQUESTED TOIPCS:
Mail Order/Direct Marketing
The Entrepreneur and the Professional Manager
Women In Business: Tips For Success
Lillian Vernon is the founding Chairman of Lillian Vernon Corporation, a leading specialty catalog and online retailer that markets gift, household, kitchen, gardening, children's, and Christmas products.
Born in Germany, Lillian fled to the United States with her family before the onset of World War II and settled in New York City. She started her company on her kitchen table in 1951, with $2000 of wedding gift money by placing a $495 advertisement for a personalized handbag and belt in "Seventeen Magazine." She received $32,000 in orders, and her business was launched.
Over the past 53 years, the company has become a leader in its industry. It receives more than 4 million orders each year and employs over 3500 people during their peak season.
A philanthropist as well as an entrepreneur, Lillian is always willing to give of herself. She has donated funds and merchandise to over 5000 charities. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including New York University, Lincoln Center, The Virginia Opera, and the Kennedy Center National Committee for the Performing Arts. She has received many honors, including induction into the Direct Marketing Association Hall of Fame, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Big Brother/Big Sisters National Hero Award, and Gannett Newspapers Business Leadership Award.
MOST REQUESTED TOIPCS:
Mail Order/Direct Marketing
The Entrepreneur and the Professional Manager
Women In Business: Tips For Success
