Balmy business

With spring in sight, 145 attendees packed the Madison Concourse March 16 to hear the origin story for a popular wintertime brand born right here in Wisconsin. In 1937, Alfred Woelbing started production of a cold sore remedy in his kitchen, pouring the concoction into what would become the iconic yellow-lidded jars Carmex is known for. Now one of the largest lip balm companies in the the U.S., Carmex has evolved tremendously over the past several years to stay competitive in its market segment. During the Icons in Business event, Alfred’s grandson and company president, Paul Woelbing, and COO Rich Simonson shared insight into the history, leadership strategies, and growth of the family-owned and operated Wisconsin icon. (For information on getting your event featured in the IB Gallery, email jason@ibmadison.com.)