Foundation of L.L.Bean Leon Leonwood Bean

the farmhouse leon l. bean purportedly born

bean avid hunter , fisherman. in outdoor activities, boots become soaked water, set out resolve inconvenience , developed plans waterproof boot. boot combination of lightweight leather upper part , rubber on bottom. brought plans cobbler , first boots made. bean felt boot produced of quality, , obtained list of non-resident maine hunting license holders , prepared descriptive mail order circular. promised 100% money unhappy boots. because of this, bean had refund 90% of costs of first 100 sets of boots made, when rubber on bottom developed cracks. seemed not mind returning money, , popularity of boots clear. in 1911, took out loan in amount of us$400 , set off boston, offered united states rubber company remainder of us$400 produce better quality boot him. better quality boots available, bean set boot shop in brother s basement in freeport, maine. skills , trials entrepreneur, along promise return 100% money on items, detailed many local , national newspapers of time. 1917, had sold enough of boots buy dedicated building shop on main street of freeport. in 1918, bean realised importance of patenting invention. patent granted, moved on inventing , improving more outdoor equipment , expanding store l.l.bean today.