Amway Corporation Co-founders : Rich DeVos (left) & Jay Van Andel The development of Amway is not only a story of a corporation but also a legacy of two men. In 1959, Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel were determined to develop their business when they were in their twenties. With the launch of L.O.C. (Liquid Organic Cleaner), they set up Amway in Grand Rapids, Michigan of the United States, using the basements of their homes as offices and warehouses. Success did not come easily. Through determination, perseverance, strong belief and confidence, Amway's sales had exceeded more than half a million U.S. dollars in the first year of business. Two years later, the co-founders moved to an abandoned oil station in Ada, Michigan, and turned the Amway business to a new page of success.
Today, Amway operates in more than 80 countries and territories throughout the world, with over three million independent distributors participating in Amway's direct selling business.