Benjamin Franklin’s grandfather, Peter Folger, was an ancestor to the founder of Folgers. This entire family was bound for success from the beginning!

Once Frank Atha — a Folgers salesman — was able to hire two more salesmen and rent an office space in Texas, it wasn’t long before Folgers was number one. The company’s success allowed them to hire more staff, resulting in faster production and even more sales.

In the beginning of the nineteenth century, commercially roasted coffee was available throughout New York City, but it was a luxury. Until Folgers provided an affordable coffee for purchase, ground coffee was unheard of at the wholesale level.

Though Folgers Coffee was founded in 1850, the beginning of its story dates back to the early 1600s after the Folger family left Norwich, England. The Folgers originally embarked on the journey to America to find gold, but stumbling upon the coffee business turned out to be just as beneficial to them, if not more so.

Thanks to a particularly energetic and passionate salesmen named Frank P. Atha, in the 1900s, Folgers became bigger and better than ever. Atha was so passionate about the brand, he suggested they open a second coffee plant in Texas. The company agreed and hired Atha, resulting in exponential growth.

It was the best then and it remains in the top five today. According to Fortune, Folgers held the title for the number-one selling coffee company until Keurig finally passed it in 2013. Yes, it even sold more than Starbucks.

How do you store your coffee? Though it may sound odd, the Folgers storing instructions suggest placing an unopened container in the fridge. The coffee doesn’t go bad if you leave it out, but Folgers insists that the signature taste is best secured when refrigerated.

In attempt to reach its full potential, Folgers joined the J.M. Smucker Company in November of 2008. Other brands that are part of the Smucker include Jif, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Pillsbury.

James F. Folger ll had worked under his father for seven years. Once his father died, James became president of J.A. Folger & Co., which became Folgers soon after.

Looking to make a quick $10,000? Submit your own version of the famous Folgers jingle to the company for a chance to win some fast cash and be featured on television.