Carl W. Renstrom facts for kids

Carl W. Renstrom (1902–1981) was a very rich businessman from Omaha, Nebraska. He became a multi-millionaire by selling hair curlers and other hair products. His company was called Tip-Top Products.

Early Life of Carl Renstrom

Carl Willard Renstrom was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 27, 1902. His father, Nils August Renstrom, was an immigrant from Sweden. His mother was Vera Pearl Bartlett. Carl's father was good with machines and even had patents, like one for an electro-magnetic blanket. Carl went to public schools in Omaha and finished at Commerce High School.

Carl Renstrom's Business Journey

After high school, Carl Renstrom worked in sales, even selling Fuller Brushes. During the Great Depression, his sales of church bulletin boards dropped a lot. So, Renstrom started his own company, Tip-Top Products. He looked for a new product to sell.

The Solder Success

Carl met a man selling liquid solder in a can. When they couldn't form a company together, Renstrom decided to make his own version. He created the solder in a squeezable tube. He started making it in his basement and sold it door-to-door. The solder was a huge hit! It gave him financial security. Within a year, he bought a building and hired people to help with production and sales.

Inventing the Tip Top Easy Curler

After his solder success, Renstrom looked for his next big idea. His sister, Grace, showed him a simple metal hair curler she bought in Europe. It was called the "Ruck Zuck." Similar curlers sold for about 5 cents each in the U.S. Renstrom made the curler much better. On July 14, 1936, he got his first patent for his improved design. He named it the Tip Top Easy Curler. It came with four aluminum curlers on a card for 10 cents. People loved it!

Wartime Production and Public Service

When World War II started, aluminum became very important for the war effort. Renstrom changed his machines from making curlers to making things for the military. His factory produced wire reels, barbed wire throws, and land mine crates. He even had to make his building bigger to handle all the work.

Working with the War Department inspired Renstrom to get involved in politics. He ran for Douglas County Commissioner and was elected in 1944. He served in this role until 1948.

Expanding the Hair Product Empire

After the war, Renstrom switched his curler production to plastic. He also added many more hair products to his line. By 1964, his company had received 24 patents and was making over 600 different products.

In 1964, Renstrom sold his Tip-Top Products Company. He sold it to Rayette Co., which later became Faberge, for $25 million. This made him an extremely wealthy man.

Carl Renstrom's Retirement Adventures

After selling his company, Carl Renstrom was very rich. In retirement, he still pursued interesting business ideas. He helped develop the Granada Royale Hometel and built The Omaha Tower, both in Omaha. He also gave money to charities he cared about, like The Boys Club of Omaha.

Renstrom owned homes in Omaha, Acapulco, Miami, Canada, and Minnesota. He even dined twice with President Richard Nixon in 1969. But mostly, Renstrom loved to travel. He skied in Switzerland, fished in Mexico, scuba dived in The Bahamas, and hunted in Europe and Canada. He even photographed big game in Africa. Renstrom used his private Learjet to fly to any place he wanted to visit.

Villa Vera in Acapulco

In the 1950s, Renstrom built a family vacation home in Acapulco, Mexico. At that time, Acapulco was just starting to become a popular resort town. Renstrom named his property Villa Vera, after his oldest daughter. He later added five smaller villas to entertain clients and friends.

His next-door neighbor was Teddy Stauffer, who was known as "Mr. Acapulco." Renstrom convinced Stauffer to manage his property when he was away. Together, they entertained many famous people of the time.

Celebrity Guests at Villa Vera

Many celebrities visited Villa Vera. Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd in what was originally the Renstrom family home. Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher were even there as attendants. Lana Turner lived at Villa Vera for three years, and Brigitte Bardot spent her honeymoon there. As Acapulco grew more popular, Renstrom kept expanding the property. Today, it is known as the Villa Vera Hotel & Racquet Club.

Carl Renstrom's Family Life

Carl Renstrom was married four times. His first wife was Catherine A. Gannon, and they had one daughter, Vera Pearl Renstrom. His second wife, Genevieve L. Taylor, passed away in 1956. He had a daughter named Lisa with his third wife, Elizabeth. In 1978, he married his fourth wife, Carmen Patricia De Alba. She was the mother of his only son, Carlos Rene Renstrom.

Carl W. Renstrom passed away on November 13, 1981, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Renstrom's Legacy

After his death, Renstrom's family divided his 84-acre horse farm in Omaha for new buildings. His mansion and 8 acres remained a private home. The rest of the land became apartments, office towers, and the One Pacific Place shopping center.

Carl Renstrom's youngest daughter, Elizabeth Ann "Lisa" Renstrom, was once the president of The Sierra Club, an environmental organization.

Two of Renstrom's grandsons, Cris and Curt Kirkwood, are founding members of the alternative punk rock band, Meat Puppets. They are the sons of his oldest daughter, Vera Pearl Renstrom.