Since 1921

Our Story

Over 100 years of innovation, passion, and family tradition.

William Grover Barnard – Papa Barnard – founder of Vitamix in 1921
1921

Barnard Sales Co.

William Grover Barnard — affectionately known as "Papa Barnard" — founds the Barnard Sales Company and captivates customers with live product demonstrations. His early success with the "Polly" can opener lays the groundwork for what would become Vitamix.

Natural Foods Institute — the early history of Vitamix
1937

Natural Foods Institute

Papa Barnard renames the company — a clear commitment to whole food nutrition. At the Great Lakes Exposition, he and his son Bill discover their passion for blending.

First Vitamix store in Cleveland, 807 Saint Clair Avenue
1939

The First Storefront

Papa Barnard and Bill open the first Natural Foods Institute store at 807 Saint Clair Avenue in Cleveland — with health products, expert talks, and live Vitamix demonstrations.

Vitamix world headquarters in Olmsted Township, Ohio
1948

World Headquarters Established

The company moves to Olmsted Township, Ohio. Bill Barnard constructs a first building of approximately 100 m² — the origin of today's global headquarters.

Ruth Barnard — pioneer of Vitamix recipes
1949

Ruth's Recipes

Ruth Barnard develops nutrient-rich recipes for "500 Recipes for Vita-Mix." Her creations make one thing clear: Vitamix is more than a blender — it is a complete nutrition system.

Bill Barnard presents Vitamix in the world's first infomercial on WEWS Cleveland, 1950
1950

The World's First Infomercial

Bill Barnard books a half-hour infomercial on WEWS in Cleveland. The goal: 18 sales to cover costs. The result: over 400 machines sold in a single evening.

Bill and Ruth Barnard — second generation Vitamix
1955

The Second Generation Takes the Lead

Papa Barnard retires. Bill and Ruth take over and travel across the country to demonstrate Vitamix and spread the message of whole food nutrition throughout America.

Grover Barnard — third generation, renamed Vitamix Corporation in 1966
1962

The Third Generation Takes the Lead

Grover Barnard joins the company and dedicates himself fully to advancing Vitamix machines. In 1966, the company is officially renamed Vitamix Corporation.

John Barnard — international expansion of Vitamix
1981

John Barnard Takes the Lead

John Barnard returns to the company as chief engineer. He redesigns products to meet international standards, laying the groundwork for global expansion.

Vitamix retail expansion — Costco partnership from 2002
2002

Retail Expansion

Vitamix expands its retail partnerships — starting with Costco. Live in-store demonstrations bring the Vitamix experience to consumers across America.

Jodi Berg — fourth-generation CEO, Vitamix expansion to over 80 countries
2009

The Fourth Generation Takes the Lead

Jodi Berg becomes President, then CEO one year later. Under her leadership, Vitamix expands into over 80 countries and receives multiple awards for outstanding export performance.

Vitamix milestone: 1 million machines produced in a single year, 2013
2013

1 Million Machines

Vitamix opens an approximately 16,000 m² operations center in Strongsville, Ohio — and for the first time manufactures over one million machines in a single year.

Vitamix — resilience and setting the course for the next century
2020

Setting the Course for the Next Century

Amid global challenges, Vitamix demonstrates resilience and strength. Clear values and a commitment to quality position the company for the next century.

Vitamix centennial — 1921 to 2021, four generations, 130 countries
2021

Vitamix Turns 100

After a century, four generations, and sales in 130 countries, Vitamix celebrates its 100th anniversary — and remains committed to improving lives through whole food nutrition.

Steve Laserson — first non-family CEO in Vitamix history
2022

First Non-Family CEO in Company History

Steve Laserson is appointed as the first non-family CEO in Vitamix history — a new chapter that consistently continues the company's decades-long commitment to quality and innovation.