If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough. That’s how I felt growing up in an Irish family, and today, I feel equally proud to be part of an organization that shares a bit of that heritage.
I often get the question: How did Shamrock get its name? So, with St. Patrick’s Day almost upon us, it seems like the right time to share the story: In 1978, Shamrock’s late founder Neil Bennett took a leap of faith, leaving his secure sales position at a major business forms company to start an entrepreneurial venture.
The story follows that as Neil sat at his kitchen table contemplating his new startup, he studied the shamrock plant before him. It brought back childhood memories of shamrocks displayed in his grandmother’s home. That’s when it hit Neil: “Why not name the company SHAMROCK, the legendary good luck symbol of the Irish?”
And so, Shamrock Forms was born. Working from that same kitchen table, Neil’s sales grossed $400,000 the first year. In less than two years, he rented office space, hired four employees, and sales grossed $1.2 million. The rest is history, with the Company growing and diversifying to evolve into the full-service marketing solutions resource it is today.
Shamrock didn’t stumble upon that success by chance. It’s no coincidence that successful people, like Neil, who work the hardest and surround themselves with good people, seem to have the most luck. I’ve always believed that we create our luck—and Shamrock is living proof of that. For over 30 years, we’ve focused on serving our clients first by providing added value, and the rest has certainly followed.
Neil Bennett passed away last week at the age of 83. He was a visionary, a mentor, and an inspiration to our entire Shamrock family. We remember Neil fondly. While he was a skilled business leader, he also embodied the kindness and generosity we all carry.
May the road rise to meet you.
