How a 12-Year-Old Made His $21 Billion Empire from Selling Candy

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Hershey owns one of the largest chocolate factories in the world and is reportedly worth $21 billion. Its humble beginnings were led by a 12-year-old dropout who was expected to replace his absent father but turned into the black sheep of the family. Failure, bankruptcy, and death stood in the way of his chance at success for years - until discovering the secrets to making candy. And it all started with a cow.
This is the story of Hershey.
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[@hook]

Thanks to Manscaped for sponsoring this episode! Get 20% OFF + Free Shipping with code HOOK20 at mnscpd.com/Hook

[@wikidata.]

ok

[@notaninternetwarrior6893]

I was wondering where you went🙄

[@intamin.enthusiast]

Are these real stories?

[@IcyPan]

sure

[@intamin.enthusiast]

@@briabbruh6183 oh wow thanks

[@deborah1492]

One thing I realised is that if it wasn’t for his dad pressuring him to invest in his failing businesses, Milton would’ve been a lot more successful quicker. The only downside is that he wouldn’t have been know for Hershey’s

[@lsmmoore1]

Except his last name WAS Hershey, so whatever business he ended up investing in would be called Hershey's. It just wouldn't be candy is all.

[@karansena]

He instead of modernizing decided to hire more people. This clearly show he values his people

[@michaelslater6839]

Interesting you say that because for a minute I thought the same thing too. However I guarantee you from a psychological standpoint that the reason he became an entrepreneur was not only because his mother fostered it in him, But because his father wanted to do it so bad also and because his father had failed at it.

[@sitcomsTV]

What I realized is if it wasn't for the help and faith of others he would never achieve anything. His ants and uncles helped him as much as they could. And he stole the ideas from others, like using milk in caramel and produce chocolate... he had to go to europe to find out the ways.

[@gaye7256]

agreeing with the value of other people's support. on the part about 'stealing' other people's ideas? those recipes were harnessed facts only waiting to be used. what he did was develop and innovate what was already clearly present. resourcefulness and creativity is far different.

[@senuljayaweera]

Milton has very nice uncle's for giving money three times

[@ginasmith5464]

And not even asking for there money back or saying anything about the money

[@Luvlymandy2]

Yes

[@Krishabh_Agrawal]

My uncle won't give a penny.

[@influencedsniper4376]

@@ginasmith5464 indeed they are very nice so is his aunt and his mom they always believed in him, the uncles eventually stopped believing in him but it’s understandable

[@PlushPlanet]

Maybe too nice... Well granted Hershey's exists now

[@mysteryman6750]

His main reason for failure was his dad,He kept on giving him more bad business ideas to invest him,Thus leading to bankruptcy

[@BestMoments--vf3xt]

well, his dad was the cause hes born for 😂

[@sjillo]

Best Moments 2000- Still

[@CheeseIsGud1412]

its true his father only cared for success but it blinded him with greed

[@toby4414]

@@BestMoments--vf3xt and he didn’t ask to be born, if you’re going to have a kid and not help him then don’t even consider him a dad

[@toby4414]

@@BestMoments--vf3xt lame line, his dad is also the reason for his failure

[@Gatorofthyballs]

it just made me smile seeing that Milton, a great millionaire actually cared about his workers, you can see them being happy in some recordings

[@weirdoartist7145]

I was passed when they got mad because he had to cut wages and shorten hours like people he could fired you but no you were still making money and had work just less hours and no bonus pay

[@laziereader8488]

Because he knows how it feels to be like them

[@orangecat9559]

@@laziereader8488 yep , that's why it's pretty rare nowadays to see a boss be this nice to the workers , because they're raised in a privileged home and didnt really understand the struggles people need to go through just to get food on the table , heck Milton even went inside the sketchiest place ever and almost got kidnapped just so he get a job .

[@kekere04]

Very Rear!!!!

[@lucaskp16]

@@orangecat9559 because most from 0 to bllion dollar valuation histories now are guy that went to first tier colleges or vome from a very well of family. Just a few ever knew what is not being able to pay the bills or going years without buying clothes

[@platinumphonesandcomputers]

The greatest thing Milton's father gave him is his mother

[@s_spiritstar]

That’s depressing, but true

[@joemama-lq9yx]

And her rich brothers

[@FRISHR]

And a gun so he won't get kidnapped

[@aianna3814]

And a gun to scare the abductor

[@rabiin3921]

And his mother family too

[@teddybearjelly]

The next time I drop by the grocery, I'll never look at a Hershey's bar the same way again. Hats off to Milton, his mom, and aunts and uncles!

[@edwardoneil3962]

I'm the same 😀

[@noraarico1313]

Hershey's has been my absolutely favorite candy bar since a kid. As an adult, my favorite candy bar is Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar With Almonds--the regular small sized bar is the best. Walgreen's Pharmacy usually has them but, otherwise, that sized special dark chocolate bar is difficult to find. Don't get fooled by the milk chocolate with almonds bar of the same size.

[@shayyyeahh2910]

Frrrrr and the people that worked with him

[@gappuma7883]

The father?

[@man4YAWEH454]

It is unfortunate that alot of his employees did not see the compassion in his heart. Maybe depressed times brings out the best and the worse in people. But a great thorough look into his life. I was fortunate to have lived less than 3 hours from Hershey PA and remembered going to Hershey Park back in the 70's. Was a great time and experience.

[@sk14_yt44]

The cow be like: " I'm bout start this whole man's career"

[@thefantastic3672]

I was literally thinking about this

[@isaaclvideos]

yes

[@nou257]

poor cow

[@1x0YT]

My respect for the cow: ↗️↗️↗️↗️↗️

[@PlushPlanet]

moo moo

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

MILTON: You never lost your faith in me FANNY: Never

[@moisesinfantes2797]

Mothers are usaully the ones who never give up on you.

[@notaninternetwarrior6893]

Don't forget his aunt

[@restinpeacekilo]

@@moisesinfantes2797 Mothers: never gonna give you up

[@caroleansoldier382]

@@restinpeacekilo aunt:never gonna let u down

[@restinpeacekilo]

@@caroleansoldier382 aunt: never gonna make you cry

[@vioxlyz]

When the mom died i cried. She was so kind and believed him so much. She was the biggest reason he was successful.

[@americanwoman8967]

When growing up in the 50's my babysitter neighbor told me about having to leave school as a youngster in Philadelphia. She got a job at Hersey's chocolate, and stayed there until she married and started a family. She said that job saved her family from starvation.

[@lordpumpkinhead265]

Milton Hershey's dad on his way to throw money at another get-rich-quick scheme:

[@gkoug876]

Ghost Henry: HeRe’s AnOtheR gEt rIch qUick schEmE ThaT wIll maKE tHIs a TrIIllioN doLLaR BuSinesS. Ghost Milton: Not this time!

[@darrentylor5473]

It's a real introspective view into what made this man... His mother and aunts belief in him and his father's dream chasing... Combined with influential people to help him build himself so that he could return the favor one day. Thanks for sharing the tale

[@gnk-seriespowerdroid4405]

And the kindness of a few along the way that let him get there

[@LYNNYUYI]

nice point… after watching I only thought that his dad makes him bankrupt, but didn’t thought it maybe also his dad that influence him to keep pursuing dreams👍

[@NIkki-ox1ej]

But the funny thing is that cough drops are a thing now

[@asoka7752]

@@LYNNYUYI right. his dad was a failure, but he had the ambition to be successful, and that influenced Milton to not give up on his dreams.

[@sarcasm701]

Don't forget the support from two brothers, even though, they stopped supporting him in the end, but they did provide a lot of Support.

[@fannitoth5748]

I love how mama Fanny is just so suppurative

[@SmoothCode]

Milton is amazing. His father was a failure but he managed to overcome that. What a guy!

[@SR-er6hx]

Just like Justin Bieber whose Mother and Father failed at singing :D

[@code066funkinbird3]

@@SR-er6hx ok

[@sharonb3939]

1:32 for the ad skip

[@adulkisepic9383]

This is the type of content I pay my internet bill for

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

HORRIBLE! WE'RE FORCE FED ENDLESS ADS.

[@inverse_swag3290]

@@captainamericaamerica8090 ok 🤓

[@alextroy1534]

I love this guy not for his successes but for how he used his success. He made sure that workers got good wages, had houses and lived decent lives. This is what capitalism used to be and if you suggest this to anyone now a days, they'll call you a communist.

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

That is not true, if you are rich, do this yourself, and suggest other rich people to do the same you are philanthropist. If you are poor and you suggest rich people do this, then you are …

[@alextroy1534]

@@rezhaadriantanuharja3389 I agree, completely with you. We need to adopt these policies and they should become enforced by the government.

[@annarodriguez9868]

@@alextroy1534 When anything is enforced by the government then we have given up our freedom. We need to freely choose to help others on our own. No one made Hershey be generous.

[@xertexz6576]

@@alextroy1534 why are u so radical

[@letsdoodlesomethinghome3404]

@@xertexz6576 it’s not radical. Just a different way of thinking. You’re criticizing a different way to think. That’s just hurtful.

[@thestreamoflife1124]

Milton was a true humanitarian. He took care of his employees

[@bluedemon6989]

These are the most entertaining documentaries of businesses I’ve ever heard from you. Thanks Hook

[@DyslexicMitochondria]

Ikrrrr

[@angrydorito3252]

Thats why hes called hook lol

[@d4le.7708]

same

[@user-em2xl4tf7v]

He "hooks" you on with his videos! ... i am not funny

[@derekmoore5967]

Yea

[@DawnOldham]

I had never heard the back story of Hershey’s before. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing it in so much detail. Every time his father came back, I was thinking, “oh no, here comes another failure”. It sounds like there was a lot of love and support in their family because they all seemed to invest in each other. Thank you for this video!

[@TheCowboy4000]

There is actually a series you can watch on how different food brands came to be. The series is called , The Food that built America. It's a great series it used to be on Hulu not sure if it still is.

[@TheProGamingPlazza]

These videos I can never get enough of.

[@nilamprasad4265]

True, nor I .. 👍

[@BLASTCREDULITY]

*off

[@jayluis189]

I can never get enough of these videos.

[@bingbong7206]

@@BLASTCREDULITY No, it's of not off

[@LemonMan-nq2qc]

I like how most things that are huge were created by a once rejected person.

[@jhypyro]

😳

[@Diesel_Drinker_MmmYummy]

an*

[@jhypyro]

@@Diesel_Drinker_MmmYummy that would sound weird

[@Diesel_Drinker_MmmYummy]

@@jhypyro So? O is a vowel. vowels: A-E-I-O-U.

[@jhypyro]

@@Diesel_Drinker_MmmYummy i know that

[@luckofthedru]

As someone who benefited from going to Milton Hershey School, I'm extremely grateful for this man and his success.

[@waltglow6396]

I worked at Hershey for 17 years now retired, great Co.

[@ayvahbell]

So basically what I have learned in this is that anything is possible if you have an aunt Mattie

[@filledvoid]

His mother and aunt are his heroes.

[@OjukwuIsaac]

I'm impressed how his mom was pushing him to transition from work to starting his own business. His mom and aunt kept pushing him and believed in him. It may seem like his dad was holding him back but; in reality it wasn't a failure it was a lesson learned; and, it was instrumental to his growth.

[@loosens9999]

Salute to his endlessly supportive mom o7

[@joethesimple685]

Another inspiring story with humble beginnings. Thanks to Hook.

[@awagentx]

I love that this tells the early story, i don't think i ever knew much about Hershey before the exposition... Keep up the good work!

[@raafeekhan1078]

success takes support. OG uncles coming through.

[@ridasuyatna3480]

Milton's father was a bad luck and had no sense of running a business and kept failing and remarkably Milton kept helping him. Awesomeness ❤️

[@chesthoIe]

Wait, paraffin wax? So Hershey just started selling food that was now 100% made of food. What a visionary.

[@steshka1015]

So heartwarming and bittersweet journey.... 1st I noticed that his father is a jinx. Everytime he visited him on each success business and offer to invest on something, the negative effect rub on him then bankruptcy came after. 2nd, women in his life (Mother Fanny and Auntie Mattie) were so supportive. 3rd, he humbly worked as apprentice to every confectionery to learn the secret of making candy and sources. 4th He helped many people and community even it will cost a lot to him 5th Those brands which still existed until now, Hershey's supplied the chocolate. That's means Milton Hershey is indeed great.

[@oomduddy]

one thing brought Milton to success, He help the poor, the jobless and the needy! he was a true hero

[@liberty-matrix]

Once a foreman told Milton Hershey: 'this steam-shovel could do the job of 40 workers.' Milton immediately ordered him to get rid of the shovel and hire 40 workers.

[@somerandomfella]

Milton seems like one of the only ethical businessmen in history. A good role model..

[@krystelbautista3969]

You could try reading about Colgate.

[@Ash-iy3xc]

What does that say about capitalism

[@djgreeneyes4709]

geez I wish I had such a supportive family

[@c.rutherford]

Yeah I always had the 'learn to make it on your own' parents instead of the 'supportive' parents. So much for the life of ease. Bummer......

[@yarenirmis8277]

His mother and aunt are world class ladies. They always supported him. Hats off to them

[@sanashams322]

Milton is the most wise guy,he even made a town for his workers this is called a boss

[@ahotdj07]

What an amazing story. I never knew all this about Milton Hershey. I loved how he generously gave back to people, especially his workers during the depression. I love how his family never gave up on his dreams and neither did Milton.

[@brandonhedge7111]

I’ve watched a lot of these videos of people that got rich in the early 1900’s and this guy is 100% the most humble dude out of them all. Mr. Hershey was the real Willy Wonka

[@javennabellingerlearnsomething]

Please tell me why am I crying!!!😊 OMG what a man to make his product affordable for numerous companies but he also created jobs, housing, arenas, schools etc for people! There are very few business Owners who have done this for people!!! Just a wholesome story of how he overcome his Dad’s failed business making him go in debt, mental health issues, and his Uncles doubting him! I wish he would have had children or adopted to pass or his good work ethics and kindness towards humanity! Nonetheless, I thank and appreciate you Mr. Milton for your hard work and contribution to chocolate and people!!!! May You Continue To RIP!!🙏🏾❤️ Author of the Learn Something Book Series

[@hamio8723]

Inspiring story, thank you Hook

[@crgravi8511]

Hook makes the best inspiring stories.

[@xGoodOldSmurfehx]

i had no idea Hershey's was from such humble and incredibly humane beginnings i kinda feel better knowing how humble one of my favorite chocolate brands started

[@honghong3153]

Sees candies humble too. Mary started with none.

[@honghong3153]

Mary sees started with none too.

[@DwayneIsKing]

Shout out to Momma Danny for being a real one and always cheering her son on

[@joedawla]

Congrats on 500k! Been here from the start!

[@-j-j-c]

“Get in the car, kids!”

[@bluedemon6989]

He’s out of line, but he’s right.

[@-j-j-c]

@@bluedemon6989 lol

[@DaGreatest_]

@@-j-j-c gEt iN tHe CaRT Kids

[@gabrielc7861]

@@DaGreatest_ 13:37 is all I have to say.

[@DaGreatest_]

@@gabrielc7861 ok

[@chaccmi1358]

Very inspiring indeed. But it also shows the importance of having supportive people around you ( his mother ) and a couple of people helping with funding ( the uncle ). Without such a support system, it becomes extremely tough as you go solo. Henry's grit and never give up attitude is impressive and inspiring.

[@ajaymanoj3527]

How could a rich person be so good hearted.

[@Fungamer4570]

What an amazingly well made video i watched the whole way through and it explained things very clearly. This deserves WAY more views

[@Muzzle7.62]

7 minutes ago, a new video from Hook (I'm addicted with the channel)... With their amazing and addicting stories.

[@johnhatzos361]

His mom was one of the most supportive people ever

[@shadowdragon8168]

He had an amazing mother and Aunt, plus 2 amazing Uncles, what a great story!

[@cylnder]

All of them were somehow almost balanced by 1 really bad dad though

[@heavenly4321-]

Milton did a great job on not giving up . !!:) I love learning history on my favorite foods. ☺️

[@chrisnunez9331]

The video we needed to see this man upload, love the content

[@bellstar8473]

This video is so well researched! So much detail, so many appropriate, supporting photos. I really enjoyed it.

[@anthonyriche552]

What a great story and well told! Milton is a great example of never giving up regardless of how many times you fail. Also, always try and do what's right because it'll work out in the long run. Hershey, Pennsylvnia is one of my favorite places. It's got a warm and happy feel to it. Definitely worth checking out.

[@HexterXD]

Man Mr. Hershey is an icon I look up to now

[@tonyrod4388]

I never go away disappointed when I see your work; always so inspiring, always so refreshing. THANK YOU!

[@TherealSoggyCan]

its suprising to know that some of the biggest companies may have started at the same time or in the same town even

[@maringrachart]

Loved his story, and just like you said to this chocolate is still very popular to enjoy! Thank you very much for sharing “ Love, Love , Love chocolate!!!🙏😁

[@JonMow]

Milton was lucky,a loving aunt and uncles,a wonderful mother....and somehow an honorable accountant and trusted banker....this story sound more like a fantasy than a real story

[@AuletShowman]

That's how the times are change. Now is very hard to find people like them

[@levy9595]

He also had a father who would appear when he was doing well, get him to give him money for nonsense only to disappear when the money dried up, leaving his son to declare multiple bankruptcies without him around. Only for him to get back on his feet and have his father reappear again with the same BS over and over.

[@FrostSoul-qs6kq]

Who would've thought Hershey's had a story sweeter than the chocolate itself .

[@Eazy_Bruh]

What an amazing story. This is the America we need to be proud of!

[@dianagillen1362]

RIP Milton.🙏We All Love Ur Candy🍫 sad about Ur younger sister😢 (Ur Father always seemed to cause You Bad Times) You had a Nice Mother 👩 Thanks for Sharing 8/29/21🍫

[@JenutTN]

Another inspiring story. Thank you from Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@nandininegi131]

Fanny and aunt Mattie were really great I don't think this could have been possible without them.

[@diabolical6851]

The narrator Amazingly narrate the story effortless hats off to you brother .🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@milan6782]

Love the amount of support he got from his relatives.

[@RPAChampion]

Awesome Tutorial. I have been live streaming for about 6 months and this is the first time I've seen you. You really opened the doors to lots of new elements I was not aware of. Thank you!

[@indryyunita02]

Wherever Milton is, We all can thank him for making the best candy in my childhood

[@Ilovetheborder]

I like these stories you deserve 1mil subs

[@sairadha674]

His Aunt and Uncles deserve a lot of praise.

[@kalanisarpi4731]

His uncles, auntie and mother are the best supporters. He was very lucky to have them. His father…well…not so much. Great guy and great family.

[@dazzlingvidzhd9028]

Amazing story.. always great business success..

[@MrHappyShot]

Thanks Man I love your story videos thanks for making These videos

[@PlushPlanet]

Exactly. Hook's content is made really well and in an entertaining form. Also nice job on getting the heart from hook themselves! 💯💯💯

[@BlockyImpersonator]

Hook this content is amazing it’s so interesting and I learn so much from thank you

[@abdelrhmansamir9955]

What a really inspiring story! what really inspire the people around him that kept helping him failure after another! Which kept him going and give back to people and his labor because the people indeed who made him! The Idea of just selling his chocolate to his competitors is just really genius!

[@theoneandonlypinkypinky8245]

I am a 3rd generation American. My dad lived in Cuba for a year as a teenager. I am the great granddaughter of a Cuban dictator. He said Cuba had the best chocolate he has ever had!

[@theoneandonlypinkypinky8245]

Such a fascinating story! And I appreciate you make it all at once instead of making us wait 3 months in-between stories like the Nintendo story!

[@user-nh6mx3nb7f]

Wow he was so kind!! Im glad his parents especially his mom got to see his great success.

[@ryu8832]

Milton: * Road to success * His dad and the problems: miss me?

[@lazernet3907]

I was waiting so long for a new video. And it's finally here

[@clintonj.johnson9879]

Investing your time and effort in activities and investments that will yield a profitable return in the future is what we should be aiming for.

[@kelvinl.3875]

You can say that again. 👍

[@kelvinl.3875]

I have achieved many things, since I started investing. It's a great example people should follow.

[@chloemorello1680]

What kind of business, or investment would you two motivational speakers suggest to your audience.

[@kelvinl.3875]

@@chloemorello1680 Anyways, I'm into real estate investing.

[@kelvinl.3875]

Real estate investment lets people grow their net worth by amassing more properties. Its a good long term investment due to appreciation.

[@firstprototype]

I don't like this chocolate, but love how inspirational this story is, thank you for taking your time to share this with us ❤

[@eamonahern7495]

I didn't look at the run time of this video before watching. If I did I wouldn't have watched it. But the story was told in such a captivating way that I watched the whole thing from start to finish. Excellent.

[@RecklessRecordsGaming]

As a young struggling entrepreneur.. this is amazing.

[@harrybenji6806]

Nice documentary, how did you get deep insight into his life? amazing work!

[@intsccents]

After watching this video vlog one thing is for certain is that Milton Hershey was more than a business man he truly cared for his fellow man and did so in deeds not just words.The world needs more people like Milton Hershey not to offer just confections but humanity... L.A Rob

[@arfriedman4577]

I wish I went back to hershey park and Lancaster. Our parents took us there as kids. My parents knew someone that worked at Hershey. They kept their inventory very fresh and gave away lots of chocolate. They are very good to their workers.

[@alex_isnt_cool2369]

These Videos never get old.

[@Ayd2222]

Great story this tells me to never give up on your dreams!

[@remrem_]

The fact that school doesn't teach us about the people who got successful without education

[@xebnite4578]

Thx for the story Hook

[@alexandracarrera9816]

This man is so inspiring 😔♥️♥️

[@annarodriguez9868]

One of my favorite Hershey memories is about walking home from school and once a week buying a Hershey bar to share with my friends. We were all poor, but among them I was rich because I had a nickel to spend as I wished. It was such fun to unwrap the chocolate bar and carefully break it so we each got two pieces. We quit all conversation as we let the chocolate melt in our mouth. Lol!

[@simplepleasures7735]

wow😁

[@inezy6329]

You have a good heart

[@annarodriguez9868]

@@inezy6329 It takes one to know one! 😊 God bless you for your kind remark.

[@annarodriguez9868]

@@simplepleasures7735 Such a little thing brought so much joy and the memory of it never fades. God bless you!

[@ab4113]

As a brit, i find hersheys chocolate tastes funny like sick, compared to our chocolate brands