Amway Co-Founder Richard DeVos Passes Away at Age 92
Rick DeVos announced earlier today that his grandfather and co-founder of Amway Richard DeVos has passed away at age 92. DeVos got his start in the multi-level marketing world as a distributor with Nutrilite, a direct selling company that primarily sold vitamins and supplements. Along with his partner Jay Van Andel, DeVos eventually started his own MLM called Amway (short for American Way), which eventually purchased Nutrilite in 1972. Since then, Amway has grown to become the largest MLM in the U.S., boasting over 3 million distributors worldwide.
A Legacy in Direct Selling
Richard DeVos began his journey in the MLM industry as a distributor for Nutrilite, a direct selling company specializing in vitamins and supplements. Alongside his lifelong friend and business partner, Jay Van Andel, DeVos saw the potential of the direct selling model and decided to establish his own company. In 1959, they founded Amway, short for "American Way," with a vision of empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs.
The Rise of Amway
Under DeVos’ leadership, Amway rapidly grew into one of the most successful direct selling companies in the world. The company's breakthrough came in 1972, when it acquired Nutrilite, the very company where DeVos had started his MLM career. This acquisition solidified Amway’s position as a leader in the health and wellness sector.
Over the decades, Amway expanded its product line to include beauty, home care, and nutritional supplements. With a business model centered on independent distributors, the company enabled millions of people worldwide to earn income by selling its products and recruiting new members. Today, Amway boasts over 3 million distributors in more than 100 countries, making it the largest MLM company in the U.S. and a dominant force in the global direct selling industry.
Beyond Business: Philanthropy & Influence
Richard DeVos was not just a businessman—he was also a philanthropist and a strong advocate for free enterprise. Along with his wife, Helen DeVos, he established the DeVos Foundation, which contributed millions of dollars to education, healthcare, and community development. His philanthropic efforts extended to causes such as Christian organizations, hospitals, and the arts.
In addition to his business and charitable work, DeVos was a motivational speaker and author, inspiring countless entrepreneurs with his books on success, leadership, and business principles. His book, "Compassionate Capitalism," outlined his belief in free markets and the power of individuals to create wealth and opportunity.
A Lasting Impact
Richard DeVos' passing marks a significant loss for the MLM community and the world of entrepreneurship. His vision and determination transformed Amway from a small startup into a global powerhouse. While he is no longer with us, his legacy continues through the millions of entrepreneurs who have built their businesses with Amway.
