Who Was Levi Strauss? by Ellen Labrecque

 Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings fascinating man – Levi Strauss, the inventor of blue jeans and a man who changed the fashion industry.

Loeb Strauss was born on February 26, 1829 in Buttenheim, Bavarian region of Germany. He was the youngest of seven children. Because there was a discrimination against Jews in Bavaria, the older brothers left the country for NYC where they opened a store called J. Strauss & Brother with sewing supplies. Later, the rest of the family followed. 

Loeb was nineteen when he came to NYC and adapted the more sounding American name of Levi. 

With the gold rush in California, Levi and his brothers saw an opportunity to sell sturdy clothes to miners. Levi arrived in San Francisco where he opened a warehouse with dry goods. His goods became very popular. He became known as honest and reliable selling good quality products. His business grew. He became involved in charity work and remained humble.

In 1872, Jacob Davis, a tailor in Reno bought denim from Levi which was of good quality. Jacob added tiny metal pins, so the pockets wouldn’t rip. His pants became so popular but he couldn’t keep up with the demand. He trusted Levi with helping him to apply for patent and to manufacture it. Thus, Levi’s jeans was born. They became in high demand making him one of the richest people. 

Levi never married. After his death, his nephews continued to run the business and expend the sales. Levi’s remains to be the largest jean seller. 

This biography exemplifies a man who stood by quality of what he was selling. In the process, making him one of the richest men of his time. His contribution to the world is quality and giving back to community. 

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.

Published in 2021 by Penguin Workshop

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Stand by Quality, not Quantity.

 

 

Traits:

·         He was honest and reliable

·         He gave back to community

·         He was humble

·         He stood by quality, not quantity. With quality, the quantity came.

 

 

“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” - Aristotle