South Dakota

When Gretchen and John Hedrick left their careers to take over her father’s 50-year-old laundry detergent company, they transformed Forever New International into an Amazon success story. Now generating 70% of revenue through the Amazon store, the Sioux Falls, South Dakota manufacturer has scaled from a single product to 40-50 offerings while competing alongside industry giants. Using Amazon tools like Fulfillment by Amazon, Vine, and Seller Central forecasting,they’ve maintained five-star ratings across 5,000+ reviews while preserving made-in-America manufacturing—proving second-generation family businesses can thrive in the digital age.

By leveraging Amazon’s tools to sell his unique line of fragrance products, 605 Products founder Bob Lundin found the lifestyle and business success he’s been looking for.

“I’m a big work-life balance guy, and family is the most important thing to me,” said Lundin. The entrepreneur never misses any of his sons’ events—Cael is 20 and Blake, 14. “With Amazon, I never have to miss anything. I can attend my sons’ events and fit 605 Products into my schedule—when it works for me.”

Thanks to Amazon, Lundin is able to meet his customers’ needs and achieve the work-life balance that’s right for him, while enjoying small-town life in South Dakota.