Victor Kiam

Victor Kiam – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Victor Kiam (December 7, 1926 – May 27, 2001) was an American entrepreneur, best known as the face and owner of Remington Products and former owner of the New England Patriots. Explore his life, business philosophy, legacy, and notable sayings.

Introduction

Victor Kermit Kiam II is perhaps best remembered for the bold advertising line: “I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.” But behind that catchphrase lay the story of a savvy businessman, turnaround artist, and public figure with ambitions that stretched from consumer goods to professional sports. Kiam’s career spanned marketing, acquisitions, branding, and even owning an NFL franchise. His life offers lessons in risk-taking, personal branding, and the blurred lines between being a product’s champion and its proprietor.

Early Life and Education

Victor Kiam was born on December 7, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He was educated at Phillips Academy in Massachusetts, where he was a classmate of future President George H. W. Bush. Yale University, the Sorbonne, and courses at Harvard Business School.

Before his major entrepreneurial success, Kiam served in the U.S. Navy, and later worked in various roles for consumer goods firms including Lever Brothers and Playtex.

Business Career & Remington Turnaround

Early Ventures & Acquisition

One of Kiam’s early business moves was acquiring Benrus Watch Company in 1968; he later sold his majority stake in it in 1977.

In 1979, he made his most famous move: he purchased Remington Products, a company known for electric shavers, from Sperry Corporation.

Kiam not only ran the company, but also starred as its spokesperson in television commercials, often reciting his own tagline: “I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.”

He also owned or invested in other businesses, including PIC Industrial Design and TravelSmart, and launched Lady Remington (later Lia Sophia), a direct-sales jewelry company.

Ownership of the New England Patriots

In 1988, Kiam purchased the NFL team New England Patriots from Billy Sullivan. not include the Foxboro Stadium (the property was not part of the deal) and later ownership of the stadium became a key asset for the new Patriots owners.

During his tenure, the team was involved in controversy, including the 1990 Lisa Olson incident, a sexual harassment claim involving a female sports reporter and team players. Kiam’s public handling of the matter drew criticism.

Due to financial losses and stadium challenges, Kiam eventually sold the Patriots in 1992 to James Orthwein.

Later Years & Legacy

Kiam sold 50% of Remington in 1992 to Isaac Perlmutter. He remained active in business, promoting brands, writing books, and advising entrepreneurs until his death.

He passed away on May 27, 2001, in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications associated with a heart condition. Ellen (married 1956), and three children.

Personality, Style & Influence

Victor Kiam’s public persona was bold, charismatic, and opinionated. He believed in being intimately associated with the products he sold—that his credibility would strengthen the brand. His willingness to appear in commercials for his own company was unusual for a CEO of his era.

He often emphasized personal accountability, integrity in business, and directness. He believed in turning setbacks into opportunities and remaining close to customers.

Kiam’s style as a turnaround leader showed that with a mix of marketing flair, risk, and operational discipline, a faltering brand might be revived. His approach blended storytelling, personal branding, and traditional business metrics.

Notable Quotes

Here are several memorable quotes commonly attributed to Victor Kiam (with sources):

“I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.” “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” “In business, the competition will bite you if you keep running; if you stand still, they will swallow you.” “Procrastination is opportunity’s assassin.” “You can hype a questionable product for a little while, but you'll never build an enduring business.” “An entrepreneur assumes the risk and is dedicated and committed to the success of whatever he or she undertakes.” “The closer you get to your ultimate customer, the more you learn about your business.” “Though negotiations are a rough game, you should never allow them to become a dirty game. Once you've agreed to a deal, don’t back out of it unless the other party fails to deliver as promised. Your handshake is your bond.” “Never be associated with someone you can’t be proud of, whether you work for him or he works for you.” “What’s really important in life? … We’re alive for only a limited period of time, and we’ll spend most of our lives working.”

These reflect his view that business is personal, integrity matters deeply, and progress requires action—even when you stumble.

Lessons from Victor Kiam’s Life

1. Be your own advocate
   Kiam turned being a customer into being an owner. His famous line wasn’t just marketing — it was a philosophical stance: believe in what you sell.

2. Turnaround is possible with bold leadership
   He acquired a struggling company and made it profitable, showing that direct intervention, branding, and decisive management can revive underperforming firms.

3. Personal branding matters
   As CEO, Kiam didn’t hide behind the scenes—his face and voice became the brand in many markets, giving a human touch to what might otherwise be a commodity.

4. Don’t shy away from adversity
   The Patriots ownership and associated controversies tested him publicly. Handling criticism and reputational risks is part of leadership.

5. Integrity and reputation are assets
   His famous statements on handshake, negotiation, and association emphasize that in business, credibility is often more valuable than short-term gains.

Conclusion

Victor Kiam’s journey — from salesman to brand owner to NFL team owner — is as unconventional as it is instructive. He bridged the roles of marketer, CEO, and pitchman in ways few others have. While not all his ventures succeeded without challenge, his confidence, willingness to take risk, and belief in authenticity left a lasting imprint. His life reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that belief in a product, combined with smart business execution, can redefine one’s trajectory.