YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER SINCE 1970
"When we first started out, this brand-new idea of natural products and sustainable companies seemed a little crazy to some. In the years since, though, more and more people have begun to believe, like we do, that nature can provide many of the health benefits we need—and that companies should minimize their environmental impact while working towards positive change in our communities. Together, we've really started to make a difference!" Tom and Kate Chappell, cofounders
From Tom and Kate's family to yours
In 1968, Tom and Kate Chappell left Philadelphia, where Tom worked for an insurance company, and moved to rural Kennebunk, Maine. As part of their goal to simplify their lives, they sought out natural, unprocessed foods and, unadulterated products. Unable to find natural personal care options for themselves and their children, in 1970 Tom and Kate decided to create and sell their own. They began with a $5,000 loan from a friend and the philosophy that their products would not harm the environment.
From this small start, Tom's of Maine grew and developed into a different kind of company, one based on the belief that people and nature deserve respect. Over the years our product line moved from non-phosphate laundry detergent to natural personal care products such as the first natural toothpaste (1975) and deodorant (1976). We’ve grown in size and in 2006, we became part of the Colgate-Palmolive Company. But our simple, direct approach hasn't changed one bit: we listen to what our customers want (and don't want) in their products, we learn how it can be done, and we respond with effective natural(and sustainable) solutions.
See some photos and ads from our early years.
Tom and Kate's latest adventure—Rambler's Way Farm!
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued support of Tom’s of Maine. It is with great pleasure that we introduce our newest venture, Ramblers Way Farm.
Just as at Tom’s, our story begins with our family, and a passion for creating superior products for a sustainable lifestyle. In 1970, we founded Tom's as one of the first makers of natural personal care products. After nearly 40 years of experience in building Tom's into a leading eco-friendly company, we have learned a lot about how a business can be a positive force for its consumers, workers, communities, and the planet.
We started Ramblers Way with a desire to re-imagine wool as a next-to-skin, superfine fabric, to warm and comfort people of all ages and walks of life. Just as importantly, we sought to create a company and products that exemplify the values and beliefs which we hold dear. We create superfine worsted wool garments, while maintaining high standards of ecological responsibility, community involvement, and customer satisfaction. We've created a company that pays homage to America's rich history as a textile producer, while breathing new life into the domestic wool industry, through our collaboration with farmers and producers around the country.
Joining us on our journey are new generations of the Chappell Family and like-minded partners across the United States. We like to think that we wear our values on our sleeves—and we wouldn't have it any other way!
We hope you enjoy learning about Ramblers Way, and wish you comfort and warmth!
Tom and Kate Chappell, Co-founders
Tom’s of Maine & Ramblers Way Farm
Kennebunk, Maine
Visit the Rambler's Way website.
Tell us what you think
Since 1970, you’ve written to us, and we’ve responded—and we have the letters to prove it! Archivist Anne Schlitt shares a particularly juicy one.
Watch
Meet the people behind the products
Tom’s of Maine is a small company with hard-working employees who wear many, many hats—lucky for us, they do so with grace and good humor and make Tom’s a warm and friendly place where no one’s a stranger.
Meet our employees
A natural partnership
Tag along as Louanne Genthner, a Tom’s sales representative, visits one of our long-time retail partners in Maine.
Watch