Norman B. Larsen
Co-founder 1953Background
Norman B. Larsen was one of the founders of Rocket Chemical Company, the predecessor to WD-40 Company. Larsen worked at Rocket Chemical Company as a chemist tasked with developing rust-prevention solvents for the aerospace industry, and WD-40's name reflects its origin as the fortieth water-displacement formula attempt in his research process. The founding teams work took place during a period when aerospace-adjacent chemical research was heavily influenced by Cold War-era defense industry demand for reliable, high-performance industrial solvents and lubricants. None of the founding team members are believed to have remained with the company much beyond its first few decades, with professional management taking over well before WD-40 eventual 1973 initial public offering.