The creator of Softsoap bought 100 million small bottle hand-pumps to stop competition—and it worked! This is a CRAZY story

During August 1865, William Sheppard discovered that he could mix conventional bar soap with large amounts of other liquids to create a soap with the consistency of molasses. Though it was soon commonly found in public areas, it wasn't a hit in the home.

In 1980, Robert R. Taylor sought to sell the invention, now called Softsoap, through his company. He got the idea to contain it in a bottle with a small hand pump so people could easily use it in their homes, but he knew others would copy him. He eliminated the competition by personally buying 100 million small bottle hand pumps so that competitors wouldn't be able to buy any for a year!

His plan worked! In six months, he'd established the brand name Softsoap and made $25 million!

(Source)