

The first group-being made up of mostly young people (probably I’ve no data)- has zero knowledge of the brand at all. When it comes to feelings about Famous Amos, I imagine people typically fall into one of three groups: And while most folks have only bore witness to this trope in cinematic or literary instances, an unfortunate few have full-on lived it. Being poor-then achieving fame and prosperity-only to fumble it back into poverty, must really suck. The fact of the matter is: being poor sucks. But we understand that these are typically written to secure some semblance of a happy ending, increase commerciality, and cushion the notion of modernity’s inherent sadness. Sure, there are some big takeaways about the greater virtues of humanity or the immense loneliness of celebrity life. Subject (once again) to life’s hollow indignities-but now with the everpresent melancholy tint of past riches lurking. Wafting back down to ground level, the protagonist finds themself among the lowly ranks of normal, everyday people. An ancient trajectory sneered at in countless films, television specials, and mockumentaries: the self-made business owner ( or musician or internet influencer or janitor-turned-radio-personality) of a prominent, big-name venture who ascends to grand cultural heights only to have their joyride through fame, wealth, and celebrity shoulder-brushing suddenly cut short. Today, his original company, Famous Amos, is an international brand and is part of the Ferrero Group.It feels like a cliche. Wally’s drive to succeed in the bakery industry was continuous and it was through his love of baking, his beaming smile and “can-do” attitude that Wally has been able to share his passion with the world. Throughout his entire career, Wally always worked hard, stayed positive and never gave up. In 2018, Amos set his sights on another business venture and started “ Aunt Della’s Cookies.” Though he has struggled to get the business running, Amos is still baking, still sharing cookies, and still staying positive. Amos also wrote several books, served as an inspirational speaker and was an inductee into the Babson College Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs. No longer the owner of Famous Amos, Amos continuously reinvented himself with ventures such as Uncle Noname Gourmet Muffins (now known as Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company) and The Cookie Kahuna. In 1988 the Shansby Group bought Amos’ company and for a brief period, Amos stayed on board as paid spokesperson. Unfortunately, Amos had to sell his company only ten years after opening. In 1986, Amos was awarded one of the first Awards of Entrepreneurial Excellence by President Reagan.Īlthough Wally was the man behind the Famous Amos cookie recipe and the face behind the brand, he had little business knowledge and struggled to hire people that did. In its first year of business, the company sold $300,000 in cookies and by 1982, the company reached $12 million in sales. Through his talent agency connections, Amos was able to start his company and open his first storefront in Los Angeles with $25,000 that he gathered from his celebrity friends.

It wasn’t until 1975, when the entertainment industry had taken its toll on Amos, that he decided to modify his Aunt Della’s recipe and start selling chocolate chip cookies.
#Wally amos free
When Amos left William Morris, he decided to open his own management agency on the west coast and during his free time, he picked up a new hobby – baking. Within one year at the talent agency, he was promoted and became the first African American talent agent. Though he never graduated from high school, Wally served in the Air Force prior to working in retail and as mail room attendant at William Morris Talent Agency.

It was through her that Wally had his first chocolate chip cookie, a taste he would never forget. Growing up, Wally lived with his aunt Della in New York City. is the smiling entrepreneur behind Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies. A man gifted with the ability to view the world with optimism, Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr.
