Marcel Bich wasn't one to gain a lot of media attention but when you think about the product that his company took to the forefront of retail office supplies, he truly is a man who can't be ignored. Marcel Bich created an empire and the vehicle that he used to create it would be the Bic pen.

Marcel Bich was born in 1914. The company that he founded wouldn't find its humble beginnings until 1945 when Marcel teamed up with Edward Bufford. Still, 1945 marked the start for the company that would become known as the Bic Company when Bich bought a factory outside of Paris.

Bufford and Bich decided to use the factory to make fountain pen parts and pencils that were considered "mechanical" pencils. He would soon feel compelled to produce the ballpoint pen and Bich would find it was that pen that would make him famous, not to mention rich.

1950 brought with it the introduction of the Bic ballpoint pen. It became a huge success and by 1956, the company was storming into other markets. Marcel Bich was on his way claiming fame with pens that were gaining popularity through advertising and publicity but also because of the quality found in the Bic pens.

The story of Marcel Bich is one that isn't very public but what is known about the man is that he came from a very humble life and turned the Bic Company into a powerhouse. Today, Marcel Bich's company is considered one of the most successful consumer-focused product companies on the planet.

Marcel Bich died in 1994 but today the Bic company continues to thrive. The company continues to be a leader in markers, pens and even Bic lighters while the executives continue to add to the company's extensive product line.