Hollister History

Our Heritage

The roots of Hollister Incorporated date back to 1921, when 23-year-old entrepreneur John Dickinson Schneider founded a small printing company in Chicago, which he named JDS Printer Craftsman.

From the very beginning, John Schneider's business philosophy was "only first class is good enough," and the company became known for its quality products, quality service, and quality people.

Innovation in Medical Products

In the decades that followed, John Schneider's company evolved from the printing industry to the medical products industry — developing quality medical products and services under the name Hollister. Early in the 1960s, an employee who had a family member with an ostomy came to John Schneider with an idea to develop ostomy products. With dynamic innovations and quality products, Hollister Incorporated revolutionized ostomy care and provided much-needed solutions for people who had undergone ostomy surgery. In subsequent years, Hollister continued to expand its range of medical products and services to include Continence Care, Wound Care, and Critical Care.

The Schneiders' Legacy

John Schneider and his wife, Minnie Schneider, created a strong sense of family within the company. They built Hollister Incorporated on the underlying principles of Dignity of the Person, Integrity, Service, and Stewardship.

Today, Hollister Incorporated is still independent and employee owned. With manufacturing and distribution facilities on three continents, Hollister is serving the global community; yet, the spirit of Hollister remains the same as that small printing company that began in Chicago in 1921.

The fundamental values and principles of John and Minnie Schneider still form the foundation, and the company's Mission is unchanged: "... to help healthcare professionals deliver better products and services, and to make life more rewarding and dignified for those who use our products."