Pepsi

By 1908 Pepsi-Cola becomes one of the first companies to modernize delivery from horse drawn carts to motor vehicles. Two hundred fifty bottlers in 24 states are under contract to make and sell Pepsi-Cola.Automobile race pioneer Barney Oldfield endorses Pepsi-Cola in newspaper ads as "A bully drink...refreshing, invigorating, a fine bracer before a race." The first Pepsi-Cola bottlers' convention is held in New Bern, North Carolina.

In the 1920's Pepsi theme line speaks to the consumer with "Drink Pepsi-Cola, it will satisfy you." Pepsi-Cola Company is declared bankrupt and its assets are sold to a North Carolina concern, Craven Holding Corporation, for $30,000. Roy C. Megargel, a Wall Street broker, buys the Pepsi trademark, business and good will from Craven Holding Corporation for $35,000, forming the Pepsi-Cola Corporation. After five continuous losing years, Megargel reorganizes his company as the National Pepsi-Cola Company, becoming the fourth parent company to own the Pepsi trademark. U.S. District Court for Eastern District Virginia declares the National Pepsi-Cola Company bankrupt, the second bankruptcy in Pepsi-Cola history. The Loft candy company acquires the National Pepsi-Cola Company. Charles G. Guth, president of Loft, assumes leadership of Pepsi and commands the reformulation of Pepsi-Cola syrup formula. By the end of the year, Guth's new Pepsi-Cola Company is insolvent. In a series of moves, he acquires Megargel's interest in the company, giving himself  91% ownership of Pepsi.

In1934 a landmark year for Pepsi-Cola. The drink is a hit and to attract even more sales, the company begins selling its 12-ounce drink for five cents (the same cost as six ounces of competitive colas). The 12-ounce bottle debuts in Baltimore, where it is an instant success. The cost savings proves irresistible to Depression-worn Americans and sales skyrocket nationally. Caleb Bradham, the founder of Pepsi-Cola and "Brad's Drink," dies at 66 (May 27th, 1867-February 19th, 1934). Guth moves the entire Pepsi-Cola operation to Long Island City, New York, and sets up national territorial boundries for the Pepsi bottler franchise system. Pepsi grants 94 new U.S. franchises and year-end profits reach $2,100,000.

By 1938 Walter S. Mack, Jr., V.P. of Phoenix Securities Corporation is elected President of the Pepsi-Cola Company. Mack, who considers advertising the keystone of the soft drink business, turns Pepsi into a modern marketing company.The "Pepsi & Pete" comic strip introduces the "Twice as much for a nickel" theme in newspapers. Pepsi-Cola Company names Mack as CEO.The Board of Directors removes Guth from the Pepsi payroll after he plans to personally acquire a competing cola.Pepsi-Cola Company makes advertising history with "Nickel, Nickel," the first advertising jingle ever broadcast nationwide on radio.The New York Stock Exchange trades Pepsi's stock for the first time. In support of the war effort, Pepsi's bottle crown colors change to red, white, and blue. Pepsi's theme line becomes "Bigger Drink, Better Taste."