# Frank Mars **Franklin Clarence Mars** (1883–1934) was the founder of [[Mars Inc.]], the candy and food company that would become one of the largest privately held corporations in the world. He launched the business that his son [[Forrest Mars Sr.]] would transform into a global empire. ## Background - Born September 24, 1883, in Walden Township, Pope County, Minnesota - Contracted mild polio as a child; learned chocolate hand-dipping from his mother Alva - Began selling molasses chips at age 19 - Married Ethel G. Kissack (1902); son [[Forrest Mars Sr.]] born 1904; divorced before 1910 - Second marriage to Ethel Veronica Healy (1910); daughter Patricia Mars (1914–1965) - Moved to Minneapolis (1920) and founded Mar-O-Bar Co., later incorporated as Mars, Incorporated ## Key products Frank introduced the **Milky Way** bar in 1923 (reportedly from his son Forrest's idea) — it became an instant bestseller. He followed with the **Snickers** bar in 1930 and the **3 Musketeers** bar in 1932. The company moved to Chicago in 1929. ## Why he matters for the KB Frank is the founding patriarch of the [[Mars Family]] dynasty — the first link in a three-generation chain of private wealth accumulation that produced one of America's least transparent and most influential family fortunes. He died April 8, 1934, of heart and kidney failure at Johns Hopkins Hospital, passing ownership to [[Forrest Mars Sr.]], who would turn a regional candy company into a global food conglomerate.