Nikwax
Nick Brown invented Nikwax simply because he was dissatisfied with the range of waterproofing products available to outdoor adventurers. He wanted a product that would waterproof his boots without softening them and in 1977, Nick (aged 22), mixed his first order of Nick's wax (Nikwax).
The Nikwax range now includes cleaning products as well as re-proofers for leather, suede and fabric boots, down insulated clothing, waterproof clothing such as Gore-Tex jackets as well as tents and other outdoor gear. Their green initiative now also means that their products have as little environmental impact as possible. Nikwax was the first company in the world to create a range of waterproofing products with a water, rather than solvent base.