Lead the Way: Anna Sutherland Bissell

It has been said that Anna Sutherland Bissell “studied business the way other women of her time studied French.” Her diligence and interest served her well as one of the nation’s first female CEOs.

Her business experience began after she married Melville R. Bissell at the age of 19. She and her husband owned and managed a crockery and china business in Grand Rapids, Mich. However, she soon became frustrated with the daily difficulty of sweeping sawdust from the carpet floor.

She explained the problem to her husband, who used his mechanical skills to invent a carpet sweeper machine. Word spread quickly about the new invention, and people began to inquire about how they could purchase a carpet sweeper for themselves.

In 1876 the Bissell Carpet Sweeper was patented, and Anna traveled from town to town to sell the miraculous sweepers for $1.50. The Bissell carpet sweeper was immediately successful, and the first manufacturing plant was built in Grand Rapids in 1883. Six years later, Melville Bissell’s death left Anna in charge of the company. She used her business knowledge to launch Bissell into the international market, and by 1899 Bissell was the largest company of its kind in the world.

Anna kept up with the growing industry and prided herself on knowing every facet of her business. She implemented progressive labor policies, including workers’ compensation and pension plans—well before these policies were common in the industry. Anna remained at the helm of Bissell Carpet Sweeper Company until 1931.

Anna was a pioneer in her community as well. She was a charter member of the Ladies Literary Club, a Zonta member, and a board member of the Clark Memorial Home. She was actively involved in Bissell House, which was a recreation and training program for youth and immigrant women.

*Lead the Way's Series is meant to share stories of women leaders from our past and turn their stories into inspiration for the women today. Check out more stories here.