Gendarme

Gendarme was founded by Topper Schroeder, a fragrance marketer who also owns Grabazzi, GendarmeV and Carriere. In 1983, he set out to find a cologne for himself that he could comfortably wear, one that would not cause skin irritations or allergic reactions - he wasn't successful. With the help of a friend in the business, Topper, with no background in fragrance, provided his thoughts on what a cologne should be. He developed Gendarme, the "arresting new scent for men". It wasn't yet marketed - Topper wore the cologne himself and gave them as Christmas presents. As the recipients wore them to men's stores, the shop owners were eager to find out how they could sell the fragrance. Within a few years, Gendarme expanded to become a full line of personal grooming products including shave/skin care balm, skin conditioner, shaving cream and body shampoo.