Orenthal James Simpson is making news once again. He is set to be released on parole this October after a 2007 armed robbery conviction in Nevada.
Even worse than the nine-year bid he just made is the fact that he is still thought to be the killer of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, even though he was found not guilty of her murder in 1995.
Those trials put an end to the story of a famous athlete who later became successful as a smart businessman.
In the 1990s, football legend turned actor O. J. Simpson was best known for starring in popular ads for Hertz rental cars. However, he also owned hotels, restaurants, and franchises like HoneyBaked Ham, as well as other types of businesses.
While Simpson was merely a spokesperson for Hertz, his involvement with HoneyBaked Ham went deeper. So does one of the most infamous figures of the 20th century still profit from every spiral-cut honey-glazed ham sold today? Let’s unwrap the facts behind O.J Simpson’s connection to the beloved brand
From Football Field to Franchise Owner
Long before the notorious 1994 Bronco chase that captivated America, O.J. Simpson was a widely admired athlete and celebrity. As a running back for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers during the ’70s, Simpson smashed records and earned the nickname “The Juice.”
After retiring from football in 1979, Simpson became the first Black TV spokesperson considered mainstream enough for major brands like Hertz rental cars. As his fame grew, so did his fortune through roles in movies and TV shows.
But Simpson also wisely invested in business ventures beyond acting and endorsements. A 1994 Washington Post article noted he served on corporate boards, owned hotels and real estate and held a diverse portfolio of franchises including multiple HoneyBaked Ham stores.
The Risks and Rewards of Franchise Ownership
By starting a franchise, business owners can use well-known brands without having to start from scratch. In exchange for an initial fee and regular royalties, franchisees use the company’s name and operating system.
Celebrities like Simpson could use their fame to sell an already-made product through franchising. With just one cut of the ribbon, he could open a HoneyBaked Ham and get people excited to see a famous athlete.
Franchises also provide semi-passive income. While franchisees handle day-to-day operations, the franchisor provides ongoing support like marketing and bulk purchasing.
However, there are downsides to franchising for both the franchisee and franchisor. Franchisees pay hefty upfront costs but have limited control over decisions. And any major scandal from one franchisee can damage the entire brand.
When a Franchisee Becomes a Liability
In 1995, Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered at her LA home. While Simpson was acquitted of their deaths in a criminal trial, most Americans believed he was guilty.
For the franchises connected to Simpson, the negative publicity posed a grave threat. Brands tied to an alleged murderer could quickly lose customers and damage their reputation.
According to a 1997 statement from HoneyBaked Ham, the company terminated Simpson’s franchise ownership stake in January 1996, just months after the controversial murder trial verdict.
The move was likely spurred by the franchisor deciding the cons of being linked to Simpson outweighed any profits. For a food brand built on family gatherings and trust, continuing to enrich Simpson through franchise royalties was untenable.
Lingering Questions Around Simpson’s Role
While HoneyBaked Ham officially cut ties with Simpson in early 1996, the details of his prior role as a franchisee remain hazy:
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How many franchises did Simpson own? News articles only vaguely reference his stake in multiple locations.
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Was he a passive investor or active manager? As a celebrity focused on many ventures, it’s unlikely Simpson was hands-on with any franchise.
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Did he fully own franchises or have a minor stake? Even a small percentage of ownership could still result in royalties.
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Were franchises operated under his name or a corporation? If discreetly structured, his involvement may have stayed hidden.
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How much did Simpson profit before the relationship ended? Estimates suggest he was earning over $1 million per year by the mid-90s.
Given Simpson’s tarnished reputation, HoneyBaked Ham had incentive to downplay his past role as damage control. The limited details make it hard to determine exactly how entwined the brand was with Simpson.
Lasting Lessons From the Saga
While the extent of Simpson’s franchise involvement remains ambiguous, the swift action of HoneyBaked Ham offers important lessons for franchisors:
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Closely vet all prospective franchisees to avoid scandals from the start.
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Include morality clauses allowing termination for any conduct harming the brand.
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Continually monitor franchisees and be ready to cut ties at the first sign of trouble.
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Have a crisis plan ready for ending toxic relationships before they destroy the brand.
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Communicate transparency with customers around addressing public controversies.
For those considering franchising, beware that the franchisor can eliminate your ownership if you drag down the larger brand. Your success is indelibly tied to the company’s reputation.
Simpson’s Conflicting Business Legacy
O.J. Simpson’s dramatic fall from grace overshadows his past achievements in business and sports. Had Simpson avoided scandal, he may have built an empire of hundreds of thriving franchises.
Yet the franchise saga represents a minor footnote compared to the lives destroyed by domestic violence that still mars his legacy today. Any wealth Simpson accumulated through football, acting, and franchising will forever be tainted.
While the facts around his HoneyBaked Ham ownership remain uncertain, the story illustrates how franchise systems can actively protect their brand. For Simpson, the risks of franchising clearly outweighed any financial rewards.
Simpson Had Diverse Business Ventures
Simpson was the spokesman for several large corporations. In addition to his famous Hertz rental car commercials, he worked with ABC, Wilson Sporting Goods, and other major companies. People Magazine referred to him as, “the first black athlete to become a bona fide lovable media superstar.” The charismatic athlete was highly sought after by corporations apparently looking to diversify their customer base with a person of color that was widely accepted by white America—which was Simpson, in a nutshell.
In an article from July 10, 1994, The Washington Post talked about Simpson’s other jobs besides being a pitchman and sometimes an actor:
[Simpson] has served on boards, including Infinity Broadcasting Corp. , which he joined in April of 1992. He became friendly and well-known at Hertz, which many people say helped him get his job as a sportscaster at NBC-TV.
Simpson is president and chief executive of O. J. Simpson Enterprises, which owns hotels, restaurants and real estate. Holdings include such franchises as Honey Baked Ham and Pioneer Chicken stores. His assets were worth $10 million when he and Nicole got divorced in 1992, and he made well over $1 million a year.
How Is OJ Simpson Linked to Honey Baked Ham?
FAQ
Who is the owner of Honey Baked Ham?
Is Honey Baked Ham a franchise?
How much money does Honey Baked Ham make a year?
What is so special about Honey Baked Ham?
Who owns Honey Baked Ham Company?
The company is presently headed by Hoenselaar’s granddaughter, Linda van Rees, who moved the headquarters to Alpharetta in 2015. The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC has grown to over 200 company owned retail stores and 200 franchise locations across the United States, as well as an ecommerce business.
Does HoneyBaked Ham still make Ham?
HoneyBaked Ham is still a family-owned business and is currently run by Hoenselaar’s granddaughter. While the company has changed and expanded in many ways over the years, its commitment to the tradition and legacy of its founder has remained constant. HoneyBaked Ham says it still makes “every ham the same way Harry did.”
Does HoneyBaked Ham sell hamjamas?
HoneyBaked Ham has an entire line of branded products — from T-shirts and baseball caps, to mugs, even a candle that smells like the company’s famous glaze. If you really want to ham it up this holiday season, there are also the hamjamas. Yes, you read that right.
Does HoneyBaked Ham sell turkey breast?
While the first HoneyBaked Ham store only sold classic, bone-in spiral ham, the company’s menu has since expanded well beyond that. Besides offering their original ham in smaller portions and boneless style, the company also sells HoneyBaked Turkey Breast.