Viscosity Oil was founded by five astute businessmen with entrepreneurial spirits; Herbert D. Blackford, Frank E. Elliot, Charles E. Hattrey, Samuel A. Johnson (pictured at right) and William D. Simmons. At least one of the founders, Mr. Simmons, had relevant experience in the oil industry, having been a traveling salesman for Vacuum Oil (later to become Mobil Oil) for a number of years. Mr. Johnson was elected president of the new endeavor and remained in charge of the Chicago office while the other four principals acted as salesmen.