Vitamix Corporation is a fourth-generation, family-owned company that was founded in 1921 when W.G. "Papa" Barnard and his son Bill began selling household products direct to consumers at shows and fairs across the country. The successful Barnard sales team introduced their first "Vitamix brand" blender in 1937. By 1948, the company was growing strong, and moved their location to a quiet suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. This site, now home of the world headquarters of Vitamix Corporation, is where every Vitamix machine is built, to this day.

In 1949, Bill suggested that "Papa" Barnard consider making his compelling pitch to thousands of people, all across the country at one time - and the very first infomercial was born! Barnard's TV demo, entitled "Amazing Home Miracles for 1950", aired for several years with great success and is now part of the Direct Marketing Association archives.

Bill Barnard and his wife Ruth took over the business in 1955 and continued to grow and improve the direct marketing legacy of "Papa". In the early 1960s, Grover Barnard, Bill and Ruth's son, joined the company and in 1964, the Vitamix blender was demonstrated at the New York World's Fair. Following weeks of pitches made on four separate stages, the Vitamix blender was quickly becoming a household name.

The Barnards continued to improve their tooling and in 1969, Vitamix introduced the Kitchen Center followed by the revolutionary Vitamix 3600 in 1970. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, this machine and subsequent models far exceeded blender industry standards. Vitamix became well-known for products that personified high performance, durability, exceptional warranties and customer service.

Near the end of the 1980s, Vitamix introduced the first commercial product, the Mix'N Machine and in 1991, the Vitamix Foodservice Division was officially established. In 1992, Vitamix adapted commercial technology to a consumer machine and amazing Vitamix Total Nutrition Center came to market. This machine quickly became the standard for many healthy whole food eating plans because fruits and vegetables were at the heart of every Vitamix recipe - and every recipe was quick, easy and delicious.

In 1995, Vitamix developed 220/240-volt versions of both commercial and household machines and the company embraced the global economy. John Barnard, Bill's middle son, took over as president in 1999 and continued to grow the company, in both a domestic and international sense. Today Vitamix machines are sold and distributed in over 80 countries.

Vitamix continues to grow and change, but some things remain the same. Today, even though many Vitamix machines are sold online, the live demonstration is still a most powerful pitch. And as large as Vitamix now is, the company remains a family business. Jodi Berg, now the president of Vitamix and her father John, now Chairman and CEO, are committed to keeping the company a family business with products made right here in the United States. Both agree that is the only way to ensure the quality, customer service and corporate integrity are maintained today and for years to come.

• The first 25 contestants
  to properly upload a qualifying Entry to the Contest Site will receive a free 2009 edition of Vitamix's "Whole Foods Recipes" cookbook, a $50 value.
• Find a live Vitamix demonstration in your area click here.

• $10,000 Best Overall!
• $5,000 Best Gourmet!
• $5,000 People's Choice!