Mark Singer may not be a household name, but his invention certainly is. As the founder of The Gorilla Glue Company, Singer built an empire on the back of a remarkably strong adhesive—now a staple in homes, workshops, and industries across the United States and beyond. His journey from an unexpected discovery to creating one of the most trusted brands in America is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Let’s dive into the life of Mark Singer, the man behind the glue that holds it all together.
Quick Bio Table: Mark Singer Gorilla Glue
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Mark Singer |
Birthdate | November 12, 1955 |
Age | 69 (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
Nationality | American |
Marital Status | Married to Jessica Reynolds |
Children | One son, Kenzo Singer |
Known For | Founder of Gorilla Glue Company |
Other Ventures | Giati Designs, EyeWris |
Net Worth | $300 million (estimated) |
Social Media | No active personal accounts |
Philanthropy | Gorilla Glue Foundation, STEM education |
Early Life and Background
Mark Singer was born on November 12, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Raised in a working-class family, Singer’s upbringing was rooted in humility, responsibility, and hands-on creativity. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in solving practical problems—often tinkering with tools, repairing household items, and experimenting with materials.
Singer pursued a formal education in industrial design and later developed an interest in business. His early career included various entrepreneurial ventures, where he began combining creativity with functionality—skills that would later become central to his most successful endeavour.
The Accidental Discovery: Birth of Gorilla Glue
In the early 1990s, while sourcing products in Indonesia, Singer came across a unique adhesive that was far stronger and more versatile than anything available on the American market. This polyurethane-based glue was used for woodworking and construction and could bond to nearly any material, including wood, stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, and more.
Realizing its potential, Singer negotiated the rights to bring the product to the U.S. He refined the formula for the North American market and began experimenting with branding and packaging. From that point forward, what started as a simple discovery would soon evolve into a dominant force in adhesives.
Founding the Gorilla Glue Company
In 1994, Singer officially launched The Gorilla Glue Company. Initially operating on a small scale, the business focused on distributing the unique adhesive to hardware stores and carpentry outlets. The name “Gorilla Glue” was chosen to emphasize strength, reliability, and durability—traits that immediately resonated with consumers.
Singer personally managed early marketing efforts, showcasing the glue’s unmatched performance in real-world applications. His strategy was simple: let the product speak for itself. And it did. Within a few short years, Gorilla Glue had carved out a strong presence in the home improvement and DIY markets.
Growth and Expansion: Building a Household Name
As demand soared, Singer expanded the product line to include Gorilla Tape, Gorilla Super Glue, Gorilla Epoxy, Wood Glue, Spray Adhesives, and even construction-grade sealants. Each product adhered to the brand’s founding promise—strong, reliable, and easy to use.
Gorilla Glue’s clever advertising, often featuring extreme stress tests and product demonstrations, contributed significantly to its widespread appeal. Consumers trusted the brand because it worked, and Singer made sure it always delivered.
By the mid-2000s, Gorilla Glue had become one of America’s most trusted adhesive brands, with distribution in big-box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Amazon.
Other Entrepreneurial Ventures
Mark Singer’s entrepreneurial energy extended beyond adhesives. In 1990, he founded Giati Designs, a luxury outdoor furniture company specializing in handcrafted, weather-resistant furnishings. The brand earned acclaim for its craftsmanship, aesthetics, and attention to detail—values that aligned with Singer’s personal philosophy of quality over quantity.
More recently, Singer co-founded EyeWris with his son, Kenzo Singer. The company introduced innovative foldable reading glasses designed to be worn on the wrist like a bracelet. These stylish, practical glasses reflect Singer’s continued passion for solving real-world problems through smart design.
Personal Life and Family
Despite his business success, Mark Singer is known for keeping his personal life away from the limelight. He married Jessica Reynolds in June 2018, and the couple shares one son, Kenzo, who is actively involved in business through EyeWris.
Singer’s family life is described as close-knit and grounded. He values privacy, preferring to focus on his ventures and philanthropic efforts rather than seek fame or public recognition.
Net Worth and Business Success
As of 2025, Mark Singer’s estimated net worth is $300 million, a result of his long-term ownership of Gorilla Glue and other successful ventures. The Gorilla Glue Company, though privately held, is estimated to generate hundreds of millions in annual revenue.
In addition to his core businesses, Singer has made strategic investments in real estate, sustainable manufacturing, and consumer technology, further diversifying his financial portfolio.
Lifestyle and Core Values
Despite his wealth, Singer leads a relatively modest lifestyle. He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and woodworking, finding peace in nature and hands-on craftsmanship. His dedication to sustainability is evident in both his personal choices and business practices.
Singer emphasizes quality, durability, and environmental responsibility across all of his brands. Whether it’s glue, furniture, or eyewear, his focus remains the same: create something that lasts.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
The singer is also a committed philanthropist. He founded the Gorilla Glue Foundation, which supports STEM education, design scholarships, and community innovation labs. The foundation also funds environmental sustainability projects, reflecting Singer’s deep respect for the planet.
He has donated to several nonprofits, including schools in underserved communities and initiatives that support young inventors and makers.
Media Presence and Public Perception
Unlike many modern entrepreneurs, Mark Singer keeps a low profile. He does not maintain public social media accounts and rarely grants interviews. However, he has made appearances on business podcasts, documentaries, and entrepreneurship panels, where he discusses product design, innovation, and leadership.
His reserved nature has only added to the mystique surrounding his success. In an era of oversharing, Singer lets his work—and his brands—speak on his behalf.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Mark Singer’s legacy lies in creating more than just a product—he built a brand synonymous with strength and trust. Gorilla Glue is not just adhesive; it’s a solution people rely on in crucial moments, from emergency repairs to building cherished items.
Beyond his products, Singer’s true influence is in how he approaches entrepreneurship: solve a real problem, stay committed to quality, and always think long-term. His story inspires future innovators to look beyond trends and create with purpose.
Conclusion
Mark Singer may have stumbled upon his greatest product by accident, but everything that followed was a result of clear vision, hard work, and unshakable principles. His journey from a curious inventor to the mastermind behind one of America’s most iconic brands is nothing short of remarkable.
In a world filled with disposable products and fleeting trends, Singer reminds us of the power of durability, authenticity, and innovation. The next time you reach for a bottle of Gorilla Glue, remember—it was made possible by a man who believed in building things that last.
FAQs about Mark Singer Gorilla Glue
1. Who is Mark Singer, and what is he known for?
Mark Singer is an American entrepreneur best known as the founder of Gorilla Glue Company. He brought the now-famous adhesive to the U.S. market in the 1990s.
2. Is Gorilla Glue still owned by Mark Singer?
Yes, Mark Singer still holds a significant ownership stake in the privately held Gorilla Glue Company, along with other family stakeholders.
3. How did Mark Singer discover Gorilla Glue?
He discovered the adhesive in Indonesia and realized its superior strength and versatility. He acquired the rights and adapted it for the American market.
4. What other businesses has he founded?
Besides Gorilla Glue, Singer founded Giati Designs (luxury furniture) and co-founded EyeWris (foldable wrist-worn reading glasses) with his son.
5. Is Mark Singer active on social media?
No, Mark Singer prefers a low public profile and does not maintain personal social media accounts.