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Speed Stick

Speed Stick is a brand of antiperspirant and deodorant products, primarily targeted at men, that provides 24-hour protection against sweat and odor through stick and gel formulations in various scents.^[1] Introduced in 1963 by the Mennen Company as one of the early innovations in solid deodorant sticks, it quickly became a leading men's personal care product.^[1] In 1992, Colgate-Palmolive acquired Mennen for $670 million, integrating Speed Stick into its portfolio and expanding its global marketing and product development.^[2]^[3] The brand's lineup includes core offerings like Speed Stick Original for basic odor protection, Power series for enhanced wetness control, and collaborations such as Irish Spring-scented variants, alongside the women's Lady Speed Stick line featuring emollient formulas for softer skin application.^[1] Over the decades, Speed Stick has introduced innovations like clear gel formulas in 1996 to avoid white residue and unscented options for sensitive skin, supported by multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns emphasizing active lifestyles.^[4]^[5] As Colgate-Palmolive's top men's deodorant brand, it remains a staple in retail channels worldwide, with ongoing updates like the 1998 Ultimate line for prolonged fragrance release.^[1]^[5]

Introduction

Brand Overview

Speed Stick is a prominent brand of deodorant and antiperspirant products, primarily targeted at men, delivering solid stick formulations designed for convenient application and effective 24-hour protection against sweat and odor.^[1] The brand emphasizes reliability and performance to support an active lifestyle, helping users maintain confidence throughout the day with a range of masculine scents and odor-fighting formulas.^[1] Originally introduced in 1963 by the Mennen Company, Speed Stick pioneered accessible personal care options in the men's grooming market.^[1] Today, as part of Colgate-Palmolive's portfolio, it holds the position of the company's leading men's deodorant brand, underscoring its enduring popularity and market dominance in providing all-day freshness and protection.^[1] The brand also includes a complementary line, Lady Speed Stick, tailored for women, which offers similar stick-based deodorant and antiperspirant solutions without overlapping in detailed product specifics.^[1]

Ownership and Acquisition

Speed Stick was originally developed and owned by the Mennen Company, a family-run business founded in 1878, which introduced the deodorant in 1963 as one of its flagship personal care products.^[1]^[6] Under Mennen ownership, Speed Stick became a leading men's deodorant brand in the United States, benefiting from the company's focus on innovative grooming essentials like aftershaves and talcum powders.^[7] The brand remained under Mennen's control for nearly three decades, establishing a strong market presence through its convenient stick format and reliable odor protection.^[2] In 1992, Colgate-Palmolive acquired the Mennen Company for approximately $670 million in a stock and cash deal, marking a significant expansion of Colgate's portfolio in the personal care sector.^[3] This acquisition integrated Speed Stick and other Mennen brands, such as Lady Speed Stick and Skin Bracer, into Colgate-Palmolive's offerings, enhancing its position in deodorants and antiperspirants.^[8] The deal allowed Colgate to leverage Mennen's established reputation while expanding global distribution for these products.^[9] Following the acquisition, Colgate-Palmolive retained the "by Mennen" branding on Speed Stick packaging to preserve the product's legacy and consumer trust in the Mennen name.^[4] This subtle endorsement continued to appear on labels, reinforcing the brand's heritage amid Colgate's broader marketing efforts. Today, Speed Stick serves as a key asset in Colgate-Palmolive's Personal Care division, recognized as the company's top men's deodorant brand and contributing to its global hygiene product lineup.^[10]^[1]

History

Development and Launch

The development of Speed Stick originated in the early 1960s at the Mennen Company, driven by the rising consumer demand for convenient, solid-form personal care products for men following the post-World War II economic boom. This creation addressed the limitations of liquid and powder alternatives by offering a portable, mess-free solid format tailored to active lifestyles.^[6] Mennen launched Speed Stick commercially in 1963, branding it as "Mennen Speed Stick" and marketing it as one of the pioneering deodorant sticks designed exclusively for men. The product's innovative twist-up mechanism and contoured applicator allowed for quick, one-stroke application under the arms, setting it apart from earlier aerosol or roll-on options and emphasizing ease of use for on-the-go consumers.^[11] Early advertising positioned Speed Stick as a symbol of masculine strength and reliability, with campaigns highlighting 24-hour odor protection and durability to appeal to the era's image of the vigorous American male. Taglines like "man-size deodorant" and visuals of robust, athletic figures reinforced themes of toughness and confidence, aligning with cultural shifts toward personal hygiene as a marker of modern manhood.^[12]^[13] The product's debut proved highly successful, driving rapid sales growth that necessitated expanded manufacturing facilities in Morris Township, New Jersey, to meet demand. By the late 1960s, Mennen had broadened the lineup to include antiperspirant versions, enhancing the brand's appeal with sweat-control benefits while maintaining its core focus on men's needs.^[6]

Post-Acquisition Developments

Following the 1992 acquisition of Mennen by Colgate-Palmolive, Speed Stick was seamlessly integrated into the company's personal care portfolio, benefiting from Colgate's established global infrastructure for distribution and marketing. This integration enabled the brand to leverage Colgate's extensive supply chain and sales networks, which spanned over 200 countries by the mid-1990s, significantly broadening Speed Stick's availability beyond its traditional U.S. market focus.^[14]^[2] Colgate increased investments in research and development for its deodorant lines, including Speed Stick, to enhance product efficacy and formulation innovations amid growing competition in the personal care sector.^[15] In the 1990s, these R&D efforts resulted in the introduction of advanced formulations designed to address consumer demands for improved performance and application. For instance, in 1996, Colgate launched Speed Stick gel antiperspirant and deodorant, featuring a smooth, non-clumping formula that provided strong wetness protection without white residue, positioning the brand more competitively against rivals like Axe and Degree.^[4] Later innovations included clinical strength options, such as Speed Stick Clinical Complete, which offered enhanced 24-hour protection through higher active ingredient concentrations, further solidifying the brand's appeal in the premium deodorant segment. By the early 2000s, Speed Stick expanded into international markets, capitalizing on Colgate's regional expertise to penetrate Europe and Asia. In Europe, the brand saw successful pan-regional launches, including ministick variants that drove unit volume growth across the continent through targeted distribution in retail channels.^[16] In Asia, Speed Stick entered key markets like Indonesia and Singapore via partnerships with e-commerce platforms and local retailers, adapting formulations to regional preferences while utilizing Colgate's long-standing presence in the area to build market share in personal care.^[17]^[18] In recent years, Speed Stick has aligned with Colgate-Palmolive's broader sustainability initiatives, emphasizing eco-friendly packaging to reduce environmental impact. In 2020, the company announced that 83% of its overall packaging by weight, including deodorant products like Speed Stick, was recyclable, marking progress toward a 2025 goal of 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable plastic packaging across its portfolio. As of 2024, 93% of packaging met these criteria, with ongoing efforts to achieve the goal.^[19] These efforts involved transitioning to materials compatible with standard recycling streams, enhancing the brand's commitment to sustainable consumer goods without compromising product performance.^[20]^[21]

Products

Deodorant and Antiperspirant Lines

Speed Stick offers two primary product categories: deodorants and antiperspirants, each designed to address different aspects of underarm hygiene. Deodorants focus on odor control by neutralizing odor-causing compounds, such as fatty acids, and inhibiting bacterial growth through ingredients like fragrances and propylene glycol, without affecting sweat production; these are typically aluminum-free formulations that emphasize antibacterial action to maintain freshness.^[22] In contrast, antiperspirants target both sweat and odor by incorporating aluminum compounds, such as aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, which temporarily block sweat glands to reduce perspiration and limit the moisture available for bacterial proliferation.^[22] The brand's core offerings utilize a standard solid stick format with a twist-up applicator for convenient, mess-free application, available in popular scents including Original, Fresh, and Sport to suit various preferences.^[1] These products claim 24-hour protection against odor and wetness, helping users maintain confidence throughout the day.^[1] Key features of Speed Stick deodorants and antiperspirants include non-irritating formulas that incorporate emollient ingredients to minimize skin discomfort, along with dermatologist-tested status to ensure suitability for everyday use. While the lineup primarily targets men with masculine scents and active-lifestyle positioning, a parallel women's line, Lady Speed Stick, provides similar deodorant and antiperspirant options tailored for female consumers.^[1]

Variants and Innovations

Speed Stick has introduced several specialized variants to address diverse consumer needs, including enhanced strength formulations and natural options. The Speed Stick Ultimate line offers maximum strength antiperspirant protection, delivering up to 48 hours of sweat and odor control in scents such as Ultimate Sport, which combines a fresh, energizing aroma with a clear gel formula to minimize residue.^[23] In select markets such as Latin America, the Clinical Protection variant provides advanced wetness prevention up to 48 hours under thermal conditions, featuring 100% more sweat protection compared to standard formulas through a skin-conditioning system that neutralizes odor at its source while caring for underarm skin.^[24] The Power of Nature sub-line is marketed with natural features for 24-hour protection. Available in invigorating scents like Avalanche—a crisp, cool mountain-inspired blend—and Lightning, which evokes an electric freshness, this variant appeals to users seeking eco-conscious alternatives with effective, long-lasting freshness.^[25]^[26] In response to growing demand for sustainable products, Speed Stick offers aluminum-free deodorants, such as the Ocean Surf variant, which uses an odor-fighting formula with natural essences to provide 24-hour freshness without blocking sweat glands or leaving marks on clothing. These options, including Regular and Fresh scents, prioritize transparency in ingredients for sensitive skin.^[27] Scent profiles across the lineup vary to suit preferences, with Cool Fresh delivering a citrus-mint invigoration for daily use, Gear offering a musky, bold edge in formulations like Fresh Force, and occasional limited editions introducing seasonal twists, such as holiday-inspired woody notes.^[28]^[29] Technological advancements in the 1990s marked a significant shift toward gel-based sticks, introduced by Mennen in 1996, which provide smoother application and reduced white marks or residue compared to traditional solids. This innovation, seen in lines like Power Clear Gel, ensures a clean feel with strong wetness protection, evolving the brand's core stick format for modern convenience.^[4] In July 2025, certain Power Stick roll-on deodorants were recalled due to safety concerns, though stick and gel lines remained unaffected.^[30]

Marketing and Sponsorships

Advertising Campaigns

Speed Stick's advertising campaigns have evolved significantly since its launch, reflecting changes in consumer preferences, media landscapes, and cultural norms. In the early 1960s, following the product's introduction by the Mennen Company in 1963 as one of the first solid stick deodorants, campaigns emphasized the innovation's convenience, speed of application, and masculine appeal. Print advertisements often featured images of athletic, shirtless men post-shower or in active poses, underscoring the product's "man-size" protection against odor and perspiration with taglines such as "Man-Size Way to Stop Perspiration Odor" and "One Clean Stroke Does It."^[31] These efforts positioned Speed Stick as a straightforward, no-fuss solution for men seeking reliable personal care, differentiating it from aerosol alternatives prevalent at the time.^[13] After Colgate-Palmolive acquired Mennen in 1992, Speed Stick's promotional strategies shifted toward television advertising in the 1990s, highlighting all-day confidence for both athletes and everyday users. Commercials depicted men in sports settings or routine scenarios, such as post-workout locker rooms or daily commutes, to convey enduring freshness and odor control without mess.^[32] A notable extension of this approach came in early 2000 with a campaign featuring MLB star Alex Rodriguez, targeting Hispanic men aged 18-34 through Spanish-language TV spots that linked the product's clear, non-staining formula to Rodriguez's on-field prowess and grand-slam hits.^[2] Created by agency SiboneyUSA, these ads reinforced themes of strength and reliability, contributing to the brand's growth in diverse markets.^[2] Entering the 2010s, Speed Stick adapted to digital media by leveraging social platforms, influencer collaborations, and short-form humorous content aimed at millennials. The 2013 Super Bowl ad "Handle It," featuring a comedic scenario of a young man navigating awkward social situations with poise thanks to the deodorant, exemplified the brand's pivot to lighthearted, relatable narratives broadcast across TV and online channels.^[33] Influencer partnerships emerged prominently, including endorsements from YouTube creators promoting Speed Stick Gear for active lifestyles, which helped amplify reach through viral videos and user-generated content on platforms like Twitter and YouTube.^[34] By mid-decade, campaigns incorporated targeted social media efforts, such as Twitter initiatives tied to product launches like Speed Stick Power in 2012, encouraging user interaction around themes of handling life's challenges confidently.^[35] Television and digital ads starring NBA player Brandon Ingram, such as "Gear Overtime: Invest for the Future" and "First Impressions Are Everything" from 2016, portrayed young men from varied backgrounds managing high-pressure moments with the product's support, emphasizing empowerment and style.^[36] In the 2020s, Speed Stick's campaigns have continued to emphasize modern formulations, with promotions for aluminum-free variants like Speed Stick Zero% spotlighting natural-inspired ingredients for sensitive skin, aligning with growing demand for cleaner personal care options.^[37]

Sports and Event Sponsorships

Speed Stick has served as the official antiperspirant of the National Hockey League (NHL) since 1996, initially through a Canadian league deal that expanded to broader visibility across NHL properties.^[38] This partnership includes prominent rink board advertising during games, as evidenced by branded hockey pucks and promotional materials from the era, enhancing brand exposure to millions of fans.^[39] Player endorsements have been a key element, with NHL athletes featured in Speed Stick commercials and promotional campaigns tying the product's performance to the demands of professional hockey.^[40] In Major League Baseball (MLB), Speed Stick sponsored various events in the 2000s, notably a high-profile dinner hosted by all-star shortstop Alex Rodriguez in 2000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami, Inc.^[2] This initiative supported youth education and community programs, aligning the brand with Rodriguez's personal commitment to the organization where he grew up, and reached audiences through MLB's charitable networks.^[2] Lady Speed Stick became the title sponsor of women's half-marathon series starting in 2010, presenting events like the More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon in Central Park, which drew thousands of participants.^[41] These sponsorships emphasized female empowerment by promoting fitness, resilience, and community among women runners, with branded support extending to product integrations and motivational messaging at races.^[42] Speed Stick also engaged in NASCAR partnerships, beginning with associate sponsorships in the early 2010s that evolved into primary deals, such as supporting BK Racing's No. 26 car in six Sprint Cup Series races in 2014.^[43] Through Colgate-Palmolive's foundations, the brand supports ongoing youth sports initiatives, including track and field programs like the Colgate Women's Games, which has empowered girls in athletics since 1972 with scholarships and training opportunities.^[44] These efforts focus on underserved communities, fostering physical activity and healthy habits among young athletes.^[45]

References

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Speed Stick - Colgate-Palmolive
Speed Stick is Colgate-Palmolive's #1 men's deodorant brand providing 24-hour sweat and odor protection to keep you confident and moving forward all day.
[2]
Mennen Speed Stick Hits A Grand Slam | Colgate-Palmolive Company
Since the 1992 acquisition of Mennen, Colgate has successfully marketed its line of deodorants and anti-perspirants throughout the world. Speed Stick ...
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Colgate Agrees to Acquire Mennen in $670 Million Deal
Feb 14, 1992 · The Colgate-Palmolive Company said yesterday that it had agreed to acquire the Mennen Company for $670 million in stock and cash.
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Mennen Introduces Speed Stick Gel | Colgate-Palmolive Company
New York, NEW YORK, March 4, 1996 -- The Colgate-Palmolive Company today announced the introduction of Mennen Speed Stick gel anti-perspirant and deodorant, ...
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Colgate-Palmolive Introduces Speed Stick Ultimate Deodorant
The new proprietary odor-absorbing formula in Speed Stick Ultimate deodorant releases scent continually -- with fragrance delivery lasting up to 24 hours. The ...
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Mennen Worldwide: The corner pharmacy that became a global ...
May 28, 2021 · Furthermore, in 1951, William Mennen Jr. invented spray deodorant, aftershave lotion, electric pre-shave lotion, and Speed-Stick Deodorant for ...
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Colgate-palmolive Company | Encyclopedia.com
The Mennen Company is acquired; Total toothpaste is introduced overseas. ... introduced Lady Speed Stick Invisible Dry Deodorant. With concerns over ...
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Colgate-Palmolive to acquire Mennen - UPI Archives
Feb 13, 1992 · Colgate-Palmolive Co., the maker of toothpaste and Irish Spring soap, said Thursday it has agreed to acquire Mennen Co., the top US manufacturer of deodorants, ...
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History | Colgate-Palmolive
1992: Colgate acquires the Mennen company, sold today across the globe. Colgate Total toothpaste is introduced. 1995: Colgate enters Central Europe and ...Missing: Stick | Show results with:Stick
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Our Brands | Colgate-Palmolive
Stay fresh and confident all day with Speed Stick! This deodorant offers long-lasting protection for men, with a range of scents and formulas to suit every ...
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MENNEN MAKES ITS PLAY WITH SPRAY - Chicago Tribune
Jul 15, 1988 · Mennen, based in Morristown, N.J., enjoys a leadership position in deodorants, with Speed Stick, introduced in 1959, and Lady Speed Stick.
[12]
Full text of "U.S. Radio (Jan-Dec 1960)" - Internet Archive
Mennen Co. Agency: Warwick & Legler Inc., New York Product: MEN'S LINE Radio activity for 1960 begins tlic middle of this month with Mennen Speed Stick.
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1964 Mennen Speed Stick Deodorant PRINT AD One Clean Stroke ...
In stock Free deliveryThis vintage 1964 magazine print ad features the iconic Mennen Speed Stick Deodorant. The ad showcases a man confidently holding up the deodorant and flexing ...
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1987: The Softsoap brand of liquid soap is acquired. 1992: The Mennen Company is acquired; Total toothpaste is introduced overseas. 1995: ...
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Colgate-Palmolive Company is a $15.6 billion global company serving people in more than 200 countries and territories with consumer products that make lives ...
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And new Speed Stick ministick deodorants and Protex ... Pan-European new product launches successfully drove 6% unit growth broadly across the continent.
[17]
Colgate-Palmolive signs first Memorandum of Understanding with ...
Dec 7, 2021 · Multi-year strategic partnership formed to capture fast-growing online demand for high-quality oral care, home care and personal care products ...
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Lady Speed Stick Nominated for Best Global Body Care at ...
Dec 12, 2023 · We are proud to announce Lady Speed Stick's nomination for Best Global Body Care at the Tokopedia Beauty Awards 2023.<|control11|><|separator|>
[19]
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Technically Recyclable Packaging (Excludes Oral Care including Toothbush packaging and recent acquisitions). Percentage. --. --. --. --. --. --. 78%. 80%. 83%.Missing: Speed | Show results with:Speed
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Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant | Speed Stick® - Colgate-Palmolive
You'll find most antiperspirants have similar fragrances as deodorant. The key driver for sweat protection is the incorporation in the antiperspirant formulas ...
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Speed Stick Power Ultimate Sport Antiperspirant Deodorant 3 oz ...
Brand. Colgate Palmolive · Item Form. Stick · Number of Items. 12 · Unit Count. 36.0 Ounce · Item Volume. 3 Fluid Ounces · Application Method. Direct application.
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Clinical Protection | Speed Stick®
SPEED STICK® CLINICAL COMPLETE PROTECTION · 100% más Protección* contra el sudor · Neutraliza el origen del mal olor · Cuidado avanzado de la piel ...
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Speed Stick Power of Nature Avalanche Deodorant 1.8oz - Amazon.ca
Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock. Loading recommendations for you. Continue Shopping. Added to Cart ...
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Speed Stick Underarm Deodorant for Men, Aluminum Free, Ocean ...
Ocean surf scented men's deodorant with odor fighting formula provides 24 hour freshness · Aluminum free deodorant for men leaves no marks on clothes · Clear, ...
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Speed Stick Power Antiperspirant Deodorant for Men, Cool Fresh
Fresh Men's antiperspirant/deodorant with powerful wetness and odor protection that lasts all day. Feel clean, masculine and confident.
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Right Guard Sport Men's Fresh Scent Solid 48 Hour Deodorant and Antiperspirant for Men. Everyday Low Price $3 .49. Right Guard Sport Men's Fresh Scent Solid ...Missing: profiles | Show results with:profiles
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Sep 14, 2003 · In 1990, Colgate acquired Murphy's Oil Soap, the leading wood cleaner in the U.S.; Mennen Co., with its Baby Magic and Speed Stick deodorant and ...
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Speed Stick: 'Handle It' - YouTube
Feb 1, 2013 · A young man learns a lesson in dryer etiquette in this Super Bowl XLVII ad for Speed Stick deodorant. Don't miss a WSJ video, ...Missing: social 2010s
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10 YouTube Stars Your Brand Should Partner With - Contently
Feb 19, 2015 · This exposure has landed him sponsorships from some major brands, such as Mountain Dew, Reebok, and Speed Stick Gear. For those interested ...
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New Speed Stick® Power™ Antiperspirant/Deodorant and ...
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Speed Stick TV Spot, 'First Impressions Are Everything' Ft. Brandon ...
Jun 15, 2016 · Coach Speedman (played by John C. McGinley) gives some advice to basketball players Kris Dunn and Brandon Ingram.Missing: 1990s | Show results with:1990s
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Speed Stick TV Commercials - iSpot.tv
Speed Stick ads feature products in categories including Deodorant. You can connect with Speed Stick on Twitter and YouTube.Missing: history | Show results with:history
[36]
Speed Stick grabs creative hook with NBA - Sports Business Journal
Jan 19, 2003 · Colgate-Palmolive has signed an NBA sponsorship deal for its Speed Stick deodorant brand. ... The brand has had a Canadian NHL deal since 1996 but ...Missing: antiperspirant | Show results with:antiperspirant
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SPEED STICK THE DEODORANT SPONSOR OF THE NHL ... - eBay
In stock Free deliverySPEED STICK THE DEODORANT SPONSOR OF THE NHL VINTAGE INGLASCO VEGUM HOCKEY PUCK.
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Sep 4, 2018 · Speed Stick Deodorant | Television Commercial | 1988 Speed Stick is a brand of deodorant/antiperspirant that, as the name suggests, ...
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Apr 28, 2010 · The 2010 More Magazine | Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon, in partnership with New York Road Runners, was presented by Lady Speed Stick ...
[40]
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Apr 7, 2011 · The 2011 More Magazine | Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon was presented by Lady Speed Stick and Athleta, with product sponsors Duane Reade ...
[41]
BK Racing names sponsor for Cole Whitt's ride - NASCAR.com
May 20, 2014 · BK Racing announced Tuesday that Cole Whitt's No. 26 Toyota will be sponsored by Speed Stick Gear for six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, ...
[42]
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Registration for the Nation's Longest-Running Track & Field Series for Girls and Women is Now Open. Colgate-Palmolive Doubles the Value of Scholarships for ...
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Community Programs | Colgate-Palmolive
... athletic and wellness programs to children that are underserved. This robust initiative helps children foster new skills and develop healthy habits ...