Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sewell Avery

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 23, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sewell Avery made an impact.

Sewell Lee Avery was an American businessman renowned for his leadership at United States Gypsum and Montgomery Ward. He served as president of US Gypsum from 1905 to 1936 and was recruited to revitalize the struggling Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Avery successfully restored the company's profitability through significant reforms. Despite being considered a leading Chicago businessman in the mid-1930s, his conservative approach in the post-World War II era, marked by a failure to expand and capitalize on consumer demand, ultimately led to Montgomery Ward losing its competitive edge in the retail market.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1901: United States Gypsum Company Formation

In 1901, the Alabaster Company became part of the consolidated gypsum concern, the United States Gypsum Company.

1905: Becomes President of United States Gypsum

In 1905, Avery became president of the United States Gypsum Company, marking a significant career advancement.

1905: President of US Gypsum

In 1905, Avery became president of the United States Gypsum Company, marking a significant career milestone.

1925: Supports Industrial Museum Idea

As president of the Commercial Club of Chicago, Avery supported Julius Rosenwald's idea for an industrial museum in 1925.

1926: Montgomery Ward Expansion

In 1926, Montgomery Ward had expanded to 10 stores.

1930: Montgomery Ward Expansion

In 1930, Montgomery Ward had expanded to 554 stores.

1931: Joins US Steel Board & Invited to Montgomery Ward

In 1931, Avery was invited onto the board of US Steel by J.P. Morgan & Co. and was also asked to revitalize Montgomery Ward, which was experiencing financial difficulties during the Depression.