Edward Gardner (February 25, 1925-present) - In 1964 Gardner and his wife, Bettiann, started Soft Sheen Products in their basement and grew it into a multi-million dollar business that was eventually purchased in 1998 by L'Oreal of Paris. Gardner worked for the Chicago Public Schools between 1945-1964 as a teacher and assistant principal. Gardner is an active community leader and is owner of the Chicago landmark, the New Regal Theatre.