The name "GEICO" was often mispronounced "Gecko," and as the brainstorming began, a quick doodle of a gecko appeared. Successful ad campaigns from the past have proven animals create a strong connection between customers and companies.

Geico's famous slogan, "Fifteen minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance," said by its gecko mascot, is now a part of American culture.

1936 – GEICO is established by Leo and Lillian Goodwin. 1948 – Investment banker Lorimer Davidson joins the company and expands its pool of investors. 1951 – Columbia University business student Warren Buffett makes his first purchase of GEICO stock.

In 1996, GEICO became a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, headed by Warren Buffett, one of the country's most successful investors. For the past several years, Fortune magazine has named Berkshire's property-casualty insurance operation the most admired in the country.

The Gecko was thought up because Geico was often pronounced as gecko. The icon of advertising started selling insurance in 1999 and was inducted to the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame six years later, in 2005. Since then, he has become one of the most well-known advertising icons because of his relatability.

the Government Employees Insurance Company In 1936, he put that plan into action, establishing the Government Employees Insurance Company - the company known and loved today as GEICO. Few people realize that GEICO was initially targeted to federal employees and certain categories of enlisted military officers.

The Gecko was thought up because Geico was often pronounced as gecko. The icon of advertising started selling insurance in 1999 and was inducted to the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame six years later, in 2005. Since then, he has become one of the most well-known advertising icons because of his relatability.

Transcript

• Boss: Hey, I'm glad I caught you.
• Gecko: All right.
• Gecko: "Good Driver Discounts: Now That's The Stuff.”
• Boss: How 'bout this?
• Gecko: "They're The Bee's Knees?”
• Boss: Or this?
• Gecko: Sir, how about just fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance?
• Boss: Heh, yeah.

The Gecko's current appearance. The GEICO Gecko, real name Martin, is the primary mascot of GEICO and its commercials. He is an animated gecko with a Cockney accent, and has been voiced by various voice actors over the years.

Jake Wood The current voice actor playing the role of the Gecko is Jake Wood.

the Government Employees Insurance Company In 1936, he put that plan into action, establishing the Government Employees Insurance Company - the company known and loved today as GEICO.

Jake Wood The current voice actor playing the role of the Gecko is Jake Wood. Wood is an English actor who starred in the long-running series 'East Enders' until 2021, and several films including 'The Illusionist' (2006), 'Vera Drake' (2004), and 'Red Dwarf' (1999).