The Million Dollar Legacy
A Family’s Journey from a Crazy Idea to a National Success
In 1996, Gene Dowdle had a bold and seemingly crazy idea: to create and sell Million Dollar Bills. His family was skeptical, but Gene was determined. He knew that businesses needed unique marketing tools that would leave a lasting impression. So, in May of that year, he filed for a copyright, and his family-owned printing company in Georgia, began producing these eye-catching bills.
Not long after the first Million Dollar Bills were sold, however, the U.S. Secret Service took notice. No real Million Dollar Bill had ever been printed by the U.S. Treasury, and this raised their suspicions. They visited the Dowdle family’s print shop on more than one occasion, investigating the legitimacy of this unusual marketing tool. After requesting a change of the seals on the front of the bill, reviewing the updated design, and understanding the nature of the product, they gave their authorization for the production of these custom bills. What had started as a simple idea was now officially approved, giving the business a unique stamp of authenticity.
Gene took great pride in this milestone. With the Secret Service’s approval, his company has sold billions of Million Dollar Bills over the years, to customers in all 50 states, USVI, Puerto Rico, Canada, and United Kingdom. Each order is an affirmation of Gene’s vision. Every time the fax machine beeped with another order, Gene would exclaim, “Here comes another Million Dollar Bill order!” and rub his hands together in excitement.
Gene’s Passion Lives On
When Gene retired in 2005, his daughters took over the business, keeping his dream alive. After Gene’s passing in 2012, they carried forward his vision and, in January 2022, launched a New Design that combined elements of the original artwork with fresh, modern touches. They even secured a new copyright from the U.S. Library of Congress.
Today, both the Standard Design and the New Design are popular, with customers sharing stories of how these Million Dollar Bills have become cherished keepsakes. Some clients hold onto their bills for years, remembering the impact they made when first received.
A Family Tradition
The Dowdle family’s passion for printing lives on. Every time a new order comes in, Gene’s daughters think of their father and how much he would love the updated design. “Dad would have gone broke mailing these to everyone,” they joke, but they know that he would be proud of how his original idea has grown into something so meaningful for so many.
Atlanta AdGraphics remains a family-owned business, proudly providing custom print materials and innovative marketing solutions to businesses across the country.
