Curtis Carlson

Date of Birth: July 9, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 19, 1999

Biography

Curtis Leroy Carlson was an American businessman and entrepreneur best known for founding Carlson Companies, a global conglomerate in the hospitality, travel, and marketing industries. Born into a modest family, Carlson’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative marketing strategies turned his small trading stamp venture into a multi-billion-dollar empire. He was also a noted philanthropist, with significant contributions to education and medical research. Carlson’s journey began with the creation of the Gold Bond Stamp Company in 1938. The company offered trading stamps to grocery stores, which customers could collect and redeem for various products. This innovative concept quickly gained popularity, and the business expanded rapidly. Over the decades, Carlson Companies diversified into numerous sectors, including hotel chains like Radisson and Country Inns & Suites, travel management, and restaurant operations. Curtis Carlson was not only a business leader but also a dedicated philanthropist. He established the Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation, which has donated millions to various causes, particularly in education and healthcare. His legacy continues through Carlson Companies and the numerous charitable initiatives he supported.

5 Interesting Facts about Curtis Carlson

1. Curtis Carlson started his business with just $55, which he used to buy 50,000 trading stamps.

2. By the 1960s, Carlson Companies had a network of more than 50,000 merchants using their trading stamps.

3. Carlson acquired the Radisson Hotel chain in 1962, marking the company’s significant expansion into the hospitality industry.

4. He was awarded the Horatio Alger Award in 1981, which honors outstanding individuals who have succeeded despite adversity.

5. Carlson was a strong advocate for education, donating millions to institutions like the University of Minnesota, which named its School of Management after him.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Curtis Carlson

1. “Success is never final, and failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”

2. “The key to happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.”

3. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

4. “Philanthropy is not just about giving money but making a difference.”

5. “A company is only as good as the people it keeps.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Curtis Carlson achieved a peak net worth estimated at $1.3 billion.

Children

Curtis Carlson had two daughters, Barbara Carlson Gage and Marilyn Carlson Nelson. Both daughters have been actively involved in Carlson Companies and various philanthropic activities. Marilyn Carlson Nelson succeeded her father as CEO of Carlson Companies and has continued to drive the business forward.