Corporate Legends: Tracing the Roots of Kraft, Marriott, Mattel, and More
Kraft: Before: Kraft began in 1903 when James L. Kraft started selling cheese from a horse-drawn wagon in Chicago, Illinois. He eventually established a wholesale cheese distribution business.
Now: Kraft’s headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. The company has expanded its product portfolio and presence globally, becoming one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world.
Marriott: Before: Marriott’s story began with a nine-stool root beer stand that J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice Marriott, opened in Washington, D.C., in 1927. The stand eventually evolved into a restaurant and, later, a hotel business.
Now: Marriott’s headquarters, known as the Marriott International HQ, is situated in Bethesda, Maryland. The company has grown into a global hospitality giant, operating a vast network of hotels and resorts worldwide.
Mattel: Before: Mattel originated in a Southern California garage workshop in 1945. Harold “Matt” Matson and Elliot Handler founded the company, initially producing picture frames before transitioning to toy manufacturing.
Now: Mattel’s headquarters is located in El Segundo, California. The company is renowned for its iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price, and continues to shape the toy industry.
Nike: Before: Nike’s origins can be traced back to a handshake agreement between Bill Bowerman, a track and field coach, and Phil Knight, a middle-distance runner, in 1964. They started by distributing Japanese athletic shoes from the trunk of Knight’s car.
Now: Nike’s headquarters, known as the Nike World Headquarters, is located in Beaverton, Oregon. The sprawling campus encompasses numerous buildings, research facilities, and sports facilities, reflecting Nike’s status as a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel.
P&G (Procter & Gamble): Before: Procter & Gamble started as a partnership between William Procter, a candlemaker, and James Gamble, a soapmaker, in 1837. They began by producing and selling soap and candles in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Now: P&G’s headquarters, known as the P&G Towers, is situated in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company has evolved into one of the largest consumer goods corporations globally, with a diverse portfolio of products.
UPS (United Parcel Service): Before: UPS was founded as a messenger company called the American Messenger Company in Seattle, Washington, in 1907. It initially provided local parcel delivery services.
Now: UPS’s headquarters, known as the UPS Worldport, is located in Louisville, Kentucky. The Worldport serves as a central hub for UPS’s global logistics operations, playing a vital role in the company’s package sorting and distribution network.
Coffee Culture Catalysts: Tracing the Origins of Starbucks’ First Office
Starbucks: Before: The story of Starbucks began in 1971 when three friends, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, opened the first Starbucks store in Seattle, Washington. The store primarily sold coffee beans and equipment.
