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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.
