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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Carlson
| name = Carlson
| logo = Carlson Logo.svg
| logo = Carlson Logo.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_size = 200px
| type = [[Privately owned company|Private]]
| type = [[Privately owned company]]
| foundation = 1938
| foundation = {{start date and age|1938}}
| founder = [[Curt Carlson]]
| location = [[Minnetonka, Minnesota|Minnetonka]], [[Minnesota]], United States<ref>[http://www.carlson.com/contact/ Contact]." Carlson Companies. Retrieved on February 9, 2011. "Carlson 701 Carlson Parkway Minnetonka, MN 55305 U.S.A."</ref>
| location = [[Minnetonka, Minnesota]], United States<ref>{{cite web | url=http://carlson.com/news-and-contact | title=News & Contacts | publisher=Carlson}}</ref>
| key_people = David Berg (President and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
| key_people = Andy Cantwell, [[CEO]] of Carlson Private Capital Partners<BR>Kurt Ekert, [[CEO]] of CWT
| owner =
| industry = [[Hospitality]], [[Travel]]
| owner = Barbara Carlson Gage and [[Marilyn Carlson Nelson]]
| products = Travel services
| industry = [[Family office]]
| homepage = {{url|http://www.carlson.com}}
| subsid = [[CWT (company)|CWT]]
| homepage = {{URL|http://carlson.com/}}
| num_employees = About 175,000
}}
}}
⚫
[[File:Frankfurt Radisson Blu Hotel.S.20131124.jpg|thumb|A Radisson Blu hotel in Frankfurt, Germany]]


'''Carlson''' (often referred to by its previous name '''Carlson Companies''') is an American [[Corporation#Closely held and public|privately held]] international corporation in the [[travel]] industries. Headquartered in [[Minnetonka, Minnesota]], a [[Minneapolis]] suburb, Carlson brands and services, including franchised operations, employ more than 175,000 people in more than 160 countries and territories.{{citation needed|date=June 2011}} The company's 2012 sales, including those from franchised operations, totaled $37.6 billion. It is one of the largest family-held corporations in the United States.
'''Carlson''' is a [[Corporation#Closely held and public|privately held]] company headquartered in [[Minnetonka, Minnesota]], United States. Its primary subsidiaries are [[CWT (company)|CWT]], a [[travel management company]], and Carlson Private Capital Partners, a [[family office]] that manages the wealth of the owners. It previously held interests in hotels, including [[Radisson Hotels]], and restaurants, including [[TGI Fridays]]. The company is owned by Barbara Carlson Gage and [[Marilyn Carlson Nelson]], daughters of the founder, [[Curt Carlson]].


==History==
==History==
{{refimprove-section|date=January 2019}}
{{refimprove-section|date=January 2019}}
Carlson was founded in 1938 as the '''Gold Bond Stamp Company''' by [[Curt Carlson]], who used a $55 loan to start his venture.<ref name="Guliani 2016">{{cite book | last=Guliani | first=L.K. | title=Corporate Social Responsibility in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry | publisher=IGI Global | series=Advances in Hospitality, Tourism, and the Services Industry | year=2016 | isbn=978-1-4666-9903-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=svS1CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA74 | access-date=December 9, 2017 | pages=74–75}}</ref> Founded during the [[Great Depression]], he used "Gold Bond Stamps", a [[Loyalty program|consumer loyalty program]] based on [[trading stamp]]s, to provide consumer incentive for grocery stores.
Carlson was founded as the '''Gold Bond Stamp Company''' by [[Curt Carlson]], with a $55 loan from his landlor, in 1938, during the [[Great Depression]].<ref name=obit/><ref name=inc>{{cite news | url=https://www.inc.com/christine-lagorio-chafkin/carlson-family-business-gold-bond-stamps.html | title=The Surprising Principle That Has Guided This Family Business for 80 Years: 'Don't Fall in Love' | first=Christine | last=Lagorio-Chafkin | work=[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc.]] | date=April 25, 2019}}</ref> Carlson used "Gold Bond Stamps", a [[loyalty program]] based on [[trading stamp]]s, to provide consumer incentives for grocery stores, supermarkets, and gas stations.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/02/carlsonfeud | title=Carlsons' bitter family battle becomes public in court | agency=[[Associated Press]] | publisher=[[KNOW-FM]] | date=May 2, 2007}}</ref> The stamps could be redeemed for various items such as patio furniture or a [[mink coat]].<ref name=inc/> During the 1950s, C.F. Carlson was the largest supplier of mink coats in the United States.<ref name=inc/>


The company was renamed Carlson Companies, Inc. in 1973.<ref name=inc/>
Gold Bond stamps were used as customer incentives in many supermarkets and gas stations (and other businesses) [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/02/carlsonfeud and] they could be redeemed for a large array of merchandise, from a set of steak knives up to a mink coat. During the 1950s, Carlson was the largest supplier of mink coats in the United States. Sales were brisk until the late 1960s when trading stamps began to lose popularity.


In 1962, Carlson bought into his first Radisson Hotel, a vintage property in [[Minneapolis]] named after French explorer [[Pierre-Esprit Radisson]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/radisson-is-investing-nearly-200-million-in-brand/476413183/ | title=Radisson is investing nearly $200 million in brand | first=Nicole | last=Norfleet | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=March 10, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/carlson-hotels-to-change-name-as-minnesota-company-looks-to-future/461351953/ | title=Carlson Hotels to change name as Minnesota company looks to future | first=Nicole | last=Norfleet | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=December 1, 2017}}</ref> The chain grew rapidly by franchising the name and taking management contracts for new hotels throughout the United States.
The company was renamed '''Carlson Companies, Inc.''' in 1973 as they diversified into the hospitality, corporate incentive and travel industries.


In 1975, Carlson acquired an interest in [[TGI Fridays]], and took full ownership in 1989.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/31/business/carlson-to-merge-with-friday-s.html | title=Carlson to Merge With Friday's | agency=[[Associated Press]] | publisher=[[The New York Times]] | date=July 31, 1989 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
In 1962, Carlson purchased their first [[Radisson Hotel]] in Minneapolis. CCI (as it was known internally) then went on to purchase [[T.G.I. Friday's]] in 1975 and Country Kitchen International in 1977. In 1987, Carlson founded [[Country Inns & Suites|Country Inns & Suites By Carlson]]. In 2000, Carlson acquired the [[Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts|Park Plaza and Park Inn]] brands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carlson.com/our-company|title=Our Company {{!}} Carlson|website=www.carlson.com|access-date=2019-02-21}}</ref>


In 1977, Carlson acquired Country Kitchen, a chain of family-style restaurants.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/44891779/ns/business-us_business/t/ten-vanishing-american-restaurant-chains/ | title=Ten vanishing American restaurant chains | first=Charles B. | last=Stockdale | work=[[NBC News]] | date=October 14, 2011}}</ref>
The original Radisson acquisition was a vintage Minneapolis hotel, named for French explorer [[Pierre Radisson]]. Mr. Carlson and nine local businessmen friends bought it jointly, each holding ten percent. The other owners later dropped out one by one, Curt Carlson buying up each person's share until he owned the entire hotel. It was demolished in 1982, considered as being too old and deteriorated to renovate profitably. However, Carlson had built an associated hotel a few years earlier, the Radisson South in south suburban [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]], which was thriving. That, and the success of a Radisson Inn built near the company headquarters, motivated Carlson to construct a new Radisson on the downtown site of the demolished hotel. Thereafter, the chain grew rapidly by franchising the name and taking management contracts for new hotels throughout the USA.


In 1981, it acquired E.F. MacDonald Motivation Co., another incentive management company, making the company the largest trading stamp company in the world. At that time, many employees were working 6 days per week and not receiving a higher pay than at similar companies with less demands.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.apnews.com/1298db34151d6be6baa9dbcfc032a6c4 | title=Richest Man in Minnesota Reflects on 50 Years of Business | first=Tony | last=Kennedy | work=[[Associated Press]] | date=July 22, 1988}}</ref>
By the early 1980s, Curt Carlson had acquired over 50 diverse businesses, most of them small and some not running profitably. Under the administration of president Edwin C. "Skip" Gage, husband of Curt's younger daughter, the majority of those small enterprises were sold. The company then purchased the MacDonald Plaid Stamp business (a public company listed on the [[New York Stock Exchange]]) and merged it with the Gold Bond Stamp business to become the largest trading stamp company in the world.


In 1986, the company also established the [[Country Inns & Suites]] brand.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/countryinnsuitesbyradisson/282249 | title=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | publisher=[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]]}}</ref>
In 1994, Carlson Travel Group and Paris-based Wagonlit Travel signed an alliance to form [[Carlson Wagonlit Travel]] (CWT)— one of the world's largest business travel management companies.


In 1989, Edwin C. "Skip" Gage, the son-in-law of the founder, became CEO of the company.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-04-05-1992096096-story.html | title=Carlson Cos.' 77-year-old CEO has mellowed with age, but is still a tough boss | first=Edwin | last=McDowell | work=[[Baltimore Sun]] | date=April 5, 1992 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
In a return to their roots, the Carlson Companies started an electronic [[incentive program#Consumer|consumer incentive program]] named GoldPoints.com in 1997. The program later was modified and became goldpoints plus, the incentive program of Carlson Hotels. (Effective March 31, 2011, Club Carlson replaced the goldpoints plus hotel loyalty program.)


In 1994, Carlson and [[Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits]], a division of [[Accor]], merged their travel agencies to form [[CWT (company)|CWT]], a [[travel management company]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Corporate-Travel/CWT-scrubs-Carlson-and-Wagonlit-from-name | title=CWT scrubs Carlson and Wagonlit from name | first=Jamie | last=Biesiada | work=[[Travel Weekly]] | date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>
In 1998, Curtis L. Carlson named his daughter [[Marilyn Carlson Nelson]] as his successor; a year later he died.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/061022/30nelson.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2007-05-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222104433/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/061022/30nelson.htm |archivedate=2007-02-22 }}</ref> [[Hubert Joly]] became Carlson's president and [[CEO|chief executive officer]] in 2008 and served in this capacity until August 2012, when he was succeeded by Trudy Rautio. Rautio most previously served as the company's CFO. In May 2013, Diana Nelson assumed the chairmanship of the board of directors, succeeding her mother, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, who also continues to serve as chairman emeritus. Rautio retired in 2015, leading to the company having separate CEOs for the hotel and travel businesses until the hotel business was sold to HNA.<ref>[http://www.startribune.com/carlson-ceo-trudy-rautio-retires-new-management-team-named/295174711/]</ref>


In 1997, the company started an electronic [[incentive program]] named GoldPoints.com. In 2011, the program was replaced by Club Carlson.
In 2016, Carlson sold Carlson Hotels, Inc. to [[HNA Group|HNA Tourism Group]]. In 2018, Carlson Hotels became [[Radisson Hotel Group]].


In 1997, the company sold Country Kitchen.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/1997/07/21/daily8.html | title=Country Kitchen Inc. sold | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=July 23, 1997}}</ref>
==<span id="Carlson Hotels"></span> Carlson Hotels==
{{see also|Radisson Hotel Group}}
⚫
[[File:Frankfurt Radisson Blu Hotel.S.20131124.jpg|thumb|A Radisson Blu hotel in Frankfurt, Germany]]
Carlson Hotels was a wholly owned division of Carlson Companies. Carlson Companies sold the whole hotel division in 2016.


In 1997, Carlson acquired [[Regent Hotels & Resorts]] from [[Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ft.com/content/755f5e3a-8919-11df-8ecd-00144feab49a | title=Revival plan for luxury Regent hotels | first=Robin | last=Kwong | work=[[Financial Times]] | date=July 7, 2010 | url-access=limited}}</ref> Carlson gained the rights to develop future hotels, while Four Seasons maintained management of 9 hotels.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.hotel-online.com/archives/archive-51125/ | title=The Regent Beverly Wilshire Ranks 37th in the Continental United States and Canada According to Trav | work=Hotel Online | date=October 1, 1999}}</ref>
In 1962, Carlson bought into his first Radisson Hotel in Minneapolis, a vintage property named after French explorer [[Pierre-Esprit Radisson]]. Two years later, he bought complete control of the hotel, which, by 1982, was deemed too old to renovate profitably and demolished.{{cn|date=January 2019}} By this time, Carlson had also built the thriving Radisson South Bloomington and the Radisson in Minneapolis – successes that convinced the company to construct a contemporary new Radisson on the site of their original hotel.{{cn|date=January 2019}}


In Spring 1998, Curt Carlson named his daughter [[Marilyn Carlson Nelson]] as his successor. He died in February 1999, 9 days after suffering a stroke.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199902/22_zdechlikm_carlson/ | title=Curt Carlson Obit | first=Mark | last=Zdechlik | work=[[Minnesota Public Radio]] | date=February 22, 1999}}</ref><ref name=obit>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/22/business/curtis-l-carlson-84-founder-of-trading-stamp-conglomerate.html | title=Curtis L. Carlson, 84, Founder Of Trading Stamp Conglomerate | first=Robert | last=Thomas Jr. | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=February 22, 1999 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/03/classified/paid-notice-deaths-carlson-curtis-l.html | title=Paid Notice: Deaths CARLSON, CURTIS L. | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=March 3, 1999 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
In 1986, the company also established the [[Country Inns & Suites]] brand.<ref name=book/>{{rp|92}}


In 2000, the company acquired [[Park Inn by Radisson]] and [[Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4005114.html | title=Olympus Hospitality Group and Carlson Hotels Worldwide Align to Grow Brands; Radisson, Regent, Park Plaza and Park Inn Brands Targeted for New Acquisitions and Franchises | publisher=Hospitality Net | date=6 June 2000}}</ref>
In 1997, Carlson acquired the brand [[Regent Hotels]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/755f5e3a-8919-11df-8ecd-00144feab49a|title=Revival plan for luxury Regent hotels |date=July 7, 2010|access-date=January 20, 2019|newspaper=Financial Times|publication-place=London|location=Taipei|first=Robin |last=Kwong|url-access=limited}}</ref> (was a partnership between Carlson and [[Four Seasons Hotels]] in 1996, according to other source<ref name=book>{{cite journal|title=Carlson Companies, Inc.|journal=International Directory of Company Histories|volume=181|date=2016|orig-year=previous versions of the article were published in vol.6, 22 and 87|publisher=St. James Press ([[Gale (publisher)|Gale]], [[Cengage Learning]] group)|publication-place=Farmington Hills, Michigan|first1=Elisabeth|last1=Rourke|first2=David E.|last2=Salamie|first3=Kathleen|last3=Peippo|first4=Carrie|last4=Rothburd|isbn=978-1-55862-955-4|editor-first=Jay P.|editor-last=Pederson}}</ref>{{rp|93}})


Carlson also bought [[Park Inn by Radisson|Park Inn]] and [[Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts|Park Plaza]] in 2000.<ref name=book/>{{rp|93}} In 2005, Carlson acquired 25% stake of [[Rezidor Hotel Group]], a business partner of the hotel division in the [[Europe, the Middle East and Africa]] (EMEA) markets. Rezidor became a subsidiary of the Carlson hotel group in 2010, despite retaining its listing status. The hotel group then rebraned as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in January 2012.
In 2005, Carlson acquired 25% of [[Rezidor Hotel Group]], a business partner of the hotel division in the [[Europe, the Middle East and Africa]] (EMEA) markets. Rezidor became a subsidiary of the Carlson hotel group in 2010, despite retaining its listing status. The hotel group then rebranded as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in January 2012.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Carlson-and-Rezidor-merge | title=Carlson and Rezidor merge | first=Danny | last=King | work=[[Travel Weekly]] | date=January 18, 2012}}</ref>


[[Hubert Joly]] became president and [[CEO]] in 2008 and served in this capacity until August 2012, when he was succeeded by Trudy Rautio. Rautio previously served as [[CFO]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4057335.html | title=Carlson appoints Trudy Rautio as President and CEO; Hubert Joly resigns | publisher=Hospitality Net | date=20 August 2012}}</ref>
In 2016, Carlson Hotels (Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group) and their subsidiaries were sold from Carlson Companies to Chinese conglomerate [[HNA Group]]. The former division was renamed to [[Radisson Hotel Group]] in 2018.


In May 2013, Diana Nelson assumed the chairmanship of the board of directors, succeeding her mother, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, who also continues to serve as chairman emeritus. Rautio retired in 2015, leading to the company having separate CEOs for the hotel and travel businesses until the hotel business was sold to HNA.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/carlson-ceo-trudy-rautio-retires-new-management-team-named/295174711/ | title=Carlson CEO Trudy Rautio retires; new management team named | first=David | last=Phelps | work=Star Tribune | date= March 6, 2015}}</ref>
==<span id="Carlson Restaurants"></span> Carlson Restaurants==
Carlson Restaurants was a division of Carlson Companies.


In 2014, the company sold TGI Fridays to [[Sentinel Capital Partners]] and TriArtisan Capital Partners for a reported $800 million.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/05/20/carlson-sells-tgi-fridays-reportedly-for-800m.html | title=Carlson sells TGI Fridays, reportedly for $800M | work=[[CNBC]] | date=May 20, 2014}}</ref>
Carlson acquired [[TGI Fridays]] (formerly T.G.I. Friday's), a restaurant chain in 1975.<ref name=book/>{{rp|90}} In 1976, Carlson acquired Country Kitchen, a chain of family-style restaurants.<ref name="Ivanova Ivanov Magnini 2016">{{cite book | editor-last=Ivanova | editor-first=Maya | editor-last2=Ivanov | editor-first2=Stanislav | editor-last3=Magnini | editor-first3=Vincent P. | title=The Routledge Handbook of Hotel Chain Management | publisher=Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group) | year=2016 | isbn=9781315752532 | url=https://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-Handbook-of-Hotel-Chain-Management/Ivanova-Ivanov-Magnini/p/book/9781138805057|chapter=Hotel chains, globalisation, and politics|first=Craig|last=Webster}}</ref>


In 2016, the company sold its hotel division, including [[Rezidor Hotel Group]], [[Country Inns & Suites]] by Carlson, [[Park Inn by Radisson]], [[Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts]], [[Radisson Hotels]], [[Radisson Blu]] Hotels, and [[Radisson Red]] Hotels were sold to Chinese conglomerate [[HNA Group]]. The division was renamed [[Radisson Hotel Group]] in 2018.
Carlson sold TGI Fridays in 2014<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/05/20/carlson-sells-tgi-fridays-reportedly-for-800m.html|title=Carlson sells TGI Fridays, reportedly for $800M|date=May 20, 2014|access-date=January 20, 2019|publisher=CNBC}}</ref> and Country Kitchen in 1997.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/1997/07/21/daily8.html|title=Country Kitchen Inc. sold |date=July 23, 1997|access-date=January 20, 2019|newspaper=Minneapolis/St.Paul Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals}}</ref>


In 2018, the company launched a [[family office]] to invest its cash.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/carlson-family-starts-investment-firm-with-an-eye-on-family-owned-and-midsized-firms/481680131/ | title=Carlson family starts investment firm, with an eye on family-owned and midsized firms | first=Nicole | last=Norfleet | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> It also renovated its headquarters.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/carlson-hq-to-be-renovated-and-open-to-other-tenants/492517851/ | title=Carlson HQ to be renovated and open to other tenants | first=Nicole | last=Norfleet | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=September 5, 2018}}</ref>
{{expand section|date=January 2019}}

== Brands ==
*[[Carlson Wagonlit Travel]]

=== Former Hotel Brands===<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->
Carlson's hotel subsidiaries now sold in 2016, include:
*[[Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group]]
**[[Rezidor Hotel Group]]
**[[Country Inns & Suites]] by Carlson
**[[Park Inn by Radisson]]
**[[Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts]]
**Quorvus Collection (now Radisson Collection)
**[[Radisson Hotels]]
**[[Radisson Blu]] Hotels
**[[Radisson Red]] Hotels


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|1}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal|Minnesota|Companies}}
{{Portal|Minnesota|Companies}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101212101615/http://carlson.com/our-company/history.php Carlson History]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110218053422/http://www.carlson.com/news-and-media/news-releases.php?article=2005 Club Carlson<sup>SM</sup>]


{{commons cat|Carlson Companies}}
{{commons cat|Carlson Companies}}

<!--spacing-->
{{Carlson}}
{{Carlson}}
{{Minnesota Corporations|state=collapsed}}
{{Minnesota Corporations|state=collapsed}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Conglomerate companies established in 1938]]
[[Category:Conglomerate companies established in 1938]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Minnesota]]

Revision as of 18:53, 6 October 2019

Carlson
Company typePrivately owned company
IndustryFamily office
Founded1938; 87 years ago (1938)
FounderCurt Carlson
HeadquartersMinnetonka, Minnesota, United States[1]
Key people
Andy Cantwell, CEO of Carlson Private Capital Partners
Kurt Ekert, CEO of CWT
OwnerBarbara Carlson Gage and Marilyn Carlson Nelson
SubsidiariesCWT
Websitecarlson.com
A Radisson Blu hotel in Frankfurt, Germany

Carlson is a privately held company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States. Its primary subsidiaries are CWT, a travel management company, and Carlson Private Capital Partners, a family office that manages the wealth of the owners. It previously held interests in hotels, including Radisson Hotels, and restaurants, including TGI Fridays. The company is owned by Barbara Carlson Gage and Marilyn Carlson Nelson, daughters of the founder, Curt Carlson.

History

Carlson was founded as the Gold Bond Stamp Company by Curt Carlson, with a $55 loan from his landlor, in 1938, during the Great Depression.[2][3] Carlson used "Gold Bond Stamps", a loyalty program based on trading stamps, to provide consumer incentives for grocery stores, supermarkets, and gas stations.[4] The stamps could be redeemed for various items such as patio furniture or a mink coat.[3] During the 1950s, C.F. Carlson was the largest supplier of mink coats in the United States.[3]

The company was renamed Carlson Companies, Inc. in 1973.[3]

In 1962, Carlson bought into his first Radisson Hotel, a vintage property in Minneapolis named after French explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson.[5][6] The chain grew rapidly by franchising the name and taking management contracts for new hotels throughout the United States.

In 1975, Carlson acquired an interest in TGI Fridays, and took full ownership in 1989.[7]

In 1977, Carlson acquired Country Kitchen, a chain of family-style restaurants.[8]

In 1981, it acquired E.F. MacDonald Motivation Co., another incentive management company, making the company the largest trading stamp company in the world. At that time, many employees were working 6 days per week and not receiving a higher pay than at similar companies with less demands.[9]

In 1986, the company also established the Country Inns & Suites brand.[10]

In 1989, Edwin C. "Skip" Gage, the son-in-law of the founder, became CEO of the company.[11]

In 1994, Carlson and Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, a division of Accor, merged their travel agencies to form CWT, a travel management company.[12]

In 1997, the company started an electronic incentive program named GoldPoints.com. In 2011, the program was replaced by Club Carlson.

In 1997, the company sold Country Kitchen.[13]

In 1997, Carlson acquired Regent Hotels & Resorts from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.[14] Carlson gained the rights to develop future hotels, while Four Seasons maintained management of 9 hotels.[15]

In Spring 1998, Curt Carlson named his daughter Marilyn Carlson Nelson as his successor. He died in February 1999, 9 days after suffering a stroke.[16][2][17]

In 2000, the company acquired Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts in 2000.[18]

In 2005, Carlson acquired 25% of Rezidor Hotel Group, a business partner of the hotel division in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) markets. Rezidor became a subsidiary of the Carlson hotel group in 2010, despite retaining its listing status. The hotel group then rebranded as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in January 2012.[19]

Hubert Joly became president and CEO in 2008 and served in this capacity until August 2012, when he was succeeded by Trudy Rautio. Rautio previously served as CFO.[20]

In May 2013, Diana Nelson assumed the chairmanship of the board of directors, succeeding her mother, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, who also continues to serve as chairman emeritus. Rautio retired in 2015, leading to the company having separate CEOs for the hotel and travel businesses until the hotel business was sold to HNA.[21]

In 2014, the company sold TGI Fridays to Sentinel Capital Partners and TriArtisan Capital Partners for a reported $800 million.[22]

In 2016, the company sold its hotel division, including Rezidor Hotel Group, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels, Radisson Blu Hotels, and Radisson Red Hotels were sold to Chinese conglomerate HNA Group. The division was renamed Radisson Hotel Group in 2018.

In 2018, the company launched a family office to invest its cash.[23] It also renovated its headquarters.[24]

References

  1. ^ "News & Contacts". Carlson.
  2. ^ a b Thomas Jr., Robert (February 22, 1999). "Curtis L. Carlson, 84, Founder Of Trading Stamp Conglomerate". The New York Times.
  3. ^ a b c d Lagorio-Chafkin, Christine (April 25, 2019). "The Surprising Principle That Has Guided This Family Business for 80 Years: 'Don't Fall in Love'". Inc.
  4. ^ "Carlsons' bitter family battle becomes public in court". KNOW-FM. Associated Press. May 2, 2007.
  5. ^ Norfleet, Nicole (March 10, 2018). "Radisson is investing nearly $200 million in brand". Star Tribune.
  6. ^ Norfleet, Nicole (December 1, 2017). "Carlson Hotels to change name as Minnesota company looks to future". Star Tribune.
  7. ^ "Carlson to Merge With Friday's". The New York Times. Associated Press. July 31, 1989.
  8. ^ Stockdale, Charles B. (October 14, 2011). "Ten vanishing American restaurant chains". NBC News.
  9. ^ Kennedy, Tony (July 22, 1988). "Richest Man in Minnesota Reflects on 50 Years of Business". Associated Press.
  10. ^ "Country Inn & Suites by Radisson". Entrepreneur.
  11. ^ McDowell, Edwin (April 5, 1992). "Carlson Cos.' 77-year-old CEO has mellowed with age, but is still a tough boss". Baltimore Sun.
  12. ^ Biesiada, Jamie (February 21, 2019). "CWT scrubs Carlson and Wagonlit from name". Travel Weekly.
  13. ^ "Country Kitchen Inc. sold". American City Business Journals. July 23, 1997.
  14. ^ Kwong, Robin (July 7, 2010). "Revival plan for luxury Regent hotels". Financial Times.
  15. ^ "The Regent Beverly Wilshire Ranks 37th in the Continental United States and Canada According to Trav". Hotel Online. October 1, 1999.
  16. ^ Zdechlik, Mark (February 22, 1999). "Curt Carlson Obit". Minnesota Public Radio.
  17. ^ "Paid Notice: Deaths CARLSON, CURTIS L.". The New York Times. March 3, 1999.
  18. ^ "Olympus Hospitality Group and Carlson Hotels Worldwide Align to Grow Brands; Radisson, Regent, Park Plaza and Park Inn Brands Targeted for New Acquisitions and Franchises" (Press release). Hospitality Net. 6 June 2000.
  19. ^ King, Danny (January 18, 2012). "Carlson and Rezidor merge". Travel Weekly.
  20. ^ "Carlson appoints Trudy Rautio as President and CEO; Hubert Joly resigns" (Press release). Hospitality Net. 20 August 2012.
  21. ^ Phelps, David (March 6, 2015). "Carlson CEO Trudy Rautio retires; new management team named". Star Tribune.
  22. ^ "Carlson sells TGI Fridays, reportedly for $800M". CNBC. May 20, 2014.
  23. ^ Norfleet, Nicole (May 3, 2018). "Carlson family starts investment firm, with an eye on family-owned and midsized firms". Star Tribune.
  24. ^ Norfleet, Nicole (September 5, 2018). "Carlson HQ to be renovated and open to other tenants". Star Tribune.
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