The Crowns of Chicago: From Humble Beginnings to Hospitality Empires (and Everything in Between)
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and...the Crowns? That's right, folks, nestled amongst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets lies a family dynasty as impressive as it is, well, secretive. But fear not, intrepid knowledge seekers, for we're about to pull back the curtain (or should we say, the velvet rope?) on the Crown fam.
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| Who Are The Crown Family In Chicago |
From Shovels to Steel: The Rise of a Business Titan
The Crown story starts with Henry Crown, a man who could turn a shovel into a gold mine (though, let's be honest, he probably started with selling shovels). Arriving in Chicago as a young immigrant, Henry went from building supplies to building an empire. His company, Material Service Corporation, became a titan of the industry, eventually merging with the mighty General Dynamics.
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Fun Fact: Henry Crown was apparently a bit shy about his success. When his children tried to honor him by naming various buildings after him (think art galleries and symphony halls), they had to do it in secret! Can you imagine trying to sneak a giant inscription onto a concert hall without dad noticing?
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The Family Business Blossoms (and Spreads Like Really Good Chicago Deep Dish)
Henry's sons, Lester and the late Irving, took the reins and diversified the family portfolio. We're talking everything from Hilton Hotels to the Chicago Bulls (champions, baby!), from Aspen Skiing Company to a big ol' chunk of the Rockefeller Center in New York City. Basically, if there's a place where people have a good time or need a really sturdy trailer for their truck, the Crowns might have a finger in the pie.
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Side Note: Aspen Skiing Company? Now that's what I call a family vacation! Though, with their kind of dough, I bet they have a private mountain or two.
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The Crown Legacy: Philanthropy and, of Course, More Business
The Crown family isn't all about building empires and swishing basketball nets. They're also big on giving back. Crown Family Philanthropies supports a variety of causes, from education to healthcare.
Additionally, the family continues to make shrewd business moves through their private holding company, CC Industries. Who knows what they'll add to their collection next? Maybe a fleet of spaceships? A time machine to buy stock in Apple before the iPhone? The possibilities are endless!
So, You Think You Know the Crowns? Test Your Trivia!
- How did the Crown family get their start? Building supplies! They went from selling shovels to selling, well, everything.
- What company did Henry Crown found? Material Service Corporation, which later merged with General Dynamics.
- What are some of the businesses the Crown family owns stakes in? Hilton Hotels, Chicago Bulls, Aspen Skiing Company, Rockefeller Center...the list goes on!
- What is the Crown family known for besides business? Philanthropy! Crown Family Philanthropies supports a variety of worthy causes.
- Where can I find out more about the Crown family? Well, good luck! They're a pretty private bunch. But hey, that's half the fun, right?
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