Carlson is an American 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 owners' wealth. 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 1938-1961; foundation as Gold Bond Stamp Company Curt Carlson founded Carlson in 1938. It was originally named the Gold Bond Stamp Company and started with a $55 loan Carlson received from his landlord during the Great Depression. Carlson used "Gold Bond Stamps", a loyalty program based on trading stamps, to provide consumer incentives for grocery stores, supermarkets, and gas stations. The stamps could be redeemed for various items, such as patio furniture or a mink coat. During the 1950s, C. F. Carlson was the nation's largest supplier of mink coats. 1962-2013; Expansion into hospitality industry In 1962, Carlson bought into his first Radisson Hotel, a vintage property in Minneapolis named after French explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson. The chain grew rapidly by franchising the name and taking management contracts for new hotels throughout the country. The company was renamed Carlson Companies, Inc., in 1973. In 1975, Carlson ventured into the restaurant business by acquiring an interest in TGI Fridays, taking full ownership in 1989. It also purchased Country Kitchen, a chain of family-style restaurants in 1977, selling the brand in 1997. In 1981, Carlson 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 six days per week and not receiving higher pay than those at similar companies with less demands. In 1986, the company also established the Country Inns & Suites brand. In 1994, Carlson and Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, a division of Accor, merged their travel agencies to form CWT, a travel management company. In 1997, Carlson acquired Regent Hotels & Resorts from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Carlson gained the rights to develop future hotels, while Four Seasons maintained management of nine hotels. In spring 1998, Curt Carlson named his daughter Marilyn Carlson Nelson as his successor. He died in February 1999 after suffering a stroke. In 2000, the company acquired Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts. In 2005, Carlson