Enduring Legacies: 5 Renowned Global Businesses That Were Founded By Families

Family businesses have long been an important part of the global business landscape. Here are five renowned businesses founded by families, rising from humble beginnings to global prestige.

- MALIKA KALOO

Marriott International

Founded by: Marriott family
Headquarters: U.S.

In May 1927, armed with just $6,000, John Willard Marriott and his wife Alice opened a nine-stool A&W Root Beer franchise in Washington D.C. As the menu expanded, the business was named Hot Shoppes, and in 1957, J.W. Marriott entered the hotel industry by opening the Twin Bridges Motor Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Today, Marriott International has a presence in 138 countries, with over 8,500 properties, including luxury brands such as Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. In 2022, Marriott International’s global headquarters opened in Marland, with a cafeteria called The Hot Shoppe. Davis S. Marriott, J.W. Marriott Jr.’s son, is the current chairman of the board.

Red Bull

Founded by: Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya
Headquarters: Austria