You can learn more about our selection of companies, including how they started and where they are today.
ALDI grew from a family retail business in Essen into two independent discount groups. Its history centers on a lean operating model, the 1961 split, international expansion and modernization around the same low-cost logic.
Macy’s began with R.H. Macy & Co. in New York in 1858. Its history runs through Herald Square, the Thanksgiving parade, bankruptcy, Federated’s national expansion of the name, and today’s smaller-store strategy.
Mercedes-Benz traces its roots to separate businesses built around Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. Their companies remained independent for decades before combining as Daimler-Benz in 1926.
Expedia Group grew from a Microsoft online travel project into an independent public company, then expanded through major brands, spin-offs, acquisitions, and shared technology serving travelers and business partners.
Rolex began as a London watch business in 1905 before moving to Geneva. Its history connects precision, the Oyster and Perpetual systems, professional watches, changing brand strategy, vertical integration, and foundation ownership.
The OpenAI story began with a nonprofit research mission and evolved through new funding structures, commercial model access, ChatGPT, board upheaval, and a Foundation-controlled public-benefit corporation.
AutoZone grew from a retail concept inside a grocery wholesaler into a public auto-parts company. Its story includes Pitt Hyde, the Auto Shack name, a trademark-driven rebrand, commercial customers, and international expansion.
Carrier history begins with Willis Carrier’s 1902 engineering work and follows the 1915 company, the rise of Carrier Corporation, United Technologies ownership, 2020 independence, and the modern shift toward climate and energy solutions.
Marriott International began as a small Washington food-service business in 1927. Its history includes the move into hotels, major restructurings, the Starwood acquisition, and the predominantly managed and franchised lodging system it operates today.
HSN grew from a Florida broadcast-shopping concept into a national television retailer, then expanded into web, mobile, streaming, and social commerce through decades of ownership and structural change.