Corporate Office HQ

Microsoft Corporate Office

Microsoft

Microsoft was founded in 1975 by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

In 1980, the company launched Xenix, their operating system based off of Unix.

History

In 1984, Microsoft Windows launched.

In 1986, the company headquarters were moved to Redmond, Washington where they remain today. The company also went public this same year.

In 1990, Microsoft Office was launched.

In 2000, Bill Gates was replaced as CEO by Steve Ballmer.

In 2001, the Xbox and Windows XP are both unveiled.

In 2007, Windows Vista is launched.

In 2011, the company acquired Skype.

In 2012, the Microsoft Surface tablet is launched.

Today, Microsoft is a multinational software manufacturer. Microsoft Windows is the most used desktop operating system in the world. The company also produces other consumer electronics like the Xbox and Zune.

In November 2018, Microsoft became the world’s most valuable company, rising above Apple.

Microsoft confirmed suspicions in 2019 that Cortana and Skype recordings were not private.

In mid-August 2019, the company warned users to update their Windows 10 systems immediately to avoid a virus that spreads malware between computers without any user interaction.

Microsoft was founded in 1975 by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen. In 1980, the company launched Xenix, their operating system based off of Unix. In 1984, Microsoft Windows launched. In 1986, the company headquarters were moved to … [Continue reading] about Microsoft Corporate Office

HP Corporate Office

Hewlett-Packard (HP)

Hewlett-Packard, or HP for short, was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard. Their first successful product was the HP200A, an audio oscillator. These early computer engineers worked out of their garage and flipped a coin to decide if their company would be called PH or HP.

History

In 1947, the company officially incorporated.

In 1957, the company went public on the NYSE under the ticker symbol: HPQ

One of the company’s earliest customers was Walt Disney Productions which bought eight Model 200B oscillators for use in certifying the surround sound systems installed in theaters for the movie Fantasia.

The company began developing semiconductors in the 1960s and today is recognized as the founding company of Silicon Valley.

In the 1970s, the company released the HP 3000, an advanced business computing server.

In 1984, the company began producing both inkjet and laser printers for the personal computers.

In 2002, HP merged with Compaq.

In 2008, the company acquired EDS.

In 2009, the company acquired 3Com.

In 2010, the company acquired Palm.

In 2015, the company changed its name from Hewlett-Packard Corporation to simply HP, Inc.

Today, HP is the world’s leading PC manufacturer. They also produce other technology hardware and software solutions.

The company still has headquarters located in Palo Alto, California.

Honda Corporate Office

Honda

Honda was founded in 1946 by Soichiro Honda, who opened the Honda Technical Institute. Their first product was a bicycle engine.

In 1958, the company unveils its Super Cub motorbike.

History

In 1959, the American Honda Motor Company opens in Los Angeles, California.

In 1963, the S500 sports car is released in Japan.

In 1964, Honda’s Sayama plant begins producing automobiles.

In 1966, the N360 compact car is debuted.

In 1969, the CB750 motorcycle is launched.

In 1972, the Honda Civic is released.

In 1978, the Honda Prelude is released.

In 1986, the Acura brand is launched.

By 1989, the Honda Accord has become the best selling car in America.

In 1990, the Acura NSX supercar is debuted.

Honda issued a recall affecting more than 1.6 million Honda’s and Acura’s with Takata air bags that could potentially cause death. The recall affects other manufacturers as well and was so large, it forced Takata into bankruptcy.

The company is expanding into other areas including aircraft, robots, bicycles, and solar power.

Honda makes about 1/3rd of the Hondas sold in the US at a plant in Ohio but uses parts imported from Japan. The Honda Passport receives high rankings and is made in Alabama.

In December 2020, Honda announced a recall of nearly 2 million vehicles worldwide for master window switches that could catch fire.

Today, Honda Motor Company manufactures cars, motorcycles and other small engine items. Honda has been the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959.

Honda was founded in 1946 by Soichiro Honda, who opened the Honda Technical Institute. Their first product was a bicycle engine. In 1958, the company unveils its Super Cub motorbike. In 1959, the American Honda Motor Company opens in Los Angeles, … [Continue reading] about Honda Corporate Office

Golden Corral Corporate Office

Golden Corral

Golden Corral was founded in 1973 by James Maynard and Bill Carl after they failed multiple times to purchase franchises of other restaurants. The first Golden Corral restaurant was located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

By 1979, there were over 100 restaurants in the chain.

History

In 1982, the company acquires Sirloin Stockade, which adds almost 200 more locations.

In 1991, the company launches 7 Metro Market concept restaurants. These markets were double the size of a traditional Golden Corral.

In 1992, the company begins to franchise.

In 1993, the first restaurant outside the US opens in Mexico.

In 1997, the company signs a large franchise agreement with Frisch’s.

In 2003, a Georgia restaurant had to be closed due to a salmonella outbreak.

In 2012, a Wyoming Golden Corral had an outbreak of the norovirus. More than 344 people were sick, with 282 of these being primary cases. The virus got its push from 31 employees who were sick with the virus who worked despite knowing they were sick.

Today, there are nearly 500 Golden Corral restaurants in 41 US states and annual sales estimated to be $1.53 billion.

U-Haul Corporate Office

U-Haul

U-Haul was founded by Leonard Shoen in 1945 in Ridgefield, Washington. Shoen built rental trailers in his garage and partnered with gas stations to rent them.

By 1955, there were over 10,000 U-Haul trailers in operation.

History

In 1967, the U-Haul headquarters is moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1974, the company launches its own retail centers.

In 1986, Shoen’s sons, Mark and Joe complete a hostile takeover of the company.

In 1988, Leonard and a group of investors fail to regain control of the company.

In 1994, a lawsuit resulting from the 1988 incident is settled. A judgment for almost $1.5 billion is levied against Joe and Mark.

In 2003, AMERCO, U-Hauls holding company, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In 2004, the company emerges from bankruptcy.

The company recovers and in 2017, is on track to set record profits.

Today, U-Haul is one of the largest moving and storage companies in the US, with revenue in 2006 of more than $4 billion.

U-Haul was founded by Leonard Shoen in 1945 in Ridgefield, Washington. Shoen built rental trailers in his garage and partnered with gas stations to rent them. By 1955, there were over 10,000 U-Haul trailers in operation. In 1967, the U-Haul … [Continue reading] about U-Haul Corporate Office