Willmar / Minnesota / United States
R. E. Torgerson started Torgerson Properties when he opened a mens clothing store in Kerkhoven, Minn., in 1929. The company expanded the clothing business and branched into banking. In 1972, it opened its first hospitality business with a Holiday Inn motel in Willmar, Minn. The company has extended its franchise base to include Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Green Mill Restaurants, Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn, SpringHill Suites and Courtyard by Marriott, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson and Hilton Garden Inn. Torgerson Properties hospitality businesses include hotels and restaurants throughout Minnesota and Florida.