Conrad Hilton’s Staying Power | Cents on the Dollar | 3
Jul 18, 2024
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Conrad Hilton faces financial struggles during the Great Depression and receives help from a bellboy. He navigates partnerships and conflicts, securing funding to reclaim properties. Hilton expands to the West Coast, renovating hotels and facing personal challenges like marriage and religious struggles
33:47
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Quick takeaways
Conrad Hilton's resilience in rebuilding his hotel empire after losing everything in the Great Depression showcases his ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
Despite facing personal setbacks and challenges, Conrad Hilton's passion for business and growth drove his successful expansion into new markets internationally.
Deep dives
Conrad Hilton loses his wealth during the Great Depression
Facing financial ruin after losing his hotel empire to the Moody family due to missed repayments, Conrad Hilton finds himself with no money or gifts for his family on Christmas Eve 1931, until a bellboy gifts him $316, symbolizing hope and rebuilding.
Connie's resilience and partnership with the Moody family
Connie's upbringing instills a determination to overcome adversity. He secures a position as general manager with a one-third stake in the National Hotel Company after negotiating a deal following the loss of his hotels to the Moody family, showcasing his ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
Connie's rebuilding efforts and expansion into California
Amid the Great Depression, Connie acquires failing hotels at bargain prices, implementing his 'Minimax' service ethos to bring back profitability. He successfully reclaims lost properties, expands to the West Coast, and navigates personal setbacks such as divorce and remarriage.
Connie's growth and acquisitions during World War II
As World War II unfolds, Connie expands internationally, opening the Palacio Hilton Hotel in Chihuahua, Mexico. However, personal challenges arise with his second marriage to Zsa Zsa Gabor, leading to spiritual conflicts. Despite setbacks, Connie's passion for business and growth drives his expansion into new markets.
At the start of the 1930s, Conrad Hilton had it all. But then the Great Depression hit. Now, with no money to his name and his properties in the hands of others, Conrad has to figure out a way to get it all back - and more.
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