Howard Johnson: Unschooled but Realized Success Through Hard Work

Howard Johnson was an American restaurateur and businessman who was known for owning the chain of motels and restaurants named Howard Johnson’s. Johnson was born on February 2, 1897 in Boston Massachusetts. After finishing his elementary, Johnson worked in his father’s cigarette business. He was not able to go back to school.

When his father died, Johnson inherited his father’s business along with its debts of $10,000, which he had difficulty erasing. He sold the business, paid the debts and ventured into the restaurant business with what was left with the liquidation.

Johnson acquired a soda shop in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1925. He enhanced the flavour of his ice cream. By 1928, his soda was earning $240,000 from the ice cream sold. He expanded and sold frankfurters and hamburgers.

Soon, what started as a soda shop became a chain of restaurants and motels. He retired from business in 1959. He left his business under the care of his son Howard Brennan Johnson.