Our Company

Carlson's roots are set in 1938, when Curtis L. Carlson took an idea for a loyalty program and a $55 loan from his landlord and founded the Gold Bond Stamp Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Today, the Carlson enterprise operates in nearly 150 counties and territories around the globe, and is in its third generation of closely-held family ownership.

Carlson has a proud 80-year history of operating businesses. The foundation of the Carlson portfolio is the premier business and travel management company CWT. With a mission to connect people and help businesses succeed, we provide corporate and government travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with vast experience in travel management.

In 2018, Carlson launched Carlson Private Capital Partners, a private investment firm in the Twin Cities that invests family capital in businesses best served by an investment partner focused on long-term value creation. We partner with exceptional management teams to build great businesses.

Serve millions of business travelers in a way that positively influences their lives.

Provide tens of thousands of jobs and help our employees grow and achieve their potential.

Contribute to the common good through our commitment to social responsibility.

Generate attractive financial returns for our shareholders and business partners.

Carlson Credo

Carlson has always been driven by and rooted in a strong set of values exemplifying the bold, entrepreneurial spirit and high quality standards embodied by our founder, Curtis L. Carlson, who left us the Carlson Credo.

Whatever you do, do with Integrity.

Wherever you go, go as a Leader.

Whomever you serve, serve with Caring.

Whenever you dream, dream with your All.

And never, ever give up.