Who was Henry Crown & what did he do?

The story begins with patriarch Henry Crown, who founded a successful building materials company in 1919 that later merged with General Dynamics, giving the family a powerful foothold in the defense industry. Henry‘s son Lester Crown inherited and expanded the family empire into real estate, banking, ski resorts, and beyond.

How did Henry Crown become rich?

Today, the Crowns‘ wealth stems from their long-term positions in General Dynamics and substantial ownership of properties in major metro areas. Growing up the son of a contractor, Henry Crown recognized the opportunity in building materials and founded Material Service Corporation in 1919 with his brothers.

How did Henry Crown treat his employees?

No matter how powerful and successful he became, Henry Crown kept the same modest office, and the same affection and respect for the men and women who worked for his companies. Crown – and his family – treated work colleagues like family.