Conrad Hilton founded the international chain of business hotels which bear his name. He bought his first hotel in 1919, and founded the first so-named Hilton Hotel in 1925 in Dallas, Texas. Hilton Hotels grew into the first coast-to-coast hotel chain, placing a special emphasis on the business traveler, and Hilton became one of the world’s wealthiest men.

He also purchased other prestigious inns, including the Sir Francis Drake in San Francisco, New York’s Waldorf-Astoria, and the Palmer House in Chicago. Hilton’s son Barron followed him as head of the company, which by the year 2000 had nearly 500 hotels around the world. Conrad Hilton died in 1979, leaving the bulk of his estate to his philanthropic organization, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. He also endowed the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. His 1957 autobiography was titled Be My Guest.

Here are some wise and inspiring words from this legend:

Charity is a supreme virtue, and the great channel through which the mercy of God is passed on to mankind. It is the virtue that unites men and inspires their noblest efforts.

There is a natural law, a Divine law, that obliges you and me to relieve the suffering, the distressed and the destitute.

The practice of charity will bind us.. will bind all men in one great brotherhood.

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.

As the funds you will expend have come from many places in the world, so let there be no territorial, religious, or color restrictions on your benefactions, but beware of organized, professional charities with high-salaried executives and a heavy ratio of expense.

bio from Who2.com