The Corporate States of America

Big D mamma! says:

Dr.Pepper for Texas? How about 7-Eleven? Frito-Lay? Neiman Marcus would be my first pick as far as “branding”, but I guess that doesn’t really “represent” Texas. And I have no problem with Exxon-Mobil representing Texas….big oil, baby!

Cindy says:

Just a thought…instead of Gino’s for West Virginia, what about something that actually comes from the state…pepperoni rolls…created right here in the wild wonderful hills and known by all who are born here and even those of us who are transplants! I believe Julia’s Pepperoni Rolls is one of the mass produced brands for the state…not sure I’ve even seen a Gino’s around where we live…hmmm….but then I’m just a transplant…as for Tennessee..yeah, FedEx…my step-dad was an original pilot for them…way back when…

Jackson says:

Im from Texas and now I live in Tennessee and you got them both wrong.Texaco mean the Texas Company,enuff said.(although most texans would probably say Lone Star Beer,but its regional not nationwide)And I can tell you a lot of people here all say it should be Jack Daniels for TN.

John says:

Florida should definitely be Publix grocery store… Hooters is not from Florida nor is it headquartered there.

tampaxwasnotthere says:

maryland and virginia are wrong.

Todd J says:

What about 3M instead of Pillsbury for Minnesota?

jamcool says:

For AZ…Circle K, Bashas’, or Petsmart would be better choices (all 3 founded here)..Best Western began in CA and moved here in the 70s.

Andrea says:

I’d also like a listing by state. Has it been provided yet?

Thanks,

Andrea

Paige says:

As a Kentuckian, I would think Hillerich & Bradsby (Louisville Slugger baseball bat makers), UPS, Beam Inc. (owns Jim Beam & Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman (Jack Daniels, Old Forrester, Woodford Reserve, Southern Comfort, etc.), Papa John’s, Humana, would be better than Lexmark… Kentucky’s history is so rich in the bourbon industry, I would have gone with Maker’s Mark or Beam Inc.

Jeannie says:

What about Macadamia Nuts for Hawaii?

Erik says:

This was a really great idea.

I don’t really have a problem with Verizon for NY, but when I think about my home state, I think:

Publishing/Media
Dow Jones & Co. (Now a part of NewsCorp)
New York Times

and

Banking
Citigroup
JP Morgan Chase
Bank of New York

Tek says:

First off, this is a fantastic idea!! And graphically it was executed very well. I just have a few thoughts on choices.

Like a few other people, I’m really surprised to see you didn’t go with Exon Mobil for Texas. I’ve never been to TX, but I’d wager most people in the US would name “oil” first if you said “corporations” and “Texas.” I said to you “Texas millionaire,” tell me you don’t picture the oil tycoon in bolo-tie trope.

Tennessee: also shocked at this one. I immediately think of Jack Daniel’s.

I can def. see the Lexmark/KFC/Jim Beam for Kentucky debate; that’s a tough call. Saks also seems like the opposite of Alabama, I like many others associate them with NY, but I don’t know of any alternative. I feel like it should be something in heavy industry (?). I would have picked a department store for NY, probably Macy’s as it’s the most iconic and ubiquitous.

And, as I said in a reply to another commenter, as a Maryland has to be McCormick–the spice and seasoning manufacturer that produces Old Bay, which we not only famously put on our crabs, but on just about everything else, too. You can actually tell with surprising accuracy if someone grew up here or moved from elsewhere depending on the number of other foods other than crabs that they put (or have at least tried) Old Bay on. Being from Maryland, I can’t think of any other brand still centered in MD that has such close ties to Maryland culture and is recognizable throughout the country. While Old Bay isn’t commonplace everywhere in the country, I’m pretty sure McCormick is in every grocery store.

Other than that most of them seem like good picks (except maybe the states that, like you said, don’t house many corporations), But it need to be said that some of them are so dead on they have to be kept if you make a second version of the map: GA-Coca Cola, DE-DuPont, ME-L.L.Bean, WA-Starbucks, FL-Hooters.

BH says:

DuPont is a good one for Delaware, but perhaps Dogfish Head if you do an updated version!

Chantel Ennis says:

pft Sinclair for Utah, really? there’s hardly even any left of those in Utah. Try again. I’d say cafe rio, skull candy, or even Costco….Sinclair is lame!

Emily Kitslaar says:

Very cool! What made you pick pillsbury over Target for Minnesota?

Dolly Baroque says:

With all the Proctor & Gamble products in Ohio you chose Wendy’s? Tide, Crest, Bounty, Charmin, Pampers, etc.

Dana says:

Maytag is no longer in business in Iowa, they pulled out… and wasn’t when you created this. Try Pioneer or John Deere.

Peter says:

Being originally from Connecticut I don’t quite agree with the choice of General Electric. While it’s the largest corporation with its headquarters in Connecticut it doesn’t have many other operations in the state. United Technologies is probably the most iconic Connecticut corporation, but as with many conglomerates its operating units are better known than the company itself.
Other choices? Xerox has the same issue as General Electric, while Cigna is pretty low-profile. ESPN isn’t an independent corporation. So what’s left? Aetna might be a good choice, as would Stanley Black & Decker. Priceline.com would work if you want a fast-growing up-and-comer. And to be really quirky, there’s always World Wrestling Entertainment.

Scott says:

California almost should be split into 2 parts. Apple (or Google) and Disney represent NorCal and SoCal quite well I think.

As for the comments on Disney and Florida, remember that theme parks are only one part of the Disney conglomerate. Disney HQ, the movie studio (the only major one with its HQ still in LA), and iconic animation department are all in Burbank, while the original Disneyland is further south. Furthermore, the Disney family influence is felt all over SoCal, from CalArts to the LA Phil concert hall, while Walt himself is buried at Forest Lawn (unless you’re one of those who believe he’s in a cryogenic chamber under Pirates of the Caribbean).

The Monk says:

Thinking that PepsiCo should be here somewhere. Founded in NC, headquartered in NY.

Exxon/Mobil has the largest capitalization of any public company in the world but Texas gets a tertiary drink company?

Allison says:

Despite being a proud West Virginian born and raised, I’ve never heard of Gino’s. I’ve also never heard of Tudor’s, a brand some folks also suggested. While Shoney’s is a possibility, it is pretty regional.

Instead, may I suggest FIESTA (aka FIESTA WARE). The housewares brand is produced by Homer Laughlin China Co. in the Wheeling area. FIESTA WARE has a strong history around the state (my grandma had FW dishes in the 30s in Braxton Co.) AND the brand is sold across the country in many major department store chains, such as Macy’s. The brand has seen a major resurgence in popularity–very popular in wedding registries, for example, thanks to its use of cheerful colors and the ability to mix and match pieces. FW serves as a good representative of the state’s strong pottery and glass craftsman heritage. People from outside the state are often surprised that a brand they know/love comes from WV.

All that aside, just love the concept for the map. Very cool and sparking some great discussion. Thank you, Steve!

Donecia Downs says:

Bank of america does NOT represent the best of NC, PEPSI does. Pepsi was born here,,, and is still going strong.

Fred Greenlee says:

I think that the author missed on Kansas. What about the aviation company’s? and the other large manufacturer’s.

Learjet
Cessna
Beech
Coleman
Rubbermaid

vlad says:

no one in ilinois would think of mcdonald’s or cat as local, especially with john deere around since 1837, about 70 years longer than caterpillar. for the locals, john deere is all there is.

Eric says:

4 I’d change:

WA: Microsoft or Boeing

Mass: Harvard, when I think of Mass I think universities

CA: Hewlett-Packard – what started Silicon Valley

NV: The Tropicana Casino (I think that was it, whatever one it was that started the destination gambling business)

Jacob says:

I came across this map, if anyone sees this. You got Indiana straight in the Hoosier. That’s one hundred percent correct! I see those stupid jacked trucks everywhere here.

Jerry says:

Apple? eBay? Facebook? Google? HP? Intel? Tesla?

Nope. Try Disney. And this is coming from someone from NorCal.

Dave Dawson says:

FLORIDA should be DISNEY

Michaelson says:

Georgia holds the HQs of AT&T, Home Depot, UPS, Rubbermaid, and Delta Air Lines to name a few… But Coca-Cola is definitely the best choice to represent us! Invented here, headquartered here, and the WORLD’S most recognizable brand!

Julian says:

Don’t forget Boeing, Ace Hardware, Gatorade, State Farm, Walgreens, are also based in Illinois.

John David Galt says:

I’m astounded that Starbucks made the list, rather than Microsoft. Both are controversial, and even arguably worldwide, but who cares about a ho-hum cup of coffee?

As far as California, Google or HP would be better choices than Apple, but I would have shunned them all for one of our food or wine brands, maybe Foster Farms chicken (Modesto). People see those brands every day and think of California, but Apple is just another multinational which might as well be based in Tokyo for all the notice it gets here.

jpb says:

Hasbro for Rhode Island? I would think CVS by far is more well known these days.

Luftmensch says:

While Denny’s is perhaps the most well-known brand based out of South Carolina, it’s hardly representative of the state. Denny’s isn’t actually a very common chain in South Carolina, and is vastly outnumbered by similar chains like Waffle House and Huddle House.

A much more ubiquitous South Carolina-owned company is BI-LO, which can be found in almost every town across the state, or, unfortunately, Advance America, a disgusting loan sharking scheme that preys on the poor, and are ubiquitous wherever minimum-wage jobs can be found.

More proudly South Carolinian companies would be Southern Tide, a popular local clothing brand, and RJ Rocker, a damned good beer, but they aren’t familiar brands outside the state.

Carol Mason says:

SAKS for Alabama? No, it should be Southern Living.

Kenny says:

Here’s a few more for Kentucky:
Fruit of the Loom, headquartered in Bowling Green
Corvette, made in Bowling Green since 1981
Louisville Slugger, most famous baseball bat ever

jamie says:

For North Carolina instead of BoA, how bout Cheerwine

bellczar says:

This would be an easier exercise if we knew what the map is supposed to be of. It is titled “corporate states,” but the emphasis is on brands, not corporations. Or is it logos? If this were titled “Most Famous Brand from Each State,” the task would be simpler.

I see four serious problems with the map. 1) The map includes some brands which have a historic connection to the state but have no modern connection (e.g., Super 8) or the connection is tenuous (e.g., Saks owned briefly by an Alabama company); 2) At least two, Anheuser-Busch and GM are not brands but parent companies; 3) Some of the brands (e.g., Albertsons, Gillette) are now owned by out of state companies (again, is it brands or corporations); 4) The choice is just plain wrong about many of them. McDonald’s is obviously more famous/important/significant (which is it?) than Caterpillar; Burger King or Sunkist more famous than Hooters; Disney more famous than Apple; Pepsi or any of the TV networks more famous than Verizon. Lexmark is a non-sequitur for Kentucky (what about KFC, Corvette, Louisville Slugger, some brand of liquor) as is AOL for Virginia. Pizza Hut is the most prominent brand to come out of Kansas; the nexus of Garmin to Kansas is tenuous. This map just hasn’t been thought through.

Dina Dee says:

surprised that NH isn’t Dunkin Donuts. Maybe it’s a tie as to which is better known–Timberland or DD?

jeanne says:

Hi! Great idea! Would be a nice resource for schools… for Florida I think Hawaiian Tropic would be a great choice. .even though the name doesn’t jump out and say it. .. it was developed in Daytona Beach and when I lived down there Ron Rice have so much back to the community!

Marc says:

When I think of Pennsylvania, I think Coal or Steel, and US Steel owns half the state….

Dave Simon says:

There aren’t that many well-known companies in my home state of Montana, but you missed the most famous by a long shot.

KOA – Kampgrounds of America. Founded in Billings and still headquartered there.

Tom Fletcher says:

Also, Delta Airlines for GA or JetBlue for NY (if you only want one Airline).

JT says:

Hillerich & Bradsby aka Louisville Slugger was started in Louisville,KY in the 1880’s surely that is higher up than Lexmark!

Shalonda says:

Kroger is a big corporation which was founded in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Today they have stores with different names in other states like King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s and Dillions.

Chuck Ackerman says:

Henry Heinz called and said he’s got 57 good reasons why his company should be the representative for PA.

B Roseberry says:

Virginia should be Smithfield not AOL. AOL is relatively new compared to Smithfield and at least Smithfield isn’t a more or less has-been company. Who hasn’t heard of Smithfield Ham?

BJ says:

Lexmark just updated their logo, if you’re interested in updating this map from three years ago. Just saw it featured on Mental Floss. Disclaimer: I work there (just a worker bee!), in the Lexington office.

Danny says:

Minnesota should absolutely be either Target or 3M. Both were founded in the 1900s in Minnesota and still headquartered there. Pillsbury basically became defunct when General Mills purchased it.

Ashley says:

GE definitely works well for Connecticut, but if they do move (which is currently being discussed), I’d suggest going with one of the insurance companies. We’re best known as the “Insurance Capital of the Nation/World” and as home to, amongst others, The Hartford (which would be my pick).

Of course, we’re also home to Subway, but I don’t think people really think of foot-long meatball grinders when thinking of Connecticut. 🙂 Especially since we don’t even call them “subs” here!

JacquelineM says:

Minnesota could be represented also by 3M, Target, Best Buy, or Spam. Those are all started and based out of Minnesota.

Kim says:

CT should be subway or bic pen. Bic makes the 2 most stolen and most used things pens and lighters

James says:

GM makes sense for my state. Probably the biggest and most well known company we have. Got some suggestions for Michigan for a possible future map.

Ford
Chrysler (although they’re with Fiat now, with their headquarters in London)
Domino’s (biggest pizza chain in the world)
Little Ceasars
Kellogg’s
K Mart

Jen says:

Pizza Hut started in Kansas back in the 1950s. Although the headquarters is not in Kansas, I think pizza is more widespread and acknowledged than Garmin.

Logan says:

Its really funny when you notice there are no Saks stores in Alabama. Saks bought out Parisian and McRae’s. which it then sold off to Belk. Maybe Books-a-Million which does exist in the state and is actually headquartered here?

Julie says:

Heinz for Pennsylvania. Dole for Hawaii. In and Out Burger for California. Indy race cars or the movie Hoosier for Indiana.

James says:

Being from Michigan I think you missed the mark by not choosing Ford. After all it was this company that paved the way for manufacturing today. Plus they are the brand where gm is just a parent company, but then again you could have just said pure Michigan and it would have worked too.

Chris says:

JC Penney is out of Kemmerer, Wyoming. Definitely more famous than Taco Johns.

Lewis says:

West Virginia’s most famous brand is actually Fiesta Ware. It’s made in Newell, WV by the Homer Laughlin China Company.

Thad says:

I commend Taco Johns for Wyoming however a more well known store was started in the small town of Kemmerer WY, in 1902, JC Penney.

Jason says:

West Virginia should have been Musselman’s applesauce, easily. Never heard of Gino’s.

Rick says:

Wait, hooters for Florida? Wouldn’t Gatorade, Burger King, Olive Garden, red lobster, hard rock, Tupperware, Tropicana or any of a number of other companies be better than hooters?

Jon says:

Speaking from across the water in the UK, the first thing I associate with Tennessee is Jack Daniels.

Danielle says:

Pepsi for NC!!!! Based out of new bern!!!!

Kimmie says:

This is really cool! Im from Ut and had no Idea sinclair would have been liked to Utah at all. love learning things just for fun!!! I live in Tx now and would like to say that if people here did not hav Dr. Pepper all hell would break loose 🙂 they drink ice tea and D.P. who cares about water!!!!

Micheal says:

Jack Daniels Tennessee

Kevin says:

Gatorade is Florida, RCA is also Camden NJ

Megan says:

Dole for Hawaii

Colleen says:

Just going to through this out there for KY: Louisville Slugger.

Bill Burelle says:

MACYS for Ohio.

Jimcat says:

Connecticut will have to change soon. GE is moving to Massachusetts.

CWard says:

Steven doesn’t travel much. Nor do most of the commenters. Too many to comment. But DP over Texas oil has got to be the most inaccurate.

Jessica Hertsch says:

For West Virginia, I think you should use Mylan. They are leading manufacturer of generic and specialty medication. They were founded in White Sulphur Springs WV. Here is the wiki link https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mylan

Jaeah Fortune says:

I think that as time changes, some of these may update. Currently, I believe Under Armor would be a more accurate representation for Maryland. The CEO is investing in the growth of his company, along with the growth of Baltimore, the major city in Maryland, in a BIG way!

John says:

No Microsoft?

Darrell says:

Kentucky-KFC

Sarah says:

New Mexico should be Blakes Lota Burgers!!!! Many childhood memories of their restaurants!

Cyndi B. says:

Velcro is based in Manchester, NH. Guessing that every home in the USA has something Velcro….Timberland boots are nice, but you’re not going to find them in every home in America.

Dale says:

Stein Mart was founded in Greenville, Mississippi in 1902.

Barq’s root beer was founded in Biloxi, Mississippi in either 1898 or 1900 by Edward Barq.

Berenice Loreto says:

loved the blog and your style

Gogu says:

Loved it