Our American Stories Kemmons Wilson: The Man Who Built Holiday Inn
Feb 19, 2026
Kemmons Wilson Jr., son of Holiday Inn founder and leader of a Memphis family investment firm, shares lively family tales. Hear about his father’s bold publicity stunts with Muhammad Ali and a trampoline, his Tabasco obsession, lunches with Sam Walton, and advice to Sam Phillips about Elvis. Personal anecdotes illuminate the rise of a hospitality icon.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trampoline Pitch To Muhammad Ali
- Kemmons Wilson Sr. once brought a small trampoline to meet Muhammad Ali hoping for an endorsement.
- Ali asked him to talk to his lawyer and requested the photo, but nothing came of the pitch.
Tabasco Obsession And Friendship
- Kemmons Wilson Sr. loved Tabasco and personally befriended the McIlhenny family.
- He sent enormous personalized bottles annually and joked he put Tabasco on everything but ice cream.
Nacho Chips Pitch To Sam Walton
- After Holiday Inn, Kemmons Wilson Sr. entered the nacho chip business and tried to sell to Sam Walton.
- Their friendship opened opportunities like lunches and meetings despite Walton's practical buying process.