A case in point: is there any human enterprise that has lasted longer than 1,400 years? That's how long Japan's Kongo Gumi company was in operation before it closed its doors in 2006 after 14 centuries. This Japanese temple builder was founded in 578 AD and recorded revenues of $67.6 million in 2004 before it collapsed due to excessive debts.
When it comes to family businesses, the Kongo Gumi is by no means an aberration. The following is a list of the oldest family businesses in the world.
1. Hoshi Ryokan
Founded: 717
The Hoshi Ryokan is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest hotel still in operation (ryokan is Japanese for traditional inn). Located in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture, the hotel began as a spa on an underground hot spring which was built by the Hoshi family because, according to legend, the god of Mount Hakusan ordered it. Today, the Hoshi Ryokan has 100 rooms and can accommodate 450 people.
Founded: 717
The Hoshi Ryokan is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest hotel still in operation (ryokan is Japanese for traditional inn). Located in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture, the hotel began as a spa on an underground hot spring which was built by the Hoshi family because, according to legend, the god of Mount Hakusan ordered it. Today, the Hoshi Ryokan has 100 rooms and can accommodate 450 people.
2. Chateau de Goulaine
Founded: 1000
Located in Haute Goulaine, France, the Chateau de Goulaine is a historical castle that is owned by the Goulaine family and open to the public for weddings and other functions. It has a renowned museum on its premises as well as a collection of rare butterflies. On most days, hundreds of butterflies can be found flying freely to the delight of visitors. The Chateau de Goulaine is also famous for its vineyards and elegant wines.
Founded: 1000
Located in Haute Goulaine, France, the Chateau de Goulaine is a historical castle that is owned by the Goulaine family and open to the public for weddings and other functions. It has a renowned museum on its premises as well as a collection of rare butterflies. On most days, hundreds of butterflies can be found flying freely to the delight of visitors. The Chateau de Goulaine is also famous for its vineyards and elegant wines.
3. Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli
Founded: 1000
This bell foundry was founded by the Marinelli family in Agnone, Italy, a small town in the Appenine hills. The Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli still uses traditional techniques to create its bells: they first make a bell out of wax then overlay it with metal. Some of the company's bells can be found in Jerusalem, New York, Beijing, Korea and some places in South America. The foundry currently employs 20 people, including five Marinelli family members, led by managing director Pasquale Marinelli. There is also a museum beside the foundry that showcases the sculptures of Ettore Marinelli, Pasquale's brother.
Founded: 1000
This bell foundry was founded by the Marinelli family in Agnone, Italy, a small town in the Appenine hills. The Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli still uses traditional techniques to create its bells: they first make a bell out of wax then overlay it with metal. Some of the company's bells can be found in Jerusalem, New York, Beijing, Korea and some places in South America. The foundry currently employs 20 people, including five Marinelli family members, led by managing director Pasquale Marinelli. There is also a museum beside the foundry that showcases the sculptures of Ettore Marinelli, Pasquale's brother.
4. Barone Ricasoli
Founded: 1141
Located in Siena, Italy, Barone Ricasoli is a producer of wine and olive oil. It was founded by the Ricasoli family on their Brolio Estate, which now spans over 3,600 acres, most of which is devoted to wine production. Its most notable wine is the top quality Chianti Classico. The elegant Castle of Brolio provides a stunning backdrop to the vineyards and hosts its own fine dining restaurant. The company is currently run by the 32nd Baron of Brolio, Francesco Ricasoli.
Founded: 1141
Located in Siena, Italy, Barone Ricasoli is a producer of wine and olive oil. It was founded by the Ricasoli family on their Brolio Estate, which now spans over 3,600 acres, most of which is devoted to wine production. Its most notable wine is the top quality Chianti Classico. The elegant Castle of Brolio provides a stunning backdrop to the vineyards and hosts its own fine dining restaurant. The company is currently run by the 32nd Baron of Brolio, Francesco Ricasoli.
5. Barovier & Toso
Founded: 1295
Founded by the Barovier Family on Murano Island near Venice, Italy, Barovier & Toso is a glass production company that specializes in crystalline glass and mother-of-pearl glass, especially for drinking glasses, chandeliers, wall lamps and other decorative fixtures. The Barovier family entered into a partnership with the Toso family, also renowned glassmakers, in 1936.
Founded: 1295
Founded by the Barovier Family on Murano Island near Venice, Italy, Barovier & Toso is a glass production company that specializes in crystalline glass and mother-of-pearl glass, especially for drinking glasses, chandeliers, wall lamps and other decorative fixtures. The Barovier family entered into a partnership with the Toso family, also renowned glassmakers, in 1936.
If you're wondering about the oldest family business founded in the United States, that distinction goes to Turtle Farm in Dover, New Hampshire, which was believed to have been built between 1635 to 1638. It was founded by Englishman John Tuttle, who was shipwrecked near Maine in 1635 before arriving in Dover. The farm covers 240 acres and grows strawberries and vegetables.
Meanwhile, the oldest family business in the United Kingdom is John Brooke & Sons, founded in Huddersfield in 1541. The company supplied fabrics for the uniforms of military personnel, including British, French and Russian troops. Today, its old buildings have been transformed into an entrepreneurial development park by Mark Brooke, who represents the 15th generation of Brookes to run the company.
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