There are several notable companies located in McLean Virginia, such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Hilton Worldwide, Capital One Mortgage Corporation, Gannet Corporation, and the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center.
Booz Allen Hamilton, also informally known as Booz Allen, is an American management and technology consulting firm that is also sometimes referred to as a government-services company. While the company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, it also has 80 other offices based around the globe. After graduating from Northwestern University in 1914, Edwin G. Booz founded Edwin G. Booz Surveys. Over the company’s 100 years in existence, it has gone through several name changes before ending up as the Booz Allen Hamilton. Booz had developed the business theory that a company would be more successful if it called on someone outside of the organization for expert advice. This theory developed into what is now known as management consulting.
Hilton was first established in 1919 and is currently headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Since the company’s conception, it has spread all across the globe and has developed innovative ways to enhance guest experiences. Today, Hilton Worldwide is the leader in global hospitality and offers lodging anywhere from luxurious hotels and resorts, to extended-stay suites, to mid-priced hotels. The company’s name originated from its founder, Conrad Hilton, who wanted to fill the world with light and hospitality. With hotels in79 countries, Hilton Worldwide appeals to both business and leisure travelers around the world.
Capital One was founded in 1988 in Richmond, Virginia and though it is popularly known for its credit card business, it also offers mortgages, loans, and general banking services. As of February 2003, the Capital One Financial Corporation relocated its corporate headquarters to McLean Virginia. Capital One’s mortgage lending business is a bit limited, only originating loans in a few states.
The Gannett Corporation is a leading media and marketing company that connects consumers, communities, and businesses, and is headquartered in Tysons Corner Virginia near McLean in Greater Washington D.C. According to total daily circulation statistics, the Gannett Corporation is considered to be the largest U.S. newspaper publisher. Gannett originated in 1906 when the founder, Frank Gannett, and his associates bought interest in New York’s Elmira Gazette. From there, Gannett acquired multiple local newspapers throughout the United States. In 1982, Gannett created USA TODAY which currently reaches millions of people every day. Gannet is a known leader in the utilization of technology and continues to set industry standards with digital and mobile products.
The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) is located in McLean, Virginia and is a U.S. Department of Transportation facility that carries out research studies. The center houses over 16 laboratories and support facilities where researchers review, test, and study complex technical problems to find solutions through the development of more economical and environmentally friendly designs. TFHRC utilizes efficient and quality-controlled construction, safety practices, and durable materials which leads to safer, longer-lasting, and more reliable highway transportation systems. The researchers at TFHRC are scientists and engineers with expertise in over 100 transportation-related disciplines including engineering, chemistry, safety, mathematics, modeling, and much more. The center is also supported by a team that works solely on technology, marketing, communications, partnerships, and program development.