Founder Profile
George A. Hormel
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is George A. Hormel?
George A. Hormel is a founder of Hormel Foods Corporation, which was founded in 1891.
- Company founded
- Hormel Foods Corporation
- Founded
- 1891
Background
Son of German immigrants who worked in a Chicago slaughterhouse before moving to Minnesota.
Founding Story
George A. Hormel (1860-1946) founded Geo. A. Hormel & Co. in Austin, Minnesota in 1891. He established a small meatpacking facility that heavily emphasized minimizing waste, utilizing every part of the hog. He navigated the company through the severe economic turmoil of the early 20th century, securing its first major national success with the introduction of canned ham, which eventually paved the way for the invention of SPAM by his son, Jay.
George Albert Hormel was born on December 4, 1860 and died on June 5, 1946. His stake in the company made him one of the wealthiest Americans of his time. George A. Hormel was born in 1860.