He was born into a family of faith and of poverty. Of necessity he matured quickly, shouldering as a child the responsibilities of a man. His keen ability to motivate others set this lanky Utahan on a course of service to the public. Alongside his beloved wife, J. Willard Marriott inched his way into corporate America a nickel root beer at a time. It all began with a nine stool stand and grew to a billion dollar hotel and restaurant corporation. Along the way he befriended presidents and routinely gave back to those who'd helped him along the way. A man of steep contradiction - at moments affable and then severely critical of those he loved most. A turn of the century titan of industry and real-life Horatio Alger... John Willard Marriott.