Conrad Hilton was an American hotelier and the founder of the Hilton Hotels chain. Born on December 25, 1887, in New Mexico, he started his career by purchasing a small hotel in Cisco, Texas, in 1919. His vision and business acumen led to the expansion of the Hilton brand, making it one of the largest and most recognized hotel chains in the world. Hilton was known for his innovative approach to hospitality, including the introduction of the first hotel to offer air conditioning and the first to have a central reservation system. He passed away on January 3, 1979, leaving a lasting legacy in the hospitality industry.