It all began with “Mr. Dan”

After completing studies at the University of Virginia, Dan Paradies served as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. He served his country for four years as a pilot flying B-17s and B25s before joining the family wholesale distribution business working side by side with his father, I. J. Paradies. 

Under his guiding hand, the wholesale business flourished. By the late 1950’s, Paradies was approached by his very good friend, Atlanta Mayor Bill Hartsfield, to open a shop at the then Atlanta Municipal Airport. So with the opening of The Paradies Shops in 1960, Dan Paradies began offering airport retail to the traveling public.

With the ability to make everyone feel at ease and important, Paradies was able to build an empire in airport retail. Beginning with a single toy and children’s shop at the Atlanta Metropolitan Airport (now Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), Paradies grew the business one store at a time by developing relationships throughout the industry. Offering superior merchandise at more competitive prices, Paradies was able to capture the market, and through his genius, position The Paradies Shops as the market leader it is today.

An extraordinary person who always remembers people’s names, Paradies established the company’s early culture through warmth, friendliness, high standards and a hard work ethic.  Laying the foundation for quality customer service – a trait the company proudly maintains today – Paradies believes in hiring great people who will treat the customer as they would a member of their own family.

From Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine and all locations in between, everyone associated with The Paradies Shops, whether they’ve been around the industry for a time or are brand new to the company, knows about the legendary “Mr. Dan” – a gentleman, a leader, a friend.

Dan Paradies retired from the business in 1994 after almost 32 years as president, CEO and founder.