While working as an architect, Fred Carl, of Greenwood, Mississippi, began to experiment with the idea of installing industrial-type appliances in residential kitchens. In 1981, he began designing commercial units that were better suited for the home. By 1984, he had received a patent on his product and started the Viking Range Corporation.

In 1986, the corporation designed its first prototypes and began full production in 1987. Today, the corporation, which remains in Greenwood, has three plants and over 800 employees. Since starting the Viking range Corporation, Carl has been inducted into the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame and has won numerous awards including the "1995 Entrepreneur of the Year" and "1996 Governor’s Cup Award".

Today Viking is the Rolls Royce of kitchen appliances and Mr. Carl has added small appliances and cookware to his list of products.

True to his background in architecture, the home of Viking is a restored downtown Greenwood building and other buildings have been restored to house showrooms.  The local hotel has been renovated by Carl to house those who come to Greenwood to select kitchen appliances.  His work in the community has won recognition in addition to his awards for his product design and promotion.