Carl Eric Wickman worked in the Minnesota iron mines. In 1914, he tried to sell the Hupmobile auto. When this venture was unsuccessful, he decided to use the vehicle to transport miners between the towns of Hibbing and Alice for 15 cents a ride. His service caught on. He took on partners, bought more vehicles and painted them battleship gray. To residents, the buses resembled greyhound dogs streaking by and, thus, the greyhound logo was born.