March 03

Born in 1803, Gibson inherited his family's silk manufacturing business in London. He implemented fair labor practices, improved working conditions, and advocated for the rights of silk weavers in Spitalfields. Beyond business, he funded schools, housing, and health initiatives for workers and their families. Gibson's efforts contributed to the early social welfare movement and influenced subsequent labor reforms. He died in 1889, remembered as a pioneer of socially responsible manufacturing.

Born in New York in 1831, Pullman trained as an engineer before founding the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1867. He invented and manufactured luxurious sleeping cars that transformed long-distance rail travel in the United States. Pullman's company town near Chicago exemplified his vision of worker welfare, though it later sparked national debate during the Pullman Strike of 1894. His innovations set new standards for comfort and safety in rail transportation. Pullman's entrepreneurial spirit influenced American manufacturing and corporate practices. He died in 1897, leaving a complex legacy of industrial achievement and labor relations.

Born in 1839 in Gujarat, Tata established a trading company that evolved into the multinational Tata Group. He championed indigenous industrial development and laid plans for India's first steel plant at Jamshedpur, which opened in 1907. Tata also invested in hydroelectric power and pioneered hotel and hospitality ventures. His commitment to social welfare led to the founding of institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science. Tata's vision combined business acumen with philanthropy. He died in 1904, but his legacy shaped the foundation of modern Indian industry.

Charles Ponzi became infamous for orchestrating a massive financial fraud in the early 20th century. Promising investors extraordinary returns from international postal reply coupon arbitrage, he paid early backers with funds from new investors. At its peak, his scheme swindled millions of dollars before collapsing in 1920. The term 'Ponzi scheme' emerged as a shorthand for similar fraudulent operations. Convicted of mail fraud, Ponzi served prison time in the U.S. and later in Italy. His legacy remains a cautionary tale about investment scams.

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Ellis graduated from the University of Virginia with a background in art and fashion design. In 1978, he launched his eponymous fashion brand after winning a national design competition. Ellis became known for his vibrant color palettes, relaxed tailoring, and mix of classic and modern styles. His collections for both men and women helped define an era of American sportswear. He collaborated with top photographers and models, gaining international recognition. Although he passed away in 1986, his brand remains a staple of the fashion industry and his designs continue to inspire new generations.

Born in 1977 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Buddy Valastro took over his family’s bakery, Carlo’s Bakery, in the 1990s and transformed it into an international brand. He rose to fame in 2009 as the star of TLC’s Cake Boss series, showcasing his elaborate cake designs and techniques. Valastro has since expanded his television presence with shows like Next Great Baker and authored several cookbooks. Under his leadership, Carlo’s Bakery has opened multiple locations across the United States and abroad. He is praised for his creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and contributions to popularizing cake decorating as a culinary art form.