March 03

Active in the mid-16th century, Şeytanoğlu amassed great fortune through banking, trade monopolies, and silk production. As a key financier to the Ottoman court, he funded military campaigns and state projects. He secured monopolies in silk and grain, shaping the empire's economic landscape. His philanthropic efforts included endowments to churches and monasteries. Şeytanoğlu's legacy reflects the complex interplay of commerce and politics in Ottoman society.

George Huntington Gilman was born in York, Maine, in 1826 and became a pioneering American entrepreneur. He founded The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company in 1859, initially selling tea and coffee in New York City. Gilman’s vision of combining retail outlets and wholesale supply laid the foundation for one of the first chain stores in the United States. Under his leadership, A&P expanded rapidly, revolutionizing the grocery business with uniform pricing and large-scale purchasing. His innovations influenced the development of modern retail and distribution practices. Gilman retired from active management in the late 19th century and died in 1901, leaving a lasting legacy in American commerce.

Max Fisher (1928–2005) was an American oil executive and philanthropist who led the Aurora Gasoline Company to national prominence. A key figure in Detroit's business community, he served on corporate boards and advised political leaders. Fisher dedicated much of his wealth to Jewish causes, founding educational and cultural institutions in the United States and Israel. He played a pivotal role in U.S.-Israel relations, offering counsel to presidents and prime ministers. His philanthropic reach extended to healthcare, education, and the arts. Fisher passed away in 2005, leaving a substantial charitable legacy.

James Strong was born in 1944 in Australia and began his career in the aviation industry. He joined Qantas in the 1980s and rose through the ranks to become CEO in 1993. Strong led Qantas through a period of expansion, modernizing the fleet and improving international routes. Under his leadership, the airline achieved record profitability and launched the popular '30 Seconds to Fly' marketing campaign. He stepped down in 2001 but continued to influence the aviation sector through advisory roles. Strong is remembered for his strategic vision and commitment to customer service.

Born in 1928, Charles J. Urstadt was a prominent American real estate executive and investor. He served as New York State housing commissioner under Governor Nelson Rockefeller, shaping rent stabilization policies. Urstadt was the first president and chairman of the Battery Park City Authority, overseeing the transformation of Lower Manhattan's waterfront. After public service, he led Urstadt Biddle Properties, a major real estate investment trust. He was celebrated for his vision in urban redevelopment and left a lasting impact on New York City's skyline and housing sector.