March 14

John Lane was an influential English publisher who co-founded The Bodley Head in 1887. He championed avant-garde and controversial authors such as Oscar Wilde and Ernest Dowson. Lane’s innovative marketing strategies and distinctive book designs set new standards in publishing. Under his leadership, The Bodley Head became synonymous with literary excellence and daring content. He played a key role in introducing the Aesthetic and Decadent movements to a broader audience. Lane’s legacy endures in the publishing world’s embrace of bold and diverse voices.

Anton Philips was a visionary Dutch industrialist who co-founded Philips Electronics with his brother Gerard. Under his leadership, the company expanded from a small lightbulb manufacturer to a multinational conglomerate. He emphasized innovation, investing in research and development to diversify into electronics and medical equipment. Philips championed employee welfare, establishing social programs and profit-sharing schemes. During World War II, he navigated challenges to maintain production and support his workforce. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality set the stage for Philips’ lasting global success.

K.C. Irving was a Canadian businessman and industrial magnate who established Irving Oil in 1924. Under his leadership, the company expanded into refining, transportation, and marketing of petroleum products. He diversified his holdings to include forestry, shipbuilding, and media, shaping the economy of Atlantic Canada. Irving maintained a reputation for conservative management and secretive corporate practices. He was one of the wealthiest individuals in Canada and a major philanthropist in his region. Irving's business model emphasized vertical integration and family ownership across multiple industries. His legacy continues through the Irving Group of Companies, still managed by his descendants.

Phil Vincent established Vincent Motorcycles in 1928, producing some of the fastest and most advanced motorcycles of his era. His designs, characterized by innovative V-twin engines and sleek frames, earned iconic status among enthusiasts. The Vincent Black Shadow, introduced in 1948, was acclaimed as the fastest production motorcycle in the world. Under Vincent’s leadership, the company combined high performance with mechanical elegance. Despite financial challenges, his motorcycles remain celebrated for engineering excellence and are prized by collectors, cementing his legacy in motorcycle history.

Born in 1914, Lee Petty became one of NASCAR's earliest superstars. He won three NASCAR championships and claimed victory in the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. In 1949, Petty founded Petty Enterprises, which evolved into one of the sport's most successful teams. As patriarch of the Petty family, he mentored his son Richard Petty, who would go on to become one of racing's greatest legends. Petty's contributions laid the foundation for modern stock car racing, and the Petty legacy continues in motorsports today.

Truett Cathy founded Chick-fil-A in 1946 with a small diner in Hapeville, Georgia, revolutionizing the fast-food industry with his signature chicken sandwich. Under his leadership, the chain expanded to over 2,000 restaurants across the United States, known for its customer service and closed-on-Sunday policy. A devout Christian, he integrated his faith into business practices and established the WinShape Foundation to support youth and families. He authored several books on entrepreneurship and leadership, sharing the 'Second Mile Service' philosophy. By the time of his passing, Chick-fil-A had become one of the most successful privately held companies in America.

William Clay Ford Sr. was the last surviving grandchild of Henry Ford and served as a longtime board member and executive director of Ford Motor Company. He purchased the Detroit Lions in 1963, committing to keeping the team in its hometown and shaping its fortunes for over five decades. Under his stewardship, the Lions transitioned through stadium changes and team restructuring. A passionate conservationist, he also championed environmental causes, supporting land preservation initiatives. Ford's leadership in both automotive and sports industries left an indelible mark on Detroit's cultural and economic landscape.

Joseph A. Unanue served as a sergeant in World War II before joining his family's business, Goya Foods, in 1947. Under his presidency, Goya grew from a small importer to the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States. He pioneered marketing strategies to broaden the brand's appeal beyond immigrant communities. Unanue was also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting educational programs and Hispanic scholarship funds. His leadership established Goya as a household name in American kitchens and a symbol of immigrant success.

Jerry Greenfield is an American businessman and philanthropist born in 1951. In 1978, he and childhood friend Ben Cohen opened their first ice cream scoop shop in Burlington, Vermont. Their inventive flavors and social mission helped Ben & Jerry’s grow into a global brand. Greenfield’s commitment to fair trade, environmental causes, and corporate responsibility set new standards for business ethics. He holds an honorary doctorate for his leadership in social entrepreneurship. Greenfield has authored books on creativity and sustainable business. He continues to speak on food justice and community empowerment, living in Vermont and advising nonprofit organizations.

Mike Lazaridis is a Greek-Canadian entrepreneur and innovator in wireless communications. He co-founded Research In Motion, the company behind the BlackBerry smartphone, revolutionizing mobile email and messaging. Lazaridis has received numerous awards for technology innovation and holds several patents. He is also a philanthropist, establishing institutes for quantum computing and advanced telecommunications research. His contributions have shaped modern mobile technology and inspired a generation of tech entrepreneurs. Lazaridis’s legacy includes both commercial success and support for scientific education.