March 24

Born in 1796 in Strabane, Ireland, John Corry Wilson Daly emigrated to Canada and established a successful woollen mill. He became a prominent figure in Stratford’s early development, investing in infrastructure and local enterprises. Daly was elected the town’s first mayor in 1859, guiding municipal growth and advocating for railway expansion. His leadership helped transform Stratford into a thriving community, balancing industrial progress with civic welfare. He passed away in 1878, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of Canadian entrepreneurship and local governance.

George Francis Train was an American entrepreneur born on March 24, 1829, who made his fortune building streetcar systems and railroads. He founded the Union Pacific Railroad and helped expand rail infrastructure across the United States. Train famously circled the globe three times in rapid succession, inspiring Jules Verne’s fictional character Phileas Fogg. Known for his flamboyant personality and elaborate publicity stunts, he also advocated for women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery. Train authored several books on travel and economics, sharing his adventurous experiences. Despite facing financial setbacks and legal battles, his innovations in transportation left a lasting impact. He died in 1904 after a life marked by ambition and spectacle.

Born in 1855 in Pittsburgh into the influential Mellon banking family, Andrew W. Mellon built a vast financial empire. He served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1921 to 1932 under Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover. Mellon's fiscal policies included significant tax reforms and budget balancing efforts during the Roaring Twenties. Beyond finance, he was a major art collector and patron, amassing works that formed the core of the National Gallery of Art. He endowed the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research and supported numerous educational and cultural institutions. Mellon's philanthropy and economic leadership left a lasting imprint on American public life.

Born in 1947 in Hackney, London, Alan Sugar founded Amstrad in 1968 and grew it into a major consumer electronics company throughout the 1980s. Under his leadership, Amstrad produced affordable home computers and satellite dishes that launched his public profile. In 2009 he was made a life peer in the House of Lords. Sugar gained further fame as the blunt-talking host of The Apprentice UK, where he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. Renowned for his business acumen and candid style, he remains a prominent figure in British commerce.

Tommy Hilfiger is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. He founded the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation in 1985, building it into a global lifestyle brand. His designs are known for their preppy, all-American aesthetic and have influenced fashion worldwide. Hilfiger has expanded his brand into apparel, accessories, and home furnishings. He has received numerous industry awards and continues to shape contemporary fashion trends.

Steve Ballmer is an American businessman and investor who served as the CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. Under his leadership, Microsoft expanded its reach in enterprise software, hardware, and online services. Ballmer oversaw major product launches including Windows XP, Office suite, and the Xbox gaming console. Known for his energetic personality and famous arena speeches, he became one of the world's wealthiest individuals. After retiring from Microsoft, he purchased the Los Angeles Clippers NBA franchise in 2014. Ballmer is also a philanthropist, investing in education, public health, and economic development initiatives.

Born on March 24, 1976, Manning played college football at the University of Tennessee before being selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Over nearly two decades, he set numerous passing records, including most touchdown passes and single-season passing yards. A five-time league MVP, he led the Colts and later the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowl titles, earning Super Bowl XLI MVP honors. Off the field, Manning co-founded Omaha Productions to produce sports content and commercials, and his Peyback Foundation supports at-risk youth. He has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and remains a respected figure in both sports and business circles.