March 25

William Colgate was born in 1783 in Yorkshire, England, and emigrated to the United States as a young man. In 1806, he established a starch, soap, and candle business on Dutch Street in New York City, which grew into the Colgate & Company brand. Under his leadership, the company pioneered high-quality soap and perfumed toilet soaps that became household staples. Colgate was also a devoted philanthropist, funding education and religious institutions, including seminaries and orphanages. He supported the establishment of Madison University (now Colgate University), leaving a lasting impact on higher education. His business principles emphasized quality, innovation, and integrity. Colgate died in 1857, and his company evolved into the global consumer goods firm Colgate-Palmolive. His name endures through charitable foundations and institutions bearing his legacy.

Charles Benjamin Howard was a Canadian business leader who parlayed his entrepreneurial success into a career in public service. After building successful enterprises in manufacturing and commerce, he entered municipal politics before serving as a Member of Parliament advocating for Quebec's economic growth. Howard championed infrastructure improvements, industrial expansion, and social welfare initiatives that modernized communities across the province. His leadership bridged the worlds of private industry and government policy, earning him recognition as a forward-thinking statesman. Committed to civic responsibility, he continued supporting charitable causes until his passing in 1964.

Herb Peterson (1919–2008) was a McDonald’s franchise owner who revolutionized fast-food breakfast.\nIn 1972, he introduced the Egg McMuffin in Santa Barbara, combining egg, cheese, and Canadian bacon on an English muffin.\nThis creation launched McDonald’s breakfast menu and influenced the fast-food industry worldwide.\nPeterson's innovation demonstrated the potential of breakfast service, filling a market niche.\nHis legacy persists every morning in the millions of Egg McMuffins sold across the globe.

Born in 1915, Crosfield studied engineering before establishing Crosfield Electronics in 1946. He introduced the world's first automated color scanner, revolutionizing quality control in lithographic printing. His company's innovations improved print accuracy and efficiency, earning international acclaim. Crosfield served as chairman until his retirement, guiding the firm through global expansion and technological advancements. He passed away in 2012, remembered as a visionary entrepreneur whose work transformed the graphic arts industry.

Born in 1956 in Ontario, Jon Lord founded Lord Enterprises, a technology investment firm that backed several successful startups across Canada. His business acumen led to rapid expansion and the creation of hundreds of jobs in the tech sector. Elected to the provincial legislature, he advocated for small business development and innovation-friendly policies. Lord also supported educational initiatives, partnering with local universities to foster research commercialization. His dual career earned him respect from both the private and public sectors, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and industry. Lord's legacy lives on through the companies he nurtured and the legislation he championed.

Born in 1918, Ralph Wilson established the Buffalo Bills in 1959, becoming one of the American Football League's founding owners. Under his leadership, the Bills reached four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s, showcasing remarkable team success despite previous struggles. Wilson's commitment to Buffalo went beyond the field; he and his family foundation donated millions to local healthcare, education, and youth programs. As one of the NFL's most enduring owners, he championed league stability and team loyalty. He maintained ownership well into his 90s, earning respect for his steadfast dedication. Wilson's impact on professional football and his community legacy remain deeply felt in Western New York.