March 26

Guccio Gucci (1881-1953) was an Italian entrepreneur and fashion designer who founded the House of Gucci in Florence. Inspired by his work at the Savoy Hotel in London, he began crafting leather goods that combined Italian craftsmanship with refined English style. His high-quality luggage, handbags, and equestrian-inspired accessories attracted a discerning clientele and established the brand's reputation. Under his leadership, Gucci expanded rapidly, opening boutiques across Europe and laying the groundwork for a global luxury empire. His emphasis on innovation, elegance, and meticulous craftsmanship continues to influence the fashion industry today.

Born in Herzogenaurach in 1898, Rudolf Dassler co-founded the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory with his brother Adolf before their split led him to establish Puma in 1948. Under his leadership, Puma introduced innovative athletic footwear and apparel that gained global popularity. Dassler’s rivalry with Adidas, founded by his brother, became a defining story in sports business. He prioritized product innovation and athlete endorsements, helping Puma achieve a reputation for performance and style. Dassler remained actively involved in the company until his death in 1974, leaving a profound mark on the sporting goods industry.

Born in 1925 in Quebec, Ben Mondor built his early career in the trucking industry before turning to professional sports ownership. In 1977, he purchased the struggling Pawtucket Red Sox and invested in stadium improvements and community outreach. Under his leadership, attendance at McCoy Stadium soared and the team became a model franchise in Minor League Baseball. Mondor was celebrated for his fan-first approach, including affordable ticket prices and engaging promotions. He received numerous honors for his contributions to baseball and local charities. He passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of innovation in sports management.

Born in 1929, Edwin Turney entered the electronics industry during its nascent post-war era. In 1969, he co-founded Advanced Micro Devices alongside a group of engineers and executives, helping to shape the company's early vision. As a founding executive, Turney oversaw operations and helped develop AMD's initial semiconductor products. Under his guidance, the company introduced competitive memory chips and microprocessors that challenged industry incumbents. After his tenure at AMD, he served on corporate boards and supported technology startups. He passed away in 2008, remembered for his role in launching one of Silicon Valley's most influential firms.

Leroy Griffith (born March 26, 1932) is an American entrepreneur who established a successful chain of drive-in theaters and movie houses. He produced and distributed independent films, often focusing on underserved regional markets. Griffith revolutionized the exhibition business by introducing innovative marketing and programming strategies. Throughout his career, he navigated the challenges of changing consumer habits and evolving entertainment technologies. He remains a notable figure in the history of American cinema and theatre management, with a legacy of perseverance and creativity.

James Clifford Lee (March 26, 1937 – January 20, 2023) was a prominent figure in Prince Edward Island politics and business. Before entering politics, he built a successful forestry and fishery enterprise, contributing to the province's economic growth. Lee served as the 26th Premier of Prince Edward Island from 1981 to 1986, implementing policies on education, health care, and economic development. Under his leadership, the province saw infrastructure improvements and increased investment. After his premiership, he continued public service as a senator. Lee's legacy includes fostering community engagement and championing sustainable resource management.

Clive Palmer is a business entrepreneur who amassed his fortune in mining and real estate through his company Mineralogy. He entered politics by founding the Palmer United Party in 2013 and won a seat in the Australian House of Representatives. Known for his outspoken style and lavish spending, Palmer has been a controversial figure in Australian public life. He has invested in diverse ventures including tourism, football, and film. Despite fluctuating political fortunes, his business empire continues to impact the Australian economy.

Born in 1964 in Surrey, Miller built a career in finance before entering Parliament. She was elected Member of Parliament for Basingstoke in 2005, focusing on business and local community issues. In 2010, she was appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury under the coalition government. Miller broke new ground as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from 2012 to 2014, shaping arts and media policy. She championed community sports initiatives and heritage conservation across the UK. After resigning over an expenses controversy, she returned to the backbenches and continued her advocacy work.

Larry Page is an American computer scientist and entrepreneur best known as co-founder of Google. He partnered with Sergey Brin at Stanford University to develop the PageRank algorithm that revolutionized web search. Page has served as CEO of Google and later Alphabet Inc., its parent company, guiding its evolution into a tech conglomerate. Under his leadership, Google expanded into products like Android, Chrome, and Google Maps. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master’s from Stanford. Page is also an advocate for ambitious technological projects, investing in renewable energy and space exploration. His vision has significantly impacted the digital landscape, making information universally accessible.