1981day.year

DeWitt Wallace

(1889 - 1981)

American publisher, co-founded Reader's Digest

American publisher co-founded Reader's Digest
DeWitt Wallace was an American publisher best known as the co-founder of Reader's Digest magazine.
DeWitt Wallace co-founded Reader's Digest magazine in 1922, pioneering the concept of condensed articles that appealed to a mass audience.\nUnder his leadership, the Digest grew into one of the most widely circulated magazines in the world.\nWallace served as editor-in-chief, personally selecting and abridging content for engaging reader experiences.\nHe championed a vision of accessible, family-friendly journalism, covering topics from current events to human interest stories.\nHis innovative publishing model inspired numerous spin-offs and influenced the modern magazine industry.\nWallace's legacy endures through the global reach of Reader's Digest and its commitment to uplifting content.
1981 DeWitt Wallace Reader's Digest
1996day.year

Ryoei Saito

(1916 - 1996)

Japanese businessman

Japanese businessman
Japanese businessman and former president of a major photographic film company.
Ryoei Saito (1916-1996) was a Japanese businessman who served as president of Fuji Photo Film Co. under whose leadership the company expanded its global footprint. He became internationally known for his extravagant purchase of Vincent van Gogh paintings at auction. Saito implemented innovative marketing strategies that strengthened the company's brand in the competitive photography industry. Though controversial, his bold decisions highlighted the growing influence of Japanese corporations in the postwar era. Saito also supported various cultural and philanthropic initiatives in Japan.
Ryoei Saito
2012day.year

Granville Semmes

(1928 - 2012)

American businessman, founded 1-800-Flowers

American businessman founded 1-800-Flowers
Granville Semmes was an American businessman who founded 1-800-Flowers. He revolutionized the floral retail industry with telephone and online ordering.
Born in 1928, Granville Semmes embarked on a business career that led him to found the floral service 1-800-Flowers. His vision for easy phone-based ordering transformed the way customers sent flowers. Under his leadership, the company grew into a nationwide retail brand and later embraced e-commerce. Semmes was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to adopt new technologies. He mentored other business leaders and remained active in corporate governance. His legacy endures in the modern floral and gifting industries.
Granville Semmes 1-800-Flowers