April 22

Carl Lindner Jr. (1919–2011) built American Financial Group into a major Fortune 500 company. He began his career expanding his family's small grocery business in Cincinnati into insurance and finance. Lindner led strategic acquisitions that grew his enterprise into global markets. He was a generous philanthropist, supporting education, healthcare, and community development in Ohio. His leadership style combined bold investment decisions with a strong sense of civic duty. Lindner was consistently ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the United States.

Alan Bond (1938–2015) was a British-born Australian businessman who rose to prominence through property and media ventures. He gained international fame as the principal backer of the Australia II yacht, which ended the New York Yacht Club's 132-year hold on the America's Cup in 1983. Bond's Bond Corporation expanded into brewing, newspapers, and mining, becoming one of Australia's largest conglomerates. In the late 1980s, financial overreach and debt led to the collapse of his empire and his conviction for corporate fraud in 1997. He served part of his prison sentence before being released on parole and attempted a series of business comebacks. Despite his later legal troubles, Bond is remembered for orchestrating one of Australia's greatest sporting achievements.

Keith Crisco was an American businessman and politician who committed his career to economic development in North Carolina. After success in the private sector, he served on state economic development boards, helping to attract industry and create jobs. He later ran for public office, bringing his business expertise to legislative discussions. Throughout his career, Crisco focused on job creation, infrastructure, and community investment. He was respected for his collaborative leadership and dedication to his constituents. Until his passing in 2014, he remained active in advising on economic policy and community affairs.

Steve Fossett was an American entrepreneur and adventurer celebrated for breaking more than 100 world records in aviation, ballooning, and sailing. After building a successful business career, he turned to exploration and became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in a balloon in 2002. He also set endurance records in gliding and powered flight and won the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation by sailboat. Fossett’s achievements pushed the boundaries of human endurance and technological innovation. His mysterious disappearance during a solo flight in Nevada in 2007 led to extensive search efforts before his remains were recovered. He is remembered as a fearless pioneer in extreme exploration.

Shkëlzen Shala founded successful ventures in the hospitality and food industry in Albania. He is a vocal advocate for veganism, organizing festivals and campaigns to raise awareness. Through his activism, Shala has influenced policy discussions on animal welfare and environmental sustainability. He uses social media and public speaking to educate audiences on the health benefits of plant-based diets. Shala's entrepreneurial background enables him to develop innovative vegan products and restaurant concepts. He continues to bridge business acumen with ethical advocacy, inspiring a growing vegan movement in the region.