April 27

Henry Parkes was a prominent colonial Australian statesman and businessman. Born in Worcestershire in 1815, he emigrated to Australia in 1839 and established a thriving business. Entering politics in 1854, he championed responsible government and land reform for settlers. He delivered the Tenterfield Oration in 1889, which galvanized support for federating the Australian colonies. Known as the Father of Federation, his vision was instrumental in uniting Australia's states. Parkes's reforms and leadership left a lasting impact on Australia's national identity.

John Labatt was a pioneering Canadian brewer and entrepreneur. Born in Quebec in 1838, he inherited and expanded his father's brewing business. Under his leadership, Labatt Brewing Company grew from a local operation to a national brand. He introduced innovative brewing techniques and marketing strategies that transformed the industry. Labatt's commitment to quality and community philanthropy made his company a household name in Canada. His death in 1915 marked the end of a significant era in Canadian brewing history.

Benjamin Faunce was an American pharmacist and entrepreneur who shaped early 20th-century pharmacy practice. Born in 1873, he established and managed respected drugstore businesses. Through a focus on quality products and personalized customer service, he built community trust. Faunce's pharmacies offered a wide range of medicinal and health products to the public. He emphasized professional ethics and innovation in retail pharmacy operations. Remaining active in business until his death in 1949, he left a lasting regional impact.

Konosuke Matsushita was a visionary Japanese businessman who founded Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., now known as Panasonic. Born in 1894, he started his company in a small apartment and grew it into one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers. His management philosophy emphasized innovation, quality, and social contribution, encapsulated by his motto 'service to society'. Matsushita's leadership through postwar reconstruction helped rebuild Japan's economy. He authored influential business books and established schools and foundations. He remained active in business and philanthropy until his death in 1989.

Born in 1916 in Denver, Colorado, Ruth Handler co-founded the toy company Mattel Inc. in 1945. In 1959, she introduced Barbie, a fashion doll that became a global cultural phenomenon. Handler drew inspiration from her daughter Barbara's paper dolls and European fashion dolls. As Mattel's president, she led expansion into new toy lines and oversaw rapid company growth. She advocated for women's rights and later spoke on breast cancer after undergoing a mastectomy. Handler authored memoirs detailing her career and challenges as a female entrepreneur in mid-century America. She passed away in 2002, leaving a lasting legacy in toy design and business leadership.