May 16

Born in 1890, Tesch earned a doctorate in chemistry and co-founded a pesticide company. He was instrumental in developing Zyklon B, originally used as a pesticide. During World War II, the chemical was repurposed for mass murder in Nazi extermination camps. After the war, he was tried by the British for his role in supplying the gas and convicted of war crimes. He was executed in 1946, his life a grim reminder of science misused for atrocity.

Harry Burnett Reese (1876–1956) was an American candy maker and entrepreneur who created Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. A former dairy farmer and employee of the Hershey Chocolate Company, he founded his own candy business in 1923. Reese experimented with peanut butter confections, launching his signature cups in 1928. His company grew rapidly, and Reese sold it to Hershey in 1963. Today, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain one of the best-selling candies in the world. Reese died in 1956, leaving a sweet legacy that endures in confectionery history.

Born in 1930, McCormack earned a law degree from Yale before launching a career in sports management. In 1960, he founded IMG, representing top athletes such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Billie Jean King. McCormack introduced groundbreaking endorsement deals, sports sponsorships, and media rights agreements that transformed the business of athletics. He expanded IMG into a global enterprise covering talent representation, event promotion, and media production. Considered the architect of the sports marketing industry, he also authored influential books on negotiating and leadership. McCormack's work reshaped how athletes, brands, and media interact, leaving a lasting legacy upon his death in 2003.

Born in 1913 in Minnesota, Mondavi moved to California where he launched a career in the wine industry. In 1966, he founded the Robert Mondavi Winery, introducing innovative techniques and promoting varietal labeling. Collaborating with Baron Philippe de Rothschild, he co-founded Opus One Winery in 1979, blending Old World tradition with New World innovation. Mondavi championed wine education, establishing programs at local universities and fostering public appreciation for fine wines. His vision elevated Napa Valley on the global stage and influenced generations of vintners. Mondavi passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of quality, innovation, and passion for winemaking.

Eddie Gossage was born in 1958 in Eastland, Texas. His career in motorsports began in marketing and promotions, leading him to oversee operations at Chicagoland Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway. In 2001, he became President and General Manager of Texas Motor Speedway, where he gained fame for his innovative promotional stunts and engaging public appearances. Known for his colorful personality, he helped boost attendance and revenue for the track. Beyond motorsports, Gossage was a sought-after public speaker, sharing insights on leadership and event management. He retired in 2023 after more than two decades in the industry. Gossage passed away in 2024, remembered as a pioneering figure in American racing promotion.