May 17

Horace Elgin Dodge was an American entrepreneur who co-founded the Dodge Brothers Company with his brother John in 1900. Initially supplying parts to Ford, the brothers launched their own automobiles in 1914, earning acclaim for their durability and performance. Under Horace’s leadership, Dodge introduced innovations such as all-steel bodies and powerful engines, making it one of the nation’s top automakers. He also supported local infrastructure and community initiatives in Detroit. His sudden death in 1920 cut short a transformative career, though Dodge's legacy continued under new ownership and became a pillar of the U.S. automotive industry.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jones overcame early hardships to become a self-taught mechanical genius. He co-founded Thermo King in 1938 and developed the first portable air-cooling unit for trucks. His refrigeration systems revolutionized the food and medical industries by enabling long-distance transport of perishable goods. Jones held more than 60 patents and became the first African American to receive the National Medal of Technology posthumously. His innovations laid the foundation for modern cold chain logistics worldwide.

Harry Männil (1920–2010) was an Estonian-Venezuelan entrepreneur and art patron. He co-founded the ACO Group, helping to build it into an international automotive parts manufacturer. Männil amassed a significant collection of European art, supporting museums and cultural institutions. Fluent in multiple languages, he conducted business across Latin America and Europe. He contributed philanthropically to educational and cultural projects in both Venezuela and Estonia. His legacy spans industrial achievement and a lasting influence on the arts community.

Ronald Wayne was born in 1934 and partnered with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to co-found Apple Computer in 1976. As the most experienced member, he drafted the company's original partnership agreement and designed its first logo. Wayne provided crucial administrative oversight during Apple's founding days but sold his 10% stake just 12 days later. His cautious decision reflects his conservative business philosophy at the time. After exiting Apple, he pursued a career in engineering and later explored hobbies such as stamp collecting. Despite missing out on Apple's later astronomical growth, Wayne's contributions remain integral to the company's origin story. He is often celebrated as the 'third co-founder' of one of the world's most influential technology companies. Wayne's early vision and documentation efforts laid the groundwork for Apple's future success.

Born on May 17, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York, Lou DiBella began his career as a Wall Street lawyer before entering the boxing world. He founded DiBella Entertainment in 2001 and went on to promote champions such as Paul Williams and Jorge Linares. DiBella also served as a producer on acclaimed documentaries like The Fighter, showcasing his versatility beyond the ring. In addition to his promotional work, he appeared as an actor in films like The Irishman and supported numerous charitable causes. His reputation for ethical promotion and fighter advocacy has earned him respect across the boxing community. DiBella continues to influence the sport as a key figure in modern boxing promotion.

Born on May 17, 1960 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Simon Fuller began his career managing pop acts like the Spice Girls. He founded 19 Entertainment in 1985, establishing a platform for artist development and multimedia ventures. Fuller created the Pop Idol format in 2001, which evolved into the global Idol franchise and revolutionized reality television. Under his guidance, artists such as Kelly Clarkson and Justin Timberlake launched their careers. He has also produced shows like So You Think You Can Dance, expanding his influence in entertainment. Simon Fuller was honored with a CBE for his services to the creative industries and continues to shape global pop culture.

Born on May 17, 1961 in England, Justin King studied at Cambridge University before entering the retail industry. He joined Sainsbury's in 1998 and rapidly rose through the ranks to become CEO in 2004. Under his leadership, the company implemented price reductions and simplified store formats, winning back customers. King's strategic initiatives restored profitability and enhanced the brand's market position. He retired as CEO in 2014 and subsequently served as a board member and advisor in retail and logistics. Widely respected for his visionary leadership, he is considered one of the most influential figures in British retail.