May 20

William Fargo was an American businessman and politician best known for co-founding American Express and Wells Fargo. Born in New York, he began his career as a clerk before entering the express and banking industries. In 1850 he partnered with Henry Wells to form American Express, providing financial and express services across the country. Two years later, in 1852, he and Wells established Wells Fargo & Company to facilitate mail and gold transport during the California Gold Rush. Fargo served as mayor of Buffalo, New York, in 1862, combining public service with his commercial ventures. His leadership shaped the growth of transportation and financial networks in 19th-century America. His legacy lives on in two of the largest financial institutions in the world.

William R. Hewlett (1913–2001) was an American engineer and entrepreneur who co-founded Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1939. A graduate of Stanford and MIT, he and David Packard started HP in a small Palo Alto garage, pioneering Silicon Valley. Under his leadership, HP became a leading manufacturer of electronic test equipment and computing systems. Hewlett's commitment to innovation and ethical management helped shape modern business practices. Beyond business, he was a generous philanthropist, supporting education, the arts, and scientific research.

Dietrich Mateschitz was an Austrian entrepreneur who transformed a Thai beverage into the global powerhouse Red Bull. In 1987, he co-founded Red Bull GmbH, pioneering marketing strategies that linked the brand to extreme sports and youth culture. Under his leadership, Red Bull expanded into over 170 countries and became synonymous with energy and adventure. Mateschitz also invested heavily in sports, founding successful racing teams and sponsoring athletes worldwide. His innovative approach redefined beverage marketing and brand engagement. Beyond business, he supported numerous charitable and cultural initiatives. Mateschitz's vision has had a lasting influence on global branding and sports sponsorship.