May 25

Madam C. J. Walker was an African American businesswoman who built a beauty and haircare empire catering to Black women. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, she developed innovative hair products and a network of sales agents known as 'Walker Agents'. Her company became one of the largest African American–owned businesses of the early 20th century. Walker used her wealth to fund educational scholarships, support civil rights organizations, and champion economic independence for Black communities. Her pioneering spirit and philanthropic legacy continue to inspire entrepreneurs and activists around the world.

Payne Whitney was a member of the influential Whitney family who managed and expanded the family's vast investments in railroads, steel, and utilities. Born in 1876, he graduated from Harvard and took an active role in the family business. Whitney was also a generous philanthropist, supporting medical research, the arts, and educational institutions such as New York Hospital and the American Museum of Natural History. He founded the Greentree Stable, achieving notable success in horse racing and breeding. Whitney's legacy endures through his charitable contributions and the cultural institutions he helped shape.

Amédée Gordini was born in 1899 in Bazzano, Italy, and moved to France to work as a mechanic and tuner. He earned the nickname 'Le Sorcier' for his skill at extracting performance from Simca engines and went on to build his own racing cars. Gordini’s collaboration with Renault produced iconic blue sports cars that competed successfully in Grand Prix and endurance races. His workshop laid the foundation for the modern Gordini brand, blending high performance with innovative engineering. He passed away in 1979, but his legacy lives on through the celebrated Gordini name in motorsport and automotive design.

Born in 1917, Roger Williams Straus launched Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 1946. He built the company into one of the most respected literary publishers in the United States. Under his leadership, the house introduced groundbreaking works by authors such as Saul Bellow and Susan Sontag. Straus championed literary excellence and nurtured emerging writers. He remained active in the publishing world throughout his life and died in 2004.

Born in 1938, Robert Jankel established Panther Westwinds in the 1970s, specializing in handcrafted luxury sports cars. His designs combined classic British styling with modern performance. The company produced distinctive models that attracted enthusiasts around the world. Jankel's passion for bespoke automobiles influenced niche car markets for decades. He passed away in 2005, leaving a reputation as a visionary in automotive design.

Born in 1909 in Idaho, John Richard J.R. Simplot built one of the world's largest privately held food companies. He pioneered frozen french fry production and became a key supplier to fast food chains, most notably McDonald's. Under his leadership, the Simplot Company expanded into diversified agricultural products, including fertilizers and animal feeds. Simplot's innovations in food processing and storage technologies had a lasting impact on the global agribusiness industry. He remained active in his business until his death in 2008 and was widely respected for his entrepreneurial vision.

Born in 1936 in the United States, Michael H. Jordan was a prominent business leader who held executive roles at PepsiCo, CBS, and Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He gained recognition for his strategic mergers and acquisitions, overseeing the purchase of CBS by Westinghouse and the transformation of media assets. Jordan's leadership style emphasized innovation, operational efficiency, and shareholder value. He was known for navigating companies through periods of rapid change in the media and technology sectors. Jordan passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of corporate growth and strategic boldness.

Marcel Côté was a prominent Canadian economist and management consultant. He co-founded SECOR, a leading consulting firm advising governments and corporations. Côté served on various commissions and authored studies on economic development and urban planning. In 2013, he ran as an independent candidate for mayor of Montreal, focusing on transparency and innovation. Born in 1942, he taught economics at universities and lectured internationally. His blend of academic insight and practical strategy influenced public policy in Quebec. Côté's legacy endures through his contributions to economics and civic leadership.

Born in 1930 in New York City, he began his career as a lawyer before shifting to literary representation in the 1960s. Janklow founded one of the first powerhouse literary agencies, negotiating record-breaking advances for his clients. His roster included best-selling authors like William Styron and Jacqueline Susann, transforming author-agent relationships. He fought landmark legal battles to secure authors' intellectual property rights and fair contracts. Until his death in 2022, Janklow remained a towering figure in publishing, leaving a lasting legacy on the industry.