June 19

Joseph Earl Sheffield amassed his fortune through investments in railroads and textile mills during the 19th century. A noted philanthropist, he donated generously to educational causes and supported the American Civil War effort. His significant endowment to Yale College in 1861 led to the creation of the Sheffield Scientific School, dedicated to applied science and engineering. Sheffield’s vision helped expand the role of scientific education in America. He remained actively involved in philanthropy until his death, cementing his legacy as a benefactor of higher learning.

William H. Webb built a series of acclaimed sailing ships in New York during the mid-19th century, including renowned clipper vessels. His shipyard became one of the most prolific and respected in the United States, earning Webb a reputation for quality and innovation. In 1889, he endowed the Webb Academy and Home for Shipbuilders, which later became the Webb Institute, to advance naval architecture education. Webb remained involved in the industry as a judge of ship contests and as an adviser to governments. His contributions helped shape American maritime engineering and education.

Sydney Allard was born in Devon in 1910 and developed a passion for motorsports at an early age. In 1936 he founded the Allard Motor Company, producing high-performance sports cars that blended American V8 engines with British chassis. Allard himself competed in hill climbs and circuit races, securing notable successes and shaping automotive design trends. His company’s cars found popularity in both Europe and North America after World War II. Allard’s entrepreneurial spirit and racing achievements left a lasting impact on the sports car industry before his death in 1966.

Lou Pearlman (June 19, 1954 – August 19, 2016) was an American entrepreneur who discovered and managed major boy bands including the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. He revolutionized the pop music industry in the 1990s with his marketing strategies and talent scouting. However, behind the scenes he ran a massive Ponzi scheme, defrauding investors of hundreds of millions of dollars. Convicted in 2008, Pearlman was sentenced to prison where he died in 2016.

Bjørn Dæhlie is a former Norwegian cross-country skier and successful businessman. He won eight Olympic gold medals and four silver medals between 1992 and 1998, making him one of the most decorated Winter Olympians. Dæhlie also claimed nine World Championship golds and several World Cup titles during his career. After retiring, he founded Dæhlie Sport, a performance clothing brand for athletes. His company has grown internationally, reflecting his commitment to innovation and quality in sportswear.

Born in 1976 in Medway, Massachusetts, Dennis Crowley has been a pioneer in social technology. After earning his degree from Syracuse University and completing a master's at New York University, he co-founded Dodgeball, an early location-based service acquired by Google. Crowley's next venture was Foursquare, launched in 2009, which revolutionized how users discover venues and share recommendations. Under his leadership as CEO and later executive chairman, Foursquare expanded into data analytics and enterprise solutions. Crowley's innovations have influenced mobile social networking and location intelligence, earning him recognition as a visionary in the tech industry. He continues to mentor startups and engage in speaking events worldwide.