July 10

David Humphreys was a multifaceted American leader who served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Rising to the rank of colonel, he commanded light infantry regiments at decisive battles such as Monmouth. After the war, Humphreys embarked on diplomatic missions to Portugal and Spain, negotiating trade agreements as the United States’ first foreign minister abroad. He later became a successful entrepreneur, importing Merino sheep to improve American wool production and co-founding the Hartford bank. Humphreys was also a published poet and cultural advocate, promoting American arts and letters. His wide-ranging talents in military, diplomacy, business, and literature made him a key figure in the early Republic.

Robert Chambers was a pioneering Scottish geologist and influential publisher who co-founded the prestigious Chambers Harrap publishing house. His early works on glaciation and fossil geology contributed to the burgeoning field of earth sciences, challenging prevailing theories of his time. In 1820, Chambers and his brother established W. & R. Chambers, initially publishing educational books and magazines, including the 'Chambers’s Edinburgh Journal'. Under his leadership, the firm expanded into reference works, producing the 'Chambers Dictionary of Science and Technology' and other landmark encyclopedias. Chambers advocated for public access to knowledge through affordable publications, democratizing education. His dual legacy as a scientist and entrepreneur shaped both geological research and the modern publishing industry.

Adolphus Busch immigrated from Germany to the United States in 1857, bringing brewing expertise. In 1876, he partnered with his father-in-law to transform Anheuser Military Brewery into Anheuser-Busch. He introduced pasteurization and refrigerated rail cars, enabling national distribution of beer. Under his leadership, Budweiser became one of America’s first nationally recognized beer brands. Busch expanded the company into malting, bottling, and hops production to ensure quality control. His innovations established modern brewing processes and distribution networks still used today.

Donald Sinclair was born in 1909 and served as a lieutenant in the British Army during World War II. After the war, he became a hotelier and took over the management of the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. His strict and idiosyncratic style of hospitality reportedly inspired the character of Basil Fawlty in the British sitcom 'Fawlty Towers.' Under his leadership, Gleneagles became an international destination for golf and high society gatherings. He was honored with a baronetcy in 1951 for his contributions to hospitality. Sinclair died in 1981, leaving a lasting legacy in British popular culture and the hotel industry.

Alejandro de Tomaso began his career behind the wheel, competing in Formula One and sports car races in Europe during the 1950s. In 1959, he founded De Tomaso in Modena, Italy, building a line of iconic sports cars such as the Mangusta and Pantera. He combined Italian design flair with powerful American V8 engines to create high-performance vehicles. Under his leadership, De Tomaso cars gained a reputation for speed and distinctive styling, attracting celebrities and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Despite financial challenges, he maintained control of the company for decades, influencing sports car design. De Tomaso's legacy lives on in the enduring appeal of his vehicles among collectors and racing aficionados.

Sir Wilson Whineray was one of New Zealand's most celebrated rugby union players, captaining the All Blacks in 67 matches, including 40 official tests, between 1957 and 1965. A strong and intelligent flanker, he led the team to an unbeaten home test record and successful overseas tours, earning respect as a natural leader on the field. After retiring from rugby, Whineray transitioned into business, holding leadership roles at several major companies such as Fernz Corporation and Whitaker Corporation. He was knighted in 1960 for his services to sport and business, becoming one of the youngest New Zealanders to receive the honor. Whineray also served on the board of the New Zealand Rugby Union and contributed to the sport's administration. His combination of athletic prowess and corporate acumen made him a prominent public figure. His legacy endures in both the sports and business communities of New Zealand.

Herbert W. Boyer is an American biochemist whose groundbreaking research in the 1970s helped establish the field of biotechnology. Along with Stanley Cohen, he developed one of the first recombinant DNA techniques, enabling the insertion of genetic material from one organism into another. In 1976, Boyer co-founded Genentech, the world's first biotechnology company, leading to the commercialization of synthetic human insulin and growth hormone. As Genentech's vice-president of research, he oversaw early development of gene-based medicines that transformed modern healthcare. Boyer's work earned him numerous honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the National Medal of Technology. He has held faculty positions at the University of California, San Francisco, sharing his expertise with generations of scientists. Beyond his scientific achievements, Boyer's entrepreneurial vision laid the foundation for the multi-billion-dollar biotech industry. His contributions continue to influence research and innovation in molecular biology.

Anna Bråkenhielm (born July 10, 1966) is a Swedish business executive with extensive experience in the media and entertainment sectors. She has held senior leadership positions at major Nordic broadcasting and production companies, overseeing strategic growth and operations. Known for her entrepreneurial drive and innovative approach, she has led initiatives that expanded market presence and strengthened brand recognition. Throughout her career, Bråkenhielm has contributed to launching compelling content and forging international partnerships. She is recognized as a prominent figure in Sweden's corporate landscape and is committed to mentorship and investment in emerging talent.

Born on July 10, 1975, in Santa Barbara County, California, Andrew Firestone is a member of the famed Firestone tire dynasty. After earning a business degree from the University of San Diego, he founded Firestone Vineyard, producing award-winning wines in Sonoma County. Firestone gained national attention as the lead on the third season of ABC's reality series "The Bachelor," showcasing his commitment to both business and romance. He later hosted and produced wine-related television programs, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with media savvy. A passionate advocate for sustainable viticulture, he has implemented eco-friendly practices at his winery. His blend of family heritage, business innovation, and television success has made him a notable figure in both the wine industry and pop culture.