August 13

Born in Hamburg to a Danish family, Cruger established himself as a leading merchant in colonial New York. Elected mayor in 1739, he served two terms and oversaw the expansion of the city’s port and commerce. He championed improvements in infrastructure, including dock construction and public markets. A devout churchwarden, he also supported charitable initiatives and local governance reforms. Cruger’s tenure helped lay the foundation for New York’s emergence as a commercial hub.

Born in 1821 in Connecticut, Huntington became a leading figure in American railroads. He co founded the Central Pacific Railroad, linking the western and eastern United States. His business acumen helped finance and construct the transcontinental railroad through challenging terrain. Huntington also invested in shipping, coal, and real estate, expanding his industrial empire. He played a significant role in the founding of southern California’s port of Los Angeles. Despite controversies over monopolistic practices, his vision transformed American transportation.

Walter Owen Bentley, known as W. O. Bentley, was born in 1888 and became a pioneering engineer and race car driver. In 1919 he co-founded Bentley Motors Limited, creating high-performance luxury automobiles that emphasized durability and engineering excellence. Bentley's cars dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans races throughout the 1920s, earning a reputation for speed and reliability. After selling the company in 1931, he contributed his engineering expertise to the aviation industry during World War II. His commitment to craftsmanship and innovation influenced automotive design standards worldwide. Bentley died in 1971, leaving an enduring legacy in both the automotive and motorsport arenas.

Jack Weil was an American entrepreneur who founded Rockmount Ranch Wear in Denver in 1946. He revolutionized Western fashion by introducing durable western shirts with snap buttons, a design inspired by cowboy culture. Under his leadership, Rockmount Ranch Wear became an iconic brand featured in films and music videos. Weil worked well into his 100s, earning a reputation as the oldest living CEO. He held numerous patents for Western clothing innovations and was known for his dedication to craftsmanship. Weil's influence extended beyond fashion, as he embodied the pioneering spirit of the American West. He passed away at the age of 107, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the apparel industry.

Aaron Selber Jr. was born in 1927 into the family that founded Selber Brothers, a regional department store chain. He served as president and later chairman of the company, expanding its reach across Louisiana and Texas. Beyond retail, Selber was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting education, healthcare, and the arts through significant donations and board service. He helped establish scholarships at local universities and contributed to hospital expansions and cultural institutions. Selber's commitment to community development earned him numerous civic awards. His legacy includes both economic growth in the region and lasting charitable endowments. He died in 2013, remembered as a visionary business leader and generous benefactor.

Born in 1928, Om Prakash Munjal was one of the founding members of Hero Cycles, which grew into the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer. Under his leadership, the company introduced affordable, high-quality bicycles, transforming transportation in rural India. Munjal was also a committed philanthropist, funding education and healthcare initiatives across his community. He served as a role model for Indian entrepreneurship, advocating for innovation and ethical business practices. His contributions to industry and society were honored with numerous awards before his passing in 2015.

Wally Amos began his career as a talent agent before launching Famous Amos cookies in 1975. His vision brought homemade-style gourmet cookies to a national market, making the brand a household name. Amos later wrote books on entrepreneurship and self-help, sharing his experiences and lessons learned. He weathered business setbacks but continued to innovate with new cookie and snack ventures. His inspirational story underscores the power of branding and resilience in business.