August 22

Ezra Butler Eddy was born in 1827 in Hull, Quebec, Canada. He began his career as a clerk before establishing a sawmill and later founding the E.B. Eddy Company in 1854. Under his leadership, the company became a major producer of pulp, paper, and paperboard in North America. Eddy was also active in politics, serving on municipal councils and advocating for economic development in Quebec. He introduced innovative manufacturing processes and expanded his business through strategic acquisitions. Eddy's vision transformed the regional economy and set industry standards for production and management. He passed away in 1906, leaving behind a thriving industrial enterprise.

William Lewis Douglas was born in 1845 in Rochester, New Hampshire. He began working in a shoe factory as a child and eventually founded the W.L. Douglas Shoe Company. His companies became one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the world, known for quality and affordable prices. Douglas's business success propelled him into politics, and he was elected as the 42nd Governor of Massachusetts in 1904. During his tenure, he advocated for labor rights and temperance reforms. After serving a single term, he returned to his business ventures and continued to expand his shoe empire. He died in 1924, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of American industrial entrepreneurship.

Melville Elijah Stone began his career as a newspaper editor before founding the Chicago Daily News in 1875. Under his leadership, the paper quickly became one of the most widely read urban newspapers in the United States. In 1893, he was appointed the first general manager of the Associated Press, where he revolutionized news gathering by introducing regional bureaus and direct-wire reporting. Stone’s innovations expanded the reach and efficiency of the AP, setting new standards for journalistic rigor. He was known for his commitment to impartial reporting and public service. During his tenure, the AP grew into a global news cooperative. Stone’s influence on modern news media endured long after his death in 1929.

Leonard Pagliero was born in 1913 and established a successful business career in the United Kingdom. Alongside his work in industry, he pursued aviation as a pilot, earning his license and flying private aircraft. Pagliero applied the same precision and discipline from his corporate roles to mastering flight techniques. His dual pursuits reflected an adventurous spirit and a commitment to excellence both on the ground and in the air. He encouraged colleagues to appreciate aviation safety and shared his enthusiasm with aviation clubs. Pagliero passed away in 2008, remembered for his unique contributions to British business and civil aviation.

Connie B. Gay was a visionary business leader who helped shape the modern country music industry. In 1960, he co-founded the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville to preserve and celebrate the genre's legacy. As a promoter and radio station owner, he championed country music artists and expanded their national reach. Gay's tireless advocacy earned him a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980. His efforts laid the foundation for country music's global popularity and institutional recognition.

Born in 1938, Jean Berkey established a successful career in the private sector before entering politics. As a business leader, she developed a local enterprise that provided jobs and economic growth. Inspired to effect change on a broader scale, she ran for public office and served in her state legislature. During her tenure, she advocated for policies supporting entrepreneurs and community development. She continued to mentor emerging business owners until her death in 2013.

Born Johannes Donkervoort in the Netherlands, Joop Donkervoort launched Donkervoort Automobielen in 1978 to build minimalist, high-performance roadsters inspired by the Lotus Seven. His focus on lightweight construction and driver engagement has made Donkervoort cars celebrated among enthusiasts. Under his leadership, the company has produced exclusive models that blend craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering. Donkervoort remains a boutique automaker synonymous with precision and passion.

Elisabeth Murdoch began her career producing documentary films and quickly made a name for herself as a creative producer. Daughter of media magnate Rupert Murdoch, she founded an independent television production company responsible for several hit series. As a business leader, she has held executive roles at major media organizations, driving growth and innovation. Murdoch has championed digital initiatives and adapted traditional media models to changing consumer habits. She continues to influence the global media landscape through strategic partnerships and investment in emerging platforms.