August 29

Pierre Lallement refined early two-wheeled designs by adding a crank and pedals to the front wheel.\nIn 1866 he emigrated to the United States and filed U.S. Patent No. 59,915 for his 'velocipede.'\nThough his patent rights were later overshadowed by other manufacturers, Lallement's design set the foundation for modern bicycles.\nHe returned to France later in life, receiving little recognition during his lifetime.\nToday, he is honored as a pioneering engineer whose invention transformed personal transport worldwide.

George Huntington Hartford began his career in the grocery trade before partnering to launch A&P in 1859.\nUnder his leadership, the company introduced innovations like cash-and-carry stores and low prices.\nHartford oversaw the expansion of A&P into a national retail chain, revolutionizing food distribution.\nBy the early 20th century, it had become one of the largest grocery chains in America.\nHis business models paved the way for modern supermarket operations and mass merchandising.

David T. Abercrombie (1867–1931) was an American businessman and outdoorsman who co-founded the retail company Abercrombie & Fitch. Trained as a landscape architect, he opened his first sporting goods store in 1892 in New York City. Abercrombie's focus on high-quality outdoor gear attracted wealthy clients seeking the latest equipment for hunting and fishing. In 1900, he partnered with Ezra Fitch, expanding the business and establishing a global brand. Under their guidance, Abercrombie & Fitch became synonymous with stylish, durable apparel for sports and exploration. Abercrombie was known for his passion for the wilderness and commitment to customer service. His entrepreneurial vision laid the foundation for a company that continues to influence the fashion industry. Today, his legacy endures in the enduring popularity of the Abercrombie & Fitch name.

Adolphus Busch III (1891–1946) was an American businessman and third-generation member of the Busch brewing family. The grandson of Anheuser-Busch co-founder Adolphus Busch, he joined the company in 1913 and rose through the ranks over three decades. Busch became president of Anheuser-Busch in 1934, overseeing its expansion and modernization during Prohibition and the Great Depression. Under his leadership, the company introduced innovative marketing strategies and diversified its product line, strengthening its position in the American beer industry. He also championed employee welfare programs and cutting-edge brewing techniques. Busch was active in civic and charitable causes, reflecting his family's philanthropic traditions. His tenure marked a period of resilience and growth in challenging economic times. His stewardship laid the groundwork for Anheuser-Busch's emergence as a global leader in brewing.

Libero Grassi (1924–1991) was an Italian businessman who became famous for publicly defying the Sicilian Mafia's extortion demands. As owner of a family-run underwear manufacturing company in Palermo, he refused to pay pizzo and in 1991 wrote an open letter to a local newspaper challenging the practice. His courageous stance inspired other businesses to resist organized crime and sparked a national debate on Mafia influence. Tragically, Grassi was assassinated outside his home later that year, becoming a martyr in the fight against the Cosa Nostra. His death led to the formation of anti-Mafia associations such as Addiopizzo, dedicated to supporting courageous entrepreneurs. Grassi is remembered as a symbol of resistance and civic courage in modern Italy.

James Muir Cameron Fletcher was born in 1914 in New Zealand into a family with deep roots in construction. After studying engineering, he joined the family business and later became chairman of Fletcher Challenge, guiding its expansion into forestry, energy, and building products. Under his stewardship, Fletcher Challenge grew to become one of New Zealand’s largest multinational corporations. Fletcher championed technological innovation and sustainable practices within the industry. He served on numerous corporate, civic, and governmental advisory boards, influencing national economic policy. In recognition of his service, he received national honors. He passed away on August 29, 2007, remembered as a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s industrial history.

Born in 1920 in the Netherlands, Alfred Peet trained as a coffee roaster in Indonesia and London before emigrating to the United States in 1966. In Berkeley, California, he opened the first Peet's Coffee & Tea, pioneering a darker roast and emphasis on bean quality. His commitment to freshness, careful sourcing, and small-batch roasting set new standards for specialty coffee. Peet's shops became hubs for coffee enthusiasts and inspired future giants like Starbucks. After selling his company in 1979, Peet continued to mentor emerging coffee entrepreneurs. His legacy endures through the global coffee culture he helped to create.