September 13

Elias Charles Disney was born in 1859 in Blue Island, Canada West (now Ontario). He worked as a farmer and laborer before moving his family to the United States in search of new opportunities. Disney ventured into various businesses, including a lumber mill and a construction company that built homes in Chicago. His entrepreneurial spirit and encouragement influenced his children, particularly Walt Disney. Elias's support and guidance played a crucial role in Walt's early experiments in animation. Though he never gained fame himself, his legacy lives on through the enduring success of The Walt Disney Company. He died in 1941, having witnessed the rise of his son's groundbreaking film studio.

Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden started his career transporting supplies for pilgrims and later founded the Saudi Binladin Group in 1931. Under his leadership, the company constructed iconic landmarks such as the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and major infrastructure projects across Saudi Arabia. Bin Laden's close ties with the Saudi royal family and reputation for reliable delivery earned his firm significant government contracts. He expanded the group's operations into engineering, real estate, and hospitality, setting the stage for its multinational presence. Despite his humble beginnings, bin Laden became a key figure in Saudi business, overseeing rapid growth until his death in 1967. His legacy endures through the continued success of the Binladin family enterprise, one of the most prominent in the Arab world.

Leonard Lord began his automotive career at Daimler before joining Morris Motors in 1923. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the British Motor Corporation in 1952 and became its first chairman. Under his guidance, BMC became the largest car manufacturer in Britain, known for models like the Mini and the Austin range. Lord advocated for mass production techniques and modern factory management, increasing efficiency and output. Despite facing labor disputes and financial challenges, he remained a respected figure in the industry until his resignation in 1961. His tenure left an enduring impact on automotive engineering and manufacturing practices in the UK.

Born in 1905 in Massachusetts, Loeb purchased the Manchester Union in 1944 and turned it into the New Hampshire Union Leader. His bold editorial style and sensational headlines earned him the nickname 'the Boss' among political insiders. A staunch conservative, he wielded considerable influence over the New Hampshire primary, helping to shape presidential campaigns. Loeb often clashed with national figures, most notably President John F. Kennedy. His legacy endures in the state's political landscape, where the Union Leader remains a prominent voice.

Frank Renouf was born in 1918 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He co-founded the sharebroking firm Renouf & Co, popularizing private investment in the stock market. Renouf became known for his bold market strategies and charismatic public presence. He played a key role in developing New Zealand's financial services industry during the postwar era. Beyond business, he was a dedicated philanthropist and supporter of the arts and education. Renouf’s entrepreneurial vision and public engagement left a lasting mark on New Zealand’s economy.