September 14

He rose from modest beginnings to build a vast shipping and oil transport fleet. He founded Latsis Group, expanding into banking and real estate. Under his leadership, the company became a global leader in maritime trade. He was known for his strategic acquisitions and philanthropic contributions to education and culture. He maintained a private lifestyle despite his immense wealth. He died in 2003, leaving a legacy as one of Greece's most successful entrepreneurs.

A. Jean de Grandpré was a distinguished Canadian lawyer who rose to prominence as president and CEO of Bell Canada, guiding the company through rapid technological growth. Alongside his corporate leadership, he contributed to legal scholarship as an academic, teaching at major universities and publishing on corporate governance. His career exemplified a rare combination of legal acuity, business vision, and scholarly achievement. De Grandpré’s impact on telecommunications and higher education earned him national honors and enduring respect in multiple fields.

Paul Poberezny was an American aviator who founded the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1953 to promote homebuilt aircraft and pilot camaraderie. Under his leadership, the EAA grew into a global community and established the annual AirVenture Oshkosh event, one of the world’s largest aviation gatherings. Poberezny’s passion for flight, dedication to safety, and encouragement of innovation inspired countless hobbyist pilots. He received numerous awards for his contributions to aviation culture and education, leaving a lasting legacy in the flying community.

Angus Ogilvy was born into a prominent family in 1928 and educated at Eton and Sandhurst before serving in the Gordon Highlanders. He built a career in finance, co-founding several brokerage and futures firms that operated in London and abroad. In 1963 he married Princess Alexandra of Kent, becoming a well-known figure in British social and philanthropic circles. Ogilvy chaired marketing and consultancy companies, focusing on emerging markets in Europe and Asia, and championed charitable causes. His discreet style and business acumen earned him respect across the royal family and corporate world until his death in 2004.

Born to fast-food entrepreneur Dave Thomas, Wendy became the face of Wendy's as its namesake and spokesperson. She starred in national ad campaigns, helping the chain become a household name. Beyond marketing, she supports charitable efforts focusing on childhood hunger and education. A public speaker and advocate, she continues to shape the brand's image with her personal story and community work.

Emigrating from Croatia as a child, Robert Herjavec built a cybersecurity empire before joining the cast of ABC's Shark Tank. As one of the 'sharks', he invests in startups across multiple industries. He has authored business books, spoken internationally on entrepreneurship, and founded the Herjavec Group. His rags-to-riches story inspires aspiring business owners worldwide.