September 16

Nathan Mayer Rothschild was a pioneering financier and founder of the British branch of the Rothschild banking family in the early 19th century. He established his firm in London and built an extensive network of financial agents across Europe. Rothschild pioneered new methods of communication and credit, including fast couriers and reliable credit letters, which revolutionized international finance. He financed government loans during the Napoleonic Wars and later underwrote major infrastructure projects such as railways. Rothschild's innovations in bond markets and asset management laid the groundwork for modern banking. His wealth and influence made the Rothschild name synonymous with financial power and philanthropy.

Charles Crocker was an American businessman and railroad magnate, best known as one of the Big Four investors who built the Central Pacific Railroad. Born in Troy, New York, he moved to California during the Gold Rush and became a leading figure in the firm's financing and construction efforts. As the first president of Wells Fargo & Company, he helped expand banking services across the American West. Crocker's leadership in railroad construction and land investments transformed transportation infrastructure and western settlement. While he amassed great wealth and influence, his career was marked by controversies over labor practices and corporate power.

James J. Hill was born in Canada in 1838 and later moved to the United States, where he became a leading railroad builder. As head of the Great Northern Railway, he completed a privately financed transcontinental line without government land grants. Hill’s business acumen and community investments helped develop cities along his rail lines and supported agricultural growth. Known as the Empire Builder, he emphasized efficient operations and fair rates, setting new standards in the railroad industry. His philanthropic efforts included funding libraries, parks, and educational initiatives throughout the Northwest.

James Cash Penney was an American businessman who established the J. C. Penney retail chain. Starting as a store clerk, he opened his first Golden Rule Store in 1902 in Wyoming. Penney's commitment to fair pricing and quality merchandise fueled the rapid expansion of his stores nationwide. By the 1920s, J. C. Penney had grown into one of the largest department store chains in the United States. He used his wealth to support educational institutions, community development, and charitable causes. Penney's philosophy of 'service and integrity' guided his company and philanthropic endeavors until his death in 1971.

Jacob Schick was an American-Canadian inventor and businessman best known for creating the first electric razor. Born in Canada, he served in the U.S. Army before focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. He patented his razor design, featuring a motorized mechanism and replaceable blades, in the early 20th century. Schick founded the Schick Razor Corporation to manufacture and market his inventions globally. His pioneering work transformed personal grooming by making shaving quicker and more accessible. Under his leadership, the company became a leading name in grooming products worldwide.

Walter Owen Bentley was born in 1888 in London and demonstrated a passion for mechanics from a young age. He worked as an engineer at Great Northern Railway before serving as a mechanic in the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I. After the war, Bentley co-founded Bentley Motors Limited in 1919, aiming to build robust and high-performance automobiles. His cars quickly gained a reputation for speed and durability, famously winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924 and 1927. Bentley’s engineering innovations included advanced engine designs and lightweight materials. Despite financial challenges that led to the company’s sale to Rolls-Royce in 1931, he remained with the firm as a designer. Bentley continued to contribute to automotive engineering during World War II, working on aircraft engines. He retired in the 1950s and died in 1971, celebrated as a pioneer of British automotive excellence.

Raosaheb Gogte was an influential entrepreneur whose vision shaped the industrial landscape of western India. He established the Gogte Group, which expanded from mining operations to chemical manufacturing and beyond. A pioneer in his field, Gogte emphasized innovation, quality, and community engagement in his businesses. Beyond industry, he supported educational and cultural institutions in his home region, fostering local development. His legacy is reflected in the continued growth of the enterprises he founded and the communities he benefited.

Born in Germany and raised in Britain, Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley overcame early adversity to become a successful entrepreneur. In 1962, she founded Freelance Programmers, later renamed Xansa, employing women with dependents in flexible roles. Under her leadership, Xansa grew into a major software and IT services company listed on the London Stock Exchange. She has donated much of her fortune to charity, supporting mathematics, autism research, and women in tech. Her story is celebrated as an inspiration for female entrepreneurs and advocates of social enterprise.

Bob Kiley served as chairman and chief executive of London Transport from 1982 to 1988, overseeing modernization and service improvements. He relocated to New York City to become the first direct head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1995. Kiley implemented strategic plans to stabilize finances and upgrade infrastructure in two of the world's largest transit networks. His leadership style combined bold reforms with practical problem-solving, earning respect on both sides of the Atlantic. After retiring in 2001, he advised transportation agencies and lectured on public policy until his death in 2016.

Vince Naimoli made his fortune in retail and banking before becoming the first owner of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1995. He guided the expansion franchise through its formative years, investing in player development and community engagement. Naimoli donated generously to educational institutions, including a stadium named in his honor at the University of Tampa. His commitment to philanthropy and sports left a lasting impact on Florida's cultural landscape. He passed away in 2019, remembered as a visionary leader in both business and charity.

Dame Clara Furse made history in 2001 when she became the first woman to lead the London Stock Exchange. During her tenure, she spearheaded major modernization initiatives and navigated complex merger negotiations. Furse’s leadership helped position the exchange for growth in global financial markets and introduced groundbreaking technology upgrades. She has held board roles at major corporations including HSBC and Morgan Stanley, providing strategic guidance on risk and governance. A respected voice in finance, she has been recognized for her mentorship and advocacy for diversity in leadership. Her career continues to influence business executives and policymakers worldwide.

Born on September 16, 1971, Charlie Jacobs oversees operations for Delaware North's Boston properties, including concessions at Fenway Park. He serves as an alternate governor and part-owner of the NHL's Boston Bruins, playing a key role in team strategy. Under his guidance, fan experience enhancements at TD Garden have set new standards in sports hospitality. Jacobs integrates his business expertise with a passion for athletics to drive innovation across venues. Committed to philanthropy, he supports health, education, and youth sports programs throughout the community. His leadership in both corporate and sports arenas has earned him recognition as a dynamic industry figure.