September 17

Born in 1797 in Mexico City, he rose to prominence as a successful merchant and banker. He held key offices, including Minister of Finance under President Santa Anna. In September 1841, he was appointed interim President during a period of political upheaval. His brief administration focused on fiscal reform and stabilizing the national treasury. After leaving office, he returned to private commerce and influenced economic policy. He died in 1852, remembered for his dual legacy as a statesman and pioneer of Mexican banking.

Charles Alfred Pillsbury was a visionary American businessman and philanthropist. Born in 1842, he co-founded the Pillsbury Company in 1872, pioneering modern milling techniques. Under his leadership, the company introduced the steel roller milling process and expanded globally. He also invested in Minneapolis infrastructure and supported educational institutions. Pillsbury’s innovations helped establish the city as the world’s flour capital and his legacy endures today.

Thomas Bent was born in 1838 in Penrith, New South Wales, and moved to Victoria as a youth. He built his fortune as a land agent and businessman before entering politics in 1871. Bent served as Premier of Victoria from 1904 until his resignation in 1909 amid controversy over land deals. He championed railway expansion and infrastructure projects that shaped Melbourne’s suburbs. Despite allegations of corruption, his impact on Victoria’s development remains significant.

Laura Ashley was born in Dowlais, Wales in 1925. She began by designing headscarves and tea towels printed with traditional floral motifs. In 1953, she and her husband expanded the business, launching the Laura Ashley brand. The company grew into a global fashion and home furnishings empire recognized for its romantic, nostalgic style. Ashley's designs influenced interior decor trends from the 1960s to the 1980s. She remained involved in design until her death in 1985, leaving a lasting legacy in the fashion world.

Theodore 'Ted' Binion (1943–1998) was an American casino heir and high-stakes poker player. Born in Las Vegas, he inherited Binion's Horseshoe casino from his father, Benny Binion, and managed its operations through the 1980s and 1990s. Binion developed a reputation for both his business acumen and his passion for underground poker games. His personal life and sudden death in 1998 led to a widely publicized legal case involving allegations of foul play. The ensuing trial and appeals brought scrutiny to the darker side of casino wealth and power. Binion's life story continues to intrigue historians and true-crime enthusiasts, reflecting the complexities of Las Vegas royalty.

Eiji Toyoda was a pivotal Japanese industrialist who steered Toyota Motor Corporation through its postwar expansion into a global automotive leader. After joining the company in the 1930s, he rose through the ranks to become president in 1967 and later served as chairman. Under his leadership, Toyota refined and popularized the Toyota Production System, a manufacturing philosophy focused on efficiency and quality. Toyoda championed innovation in production techniques, helping the company weather economic challenges and gain international market share. He fostered a corporate culture of continuous improvement and employee empowerment, laying the foundation for Toyota's long-term success. Toyoda's vision transformed Toyota into one of the world's most respected and profitable automakers.

Robert W. Gore (1937-2020) was an American engineer and businessman whose innovative work revolutionized materials science. As a researcher at W.L. Gore & Associates, he accidentally discovered expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), later branded as Gore-Tex, a breathable yet waterproof fabric that transformed outdoor apparel and medical devices. Gore served as president and CEO of the company, guiding its growth into a global enterprise renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality. Under his leadership, Gore & Associates expanded its product lines into industries including aerospace, electronics, and healthcare, applying its proprietary membrane technology in new contexts. Gore’s emphasis on collaborative research and a unique corporate culture fostered continuous invention within the company. He held numerous patents and received prestigious awards, such as the Perkin Medal and induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. His legacy endures through the wide-ranging applications of Gore-Tex and the entrepreneurial spirit he championed.