September 19

Mayer Amschel Rothschild, born in 1744 in Frankfurt, was a German Jewish banker who laid the groundwork for the Rothschild banking dynasty. Starting from modest beginnings, he opened a counting house in the Frankfurt ghetto and gained the patronage of Wilhelm IX of Hesse. Rothschild’s innovative financial methods, including the use of bills of exchange and family correspondence, enabled rapid capital transfers across Europe. He placed his sons in major financial centers, creating a network that financed governments and wars, notably supporting Britain during the Napoleonic Wars. His emphasis on discretion, reliability, and family cohesion became hallmarks of the Rothschild name. He died in 1812, having transformed European finance.

Condé Montrose Nast was an innovative American publisher who launched Condé Nast Publications in 1909, creating iconic magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker. He recognized the power of niche audiences and high-quality visual design, setting new standards for editorial style and photography. Under his leadership, Condé Nast magazines became synonymous with luxury, culture, and in-depth journalism. Nast’s focus on advertising revenue and upscale demographics revolutionized the business model of magazine publishing. He continued to expand his portfolio throughout the 1920s and 1930s, cementing his reputation as a media visionary. Nast’s influence persists in the global publishing industry, where his brands remain influential in fashion, lifestyle, and news.

Born in Brazil, Indiana, in 1907, Redenbacher studied agronomy and developed superior popcorn hybrids. In partnership with Charles Bowman, he launched his eponymous brand in 1970, emphasizing quality kernels. Redenbacher became the face of his brand, starring in memorable television commercials. His commitment to taste and innovation revolutionized the snack industry. He remained an iconic figure in American business until his death on September 19, 1995.

Born in 1908 in New Orleans, Ellis Marsalis Sr. became one of the first African American bank loan officers in the South. He founded First Community Finance Corporation and facilitated loans for marginalized entrepreneurs. Marsalis led civic organizations and advocated against segregation during the Civil Rights Movement. He mentored local leaders and supported educational initiatives in underserved neighborhoods. As patriarch of the Marsalis family, his influence extended from community banking to cultural spheres. His work laid the groundwork for economic empowerment and civil rights in Louisiana.

William Ungar survived the Holocaust before immigrating to the United States in 1947. In 1952, he established the National Envelope Corporation, growing it into one of the world's largest private envelope manufacturers. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally and served major corporations across industries. A dedicated philanthropist, Ungar funded Holocaust remembrance initiatives and educational programs. He also authored a memoir detailing his journey from survival to business success, inspiring future generations.

Hiroshi Yamauchi took control of Nintendo, then a small playing card company, in 1949 at age 22. He led the company’s diversification into toys and later pioneered the video game industry. Under his guidance, Nintendo released iconic consoles such as the NES and Game Boy, and created legendary franchises like Mario and Zelda. Known for his bold vision and exacting management style, he reshaped entertainment worldwide. Yamauchi retired in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in gaming history.