September 29

Billy Butlin (1899–1980) was a businessman who revolutionized British leisure by creating affordable holiday camps. After moving to England, he opened the first Butlins camp in Skegness in 1936. His innovative model combined accommodation, entertainment, and communal dining for working-class families. The success of his camps led to a nationwide network that became a cultural institution. Butlin's vision shaped modern British tourism and leisure practices.

Gene Autry revolutionized country music and western films with his friendly stage presence and catchy songs. He gained fame on Chicago radio before starring in over 90 films as the beloved singing cowboy, blending music and storytelling. Autry recorded hits like 'Back in the Saddle Again' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,' which became holiday classics. Beyond entertainment, he built a business empire that included the California Angels baseball team and television stations. Autry’s legacy endures through his trailblazing role in popular culture and his status as a cultural ambassador of the American West.

George W. Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store in Winter Haven, Florida, in 1930 at age 23. He emphasized customer service, clean stores, and quality products, setting new standards in retail grocery. Under his leadership, Publix expanded throughout the Southeast with employee ownership and profit-sharing programs. Jenkins was known for hands-on management and a commitment to community engagement through charitable initiatives. Today, Publix is one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, reflecting his enduring principles of empowerment and service.

Vincent DeDomenico was an American businessman and innovator in hospitality. He founded the Napa Valley Wine Train in 1989, combining luxury travel with wine tasting. His vision turned the train into a landmark attraction for wine enthusiasts. DeDomenico built his legacy through hospitality ventures and community engagement. He led his family-owned company for decades, expanding operations across California. His efforts helped establish Napa Valley as a premier wine tourism destination.

Silvio Berlusconi was a prominent Italian entrepreneur and political leader who founded the Mediaset media empire and acquired the football club A.C. Milan. He first became Prime Minister in 1994 and went on to serve two additional terms, making him one of Italy's longest-serving post-war leaders. His tenure was marked by economic reforms, media deregulation, and controversial legal battles. Berlusconi's charismatic style and business acumen reshaped Italian politics, but his career was also clouded by corruption charges and criticism over media control. Despite the controversies, he remained an influential figure in both the business world and national politics until his death in 2023.

Carlos Watson is an American entrepreneur, journalist, and television host. He co-founded Ozy Media, a digital media company offering news and entertainment content. Watson hosts a countdown talk show on MSNBC and has appeared as a correspondent for CNN. A Rhodes Scholar, he holds degrees from Brown University and Yale Law School. He previously worked as a corporate lawyer before entering the media industry. Watson speaks frequently at conferences on entrepreneurship and media innovation. His career spans media, business, and law.