October 04

Léon Serpollet was born on October 4, 1858 in Lyon. He revolutionized automotive engineering with his development of the flash boiler, enabling reliable and powerful steam-powered vehicles. In 1886, he co-founded the Gardner-Serpollet company, producing some of the earliest commercially successful steam cars that set speed records. Serpollet's innovations demonstrated the potential of alternative propulsion before the internal combustion engine dominated the industry. Though he died prematurely in 1903, his visionary work influenced early automotive design and engineering.

Malcolm Baldrige Jr. was a prominent American business leader and public servant. He led as Secretary of Commerce from 1981 until his untimely death in a rodeo accident in 1987. Baldrige championed market deregulation and export expansion, shaping U.S. trade policy in the 1980s. Before his cabinet role, he was a successful corporate executive, serving on the boards of major companies. He is remembered for his advocacy of innovation and commitment to American competitiveness. His legacy lives on through the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, honoring excellence in U.S. organizations.

Shin Kyuk-ho, also known by his Japanese name Takeo Shigemitsu, founded Lotte in 1948 as a chewing gum manufacturer in post-war Japan. Under his leadership, Lotte expanded into food, retail, tourism, and chemicals, becoming a multinational conglomerate. He served as chairman and guided Lotte's growth across Korea, Japan, and other Asian markets over several decades. Known for his entrepreneurial vision, Shin built one of the region's most influential business empires. His rags-to-riches story inspired generations of entrepreneurs in Korea and Japan. Shin's family later took different paths in the management of Lotte, leading to high-profile legal and corporate disputes.

Raymond Watson served as a top executive for several manufacturing and energy companies during the mid-20th century. He was known for strategic leadership that guided firms through post-war economic expansion. Watson championed technological innovation and workforce development within the industries he managed. He held board positions and advised on corporate governance and investment strategies. Under his guidance, companies achieved sustained growth and expanded global operations. Watson's influence on American business practices endured beyond his tenure in executive roles.

Sir Terence Conran was an influential English designer and entrepreneur who founded the Habitat homewares store in 1964, revolutionizing retail design in the UK. He expanded his brand with The Conran Shop, which grew to multiple locations worldwide. In 1989, Conran established the Design Museum in London to showcase and educate on contemporary design. Throughout his career, he authored numerous books on interiors and architecture, blending functionality with aesthetics. He also launched restaurants and led urban redevelopment projects, leaving a lasting mark on modern British design. Knighted in 1983 for his services to design, Conran remained active in the industry until his death in 2020.

Alberto Vilar founded Amerindo Investment Advisors and built a career in wealth management. He became a major patron of classical music, sponsoring opera productions and awarding arts grants. Vilar also supported scientific research, funding scholarships at leading universities. His philanthropy extended to museums and environmental conservation projects around the world. In the early 2000s, he pledged substantial gifts to educational institutions and cultural foundations. Later legal troubles overshadowed his giving, but his early contributions had a lasting impact on the arts and sciences.

Born on October 4, 1948, Linda McMahon co-founded Titan Sports, which became World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and served as its on-screen and executive leader. Under her guidance, WWE expanded into a global entertainment powerhouse, airing in over 150 countries. McMahon ran as the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2010 and 2012, raising significant campaign funding. In 2017, she was appointed by President Donald Trump as Administrator of the Small Business Administration, advocating for entrepreneurs nationwide. A philanthropist and business strategist, she remains active in civic and educational initiatives, mentoring future business leaders.

Born in Queens, New York, Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam Recordings in 1984 with Rick Rubin, launching the careers of iconic artists like LL Cool J and Public Enemy. He expanded his empire into fashion with the creation of Phat Farm, introducing streetwear to the mainstream. As a pioneer of hip-hop culture, Simmons also produced television shows, authored books, and engaged in philanthropy. His influence helped transform rap music into a global phenomenon. Through his innovative business ventures, he has left a lasting impact on music, fashion, and media.