October 12

Elmer Ambrose Sperry was born in 1860 in Chicago and became fascinated with electrical engineering at a young age. In 1911, he co-invented the gyrocompass, revolutionizing maritime navigation with a non-magnetic directional instrument. Sperry founded the Sperry Gyroscope Company, which provided navigation systems for naval and commercial vessels. His innovations also spurred developments in aircraft stabilization and autopilot systems. A prolific inventor, he held over 300 patents across gyroscopes, electrical machines, and control devices. Sperry's work laid the technological groundwork for modern navigation and aviation industries. He died in 1930, remembered as a pioneer of 20th-century engineering.

August Horch was born in 1868 in Winningen, Germany, and trained as a mechanical engineer. In 1899, he established A. Horch & Cie, one of Germany's first automobile manufacturers. Following a dispute with investors, he left and founded Audi Automobilwerke in 1910, drawing on the Latin translation of his surname. Under his leadership, Audi produced vehicles with advanced engineering features, such as overhead valves and aluminum components. Horch's commitment to quality and performance laid the foundation for Audi's reputation in luxury automobiles. He retired from the company in 1920 but remained a respected figure in the automotive industry. Horch died in 1951, honored as a pioneer of German car manufacturing.

Jean Nidetch was born in Brooklyn in 1923 and struggled with her weight before creating informal support meetings in 1963. These meetings evolved into Weight Watchers, which offered structured diet plans, peer coaching, and motivational tools. Nidetch became the public face of the organization, authoring books and appearing on television to share her approach. Under her leadership, Weight Watchers grew into a global brand that emphasized behavioral change and community support. She stepped down from daily operations but remained a mentor and advocate for healthy living. In recognition of her impact, Nidetch received the Horatio Alger Award and was inducted into several business halls of fame. She passed away in 2015, leaving a legacy of compassion-driven entrepreneurship.