October 15

He was born in 1866 in Belleville, Canada West (now Ontario). Dow earned a chemical engineering degree from Case School of Applied Science. In 1897, he founded the Midland Chemical Company, later renamed Dow Chemical Company. He pioneered the iodine extraction process, significantly reducing production costs. Under his leadership, Dow Chemical grew into a major global chemical manufacturer. Dow championed employee welfare, including profit-sharing and education programs. He passed away in 1930, and his innovations laid the foundation for the modern chemical industry.

Rolf Stenersen was a prominent Norwegian entrepreneur in the early 20th century. He built successful businesses in shipping and manufacturing. Stenersen was also a collector of modern art and supported local artists. He authored books on business and art criticism. His philanthropic efforts funded cultural institutions in Norway. Stenersen's legacy bridges commerce and the arts.

Hans Riegel (1923–2013) was a German entrepreneur and the driving force behind the global expansion of Haribo, the family-owned confectionery company famous for gummy bears. Joining the company after World War II, he modernized production processes and introduced innovative marketing strategies that broadened Haribo's reach across Europe and beyond. Riegel's leadership transformed a regional candy maker into an international sweet brand, beloved by generations. Under his guidance, Haribo expanded its product line and manufacturing facilities, becoming synonymous with quality and fun. His vision and business acumen cemented Haribo's place as a confectionery icon.

Born in 1934, Kenneth D. Taylor built a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry before joining the Canadian foreign service. As Canada's ambassador to Iran from 1977 to 1980, he orchestrated the daring exfiltration of six American diplomats during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, an operation later dramatized in film. Taylor continued to serve in high-level diplomatic roles, advocating for human rights and international cooperation. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his service. Taylor's ingenuity and courage left an enduring legacy in Canadian diplomacy.

Born in 1953, Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, playing a pivotal role in the personal computing revolution. After stepping away from day-to-day operations, he diversified his interests into technology ventures, media, and professional sports. Allen owned the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers, guiding both franchises to championship success. His philanthropic contributions, totaling over a billion dollars, funded initiatives in brain science, education, and environmental conservation. He also invested in space exploration and marine research. Allen's visionary leadership and generosity left a lasting imprint on technology and society. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 65.