October 26

Born in 1803 in Ireland, Labatt emigrated to Canada and established the Labatt Brewing Company in London, Ontario, in 1847. His entrepreneurial vision and commitment to quality brewing transformed a small local operation into a national brand. Labatt introduced modern brewing techniques and emphasized consistent flavor and purity. Under his guidance, the brewery expanded distribution across Canada and into the United States. Labatt’s legacy endures as the company remains a beloved icon of Canadian brewing heritage.

Harry Payne Whitney (1872–1930) was a prominent American businessman and a scion of the wealthy Whitney family. He served as president of the family's sugar and steel enterprises while also managing investments in finance and philanthropy. Whitney's true passion lay in horse racing; he established a leading Thoroughbred stable that produced numerous champions. Under his guidance, his horses won prestigious races, cementing his reputation in the sport. Beyond racing, he was an avid art collector and generous patron of museums, leaving a multifaceted legacy.

Igor Sikorsky was a visionary aerospace engineer whose innovations shaped modern aviation. Born in Kyiv in 1889, he designed and built the world's first multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft in 1909. After emigrating to the United States in 1919, he founded Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 1925. His company produced iconic helicopters like the VS-300 and the UH-60 Black Hawk. Sikorsky's work bridged the gap between airplanes and rotorcraft, revolutionizing rotary-wing flight. He held over a hundred patents and received the National Medal of Science for his achievements. Sikorsky remained active in research until his death in 1972, leaving a lasting legacy in aviation engineering.

Troy Smith opened his first drive-in eatery, known as Sonic, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 1953, featuring carhop service. He emphasized quality ingredients and customer experience, setting his chain apart in the burgeoning fast-food industry. Under Smith's leadership, Sonic grew to become one of the largest drive-in chains in the United States. He also developed innovative menu items and promotional strategies that remain central to the brand's identity. Smith's entrepreneurial vision influenced the fast-food model and left a lasting mark on American dining culture.

Arnold Greenberg (1932–2012) was a co-founder of Unadulterated Food Products, the company that introduced Snapple in 1978. Under his leadership, Snapple grew from a regional juice brand into a national phenomenon known for its flavored teas and juices. Greenberg pioneered marketing strategies such as printing quirky facts under bottle caps, fostering strong brand identity. In 1994, Snapple was sold for $1.7 billion, marking one of the largest beverage deals of its time. His entrepreneurial vision helped shape the ready-to-drink market in the United States. Greenberg remained influential as an advisor to the company until his passing. His innovative approach to branding left a lasting impact on the beverage industry.