December 06

Robert Spear Hudson was born in 1812 in Lancashire, England. He revolutionized household cleaning by marketing the first popular soap powder, improving laundry efficiency for Victorian families. Hudson built a thriving company, expanding production and distribution across Britain. His success allowed him to support local charities, funding schools and hospitals in his community. He advocated for social reforms and donated generously to philanthropic causes. Hudson's brand endured well into the 20th century, setting standards for consumer goods manufacturing before his death in 1884.

William Arnott was born in 1827 in Scotland and emigrated to Australia in 1847, where he started a baking business in Newcastle, New South Wales. In 1865, he founded Arnott's, developing a reputation for high-quality biscuits and innovative recipes. His 'Milk Arrowroot' biscuit became a national favorite. Arnott's expansion included modern factories and a wide product range, establishing the company as a household name. Known for his commitment to quality and community, Arnott supported local charities and employed fair labor practices. The company thrived after his death in 1901, becoming one of Australia's leading snack food producers.

Fred Duesenberg (1876–1932) was a German-American industrialist and automotive pioneer whose name became synonymous with high-performance luxury vehicles. Alongside his brother August, he co-founded the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, producing cars renowned for their advanced engineering and speed. Duesenberg models dominated early Grand Prix and land speed record events, showcasing cutting-edge overhead camshaft engines. His commitment to craftsmanship and innovation set new standards in the automobile industry. Even after his death, the Duesenberg marque remained a symbol of elegance and technological excellence in automotive history.

Born in 1917 in Canada, Irv Robbins moved to California and opened Snowbird Ice Cream Shop in 1945. In 1953, he partnered with Burt Baskin to merge their shops into Baskin-Robbins, pioneering the concept of 31 flavors. Their innovation in offering a variety of flavors daily transformed the ice cream business and delighted customers. Under Robbins' leadership, the brand expanded rapidly across the United States and internationally. He sold the company in 1967 but remained an influential figure in the dessert industry until his death in 2008.

Lawrence Cannon was born in 1947 in Quebec, Canada. He began his career as a real estate and finance professional before entering politics. He was elected Member of Parliament for Pontiac in 2006 and held the post until 2011. In 2008, he was appointed the 9th Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Stephen Harper. During his tenure he focused on strengthening Canada’s international alliances and promoting trade. After leaving office he remained active in consulting and international relations.

Don Nickles was born in 1948 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He started his career in his family's concrete business before entering politics. At age 32 he won a surprise victory to become one of the youngest U.S. Senators in history. During his 24-year tenure he served as Senate Minority Whip and was known for his advocacy of tax reform and strong defense policies. Nickles chaired the Budget Committee and played a central role in federal budget negotiations. After retiring in 2005 he founded a lobbying firm and remained active in conservative political circles. He is remembered for his fiscal conservatism and straightforward style.

Craig Newmark is an American computer programmer and entrepreneur who launched the classifieds website Craigslist in 1995. What began as a simple email list in San Francisco grew into a global platform offering listings for jobs, housing, services, and community events. Newmark's commitment to community-driven content and minimal advertising has shaped Craigslist's enduring popularity. Beyond his work on Craigslist, he is a noted philanthropist, supporting journalism ethics, voter protection, and veteran services. Newmark continues to advise on technology initiatives and advocate for responsible online communities.

Satoru Iwata was a pioneering video game programmer who rose through HAL Laboratory to become Nintendo's fourth president in 2002. Under his leadership, Nintendo launched the DS and Wii, revolutionizing handheld and motion-controlled gaming. He was one of the first presidents to be an external hire and earned respect for his close relationships with developers and fans. Iwata championed creative risks and innovation, leading to hits like Animal Crossing and Wii Sports. He also supported independent developers through programs like the Nintendo Independent Game Showcase. Iwata passed away in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy on the gaming world.

Helen Greiner co-founded iRobot in 1990, creating the Roomba vacuum robot that revolutionized home automation. With a background in mechanical engineering and computer science, she drove early development of robotic systems for both consumer and defense applications. Greiner has received numerous awards for innovation and entrepreneurship, including recognition from MIT and Popular Mechanics. After leaving iRobot, she founded other robotics ventures and serves on advisory boards in the tech industry. She is a vocal advocate for women in STEM and frequently speaks on the future of robotics and AI.