December 07

Ferdinand de Lesseps was born in 1805 into a diplomatic family and developed a vision to connect the Mediterranean and Red Seas. He negotiated the concession and oversaw the construction of the Suez Canal, which opened in 1869 and revolutionized global trade routes. De Lesseps later attempted to build the Panama Canal, though that venture met financial and engineering challenges. His success at Suez made him an international celebrity and a model of entrepreneurial ambition. He served as a diplomat, leveraging his connections to secure funding and political support. De Lesseps authored memoirs recounting his canal projects and travel experiences. He died on December 7, 1894, remembered for his transformative impact on world shipping and commerce.

Born in Grand Rapids in 1924, Jay Van Andel teamed up with Rich DeVos in 1959 to establish Amway, pioneering the multi-level marketing industry. Under his leadership, Amway expanded globally, offering household products to millions of independent distributors. Van Andel was also a generous philanthropist, founding the Van Andel Institute to advance medical research and education. He supported cultural institutions and community initiatives, leaving a legacy of service alongside business success. Known for his vision and commitment to entrepreneurship, Van Andel passed away in 2004, remembered as an industry trailblazer.

Born in 1908, Herbert Hutner earned his law degree and established a legal practice specializing in finance. He advised leading companies on mergers, securities, and corporate governance, earning respect in business circles. As an investment banker, Hutner helped launch several successful ventures and guided clients through complex transactions. Beyond business, he was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting education, medical research, and the arts. His century-long life spanned dramatic shifts in the legal and financial world before his passing in 2008.

Saul Steinberg rose to prominence in the 1970s as a takeover specialist and investor. He served as chairman of Reliance Group Holdings and orchestrated high-profile mergers. Steinberg's aggressive strategies earned him both acclaim and controversy in the finance world. He diversified holdings across shipping, advertising, and industrial enterprises. Beyond business, he supported various cultural and educational institutions through philanthropy. His innovative yet contentious methods left a lasting mark on American corporate finance.