January 01

William Clowes (1779–1847) was an English publisher and entrepreneur who established a leading printing firm in London. He introduced steam-powered presses and modernized production methods, making printed materials more accessible and affordable. His company produced books, periodicals, and official documents, earning a reputation for quality and innovation. Clowes's efforts played a key role in the growth of the publishing industry during the Industrial Revolution. His legacy continued through William Clowes Ltd, which remained a prominent printing house for decades.

Frank Knox co-owned and edited the Chicago Daily News before entering politics as a Republican leader. He was the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 1936 and later appointed Secretary of the Navy from 1940 until his death in 1944. Under his leadership, the U.S. Navy expanded massively to meet the demands of World War II. Knox’s efforts helped modernize naval strategy and strengthen the United States’ maritime defenses. He remains remembered for his dual impact in journalism and national leadership during a critical era.

William Fox was born in Tolcsva, Hungary, in 1879 and emigrated to the United States with his family. He began his career running nickelodeon theaters and, in 1915, founded the Fox Film Corporation. Fox quickly expanded into film production and distribution, pioneering block booking and vertical integration. He also established the Fox Theatres chain, which grew into a national exhibition empire. His business innovations helped shape the Hollywood studio system and laid the groundwork for 20th Century Fox. Despite later financial setbacks and loss of control over his company, his impact on the film industry endures. He died in 1952.

Chikuhei Nakajima was born in 1884 in Saga Prefecture, Japan. A graduate of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy, he served as a lieutenant in the navy before turning to aviation engineering. In 1917, he founded the Nakajima Aircraft Company, which became one of Japan's leading aircraft manufacturers. Under his leadership, the company designed and produced key military and civilian aircraft throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Nakajima also promoted air mail services and contributed to Japan's civil aviation infrastructure. Later in life, he entered politics, serving in the Japanese Diet and advocating for industrial development. He passed away in 1949.

James 'Jim' Sinegal (January 1, 1936) is an American businessman best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Costco. He pioneered the warehouse club concept, emphasizing low prices and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, Costco grew into one of the world's largest retailers with a loyal membership base. Sinegal is celebrated for his employee-focused management style and generous compensation policies. He retired in 2012, leaving a legacy of sustainable growth and corporate culture innovation.

Gary Johnson (born 1953) is an American businessman and politician who served as the 29th Governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003. Prior to his political career, he founded a successful construction company and built a reputation for fiscal conservatism. As governor, Johnson balanced budgets without raising taxes and promoted education and economic development initiatives. After leaving office, he sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 before becoming the Libertarian Party nominee in both 2012 and 2016. Known for his advocacy of limited government and civil liberties, Johnson brought Libertarian ideas into the national conversation. He remains an influential figure in third-party politics and continues to speak on fiscal policy and personal freedom.