February 02

Frederick William Vanderbilt (1856-1938) was a key figure in the expansion of the New York Central Railroad. As a member of the Vanderbilt dynasty, he oversaw major improvements in rail technology and service. He championed luxury train travel and the development of efficient freight networks. Vanderbilt was also a generous philanthropist, supporting educational and cultural institutions. His legacy reflects the transformative impact of railroads on America’s Gilded Age.

Solomon R. Guggenheim (1861-1949) was an American entrepreneur and avid art collector. He built a successful mining and smelting business before dedicating himself to art patronage. In 1937, he established the Guggenheim Foundation to promote modern art appreciation. He commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design the distinctive spiraling museum building. Guggenheim’s vision transformed the presentation and experience of contemporary art worldwide.

Ernst Hanfstaengl was a German-American businessman and early close associate of Adolf Hitler. Born into a wealthy publishing family, he introduced Hitler to Berlin society and helped finance Nazi Party activities. Hanfstaengl served briefly as a liaison to the foreign press before falling out with Nazi leadership and fleeing Germany in 1937. After defecting to the United States, he provided valuable intelligence to U.S. authorities during World War II. He later published memoirs offering an insider’s perspective on Hitler and the Third Reich. Hanfstaengl’s dramatic shift from supporter to opponent highlights the complex interplay of politics, ideology, and personal conviction.

Howard Deering Johnson (1897-1972) was a visionary American businessman who transformed the roadside restaurant industry. In the late 1920s, he opened his first ice cream shop in Quincy, Massachusetts, focusing on quality ingredients and customer service. He then expanded into a chain of restaurants and motor lodges under the Howard Johnson’s brand, recognized by their signature orange roofs and 28 flavors of ice cream. At its peak, his company operated over 1,000 restaurants and 500 motor lodges, becoming an icon of American highway culture. Johnson introduced standardized menus, table service, and consistent quality, setting new benchmarks for the hospitality industry. Beyond his corporate success, he emphasized employee welfare and community engagement as core business values. His legacy persists in the evolution of modern franchising and roadside hospitality standards.

Sir John Armitt is an English civil engineer and businessman with a distinguished career in the United Kingdom’s transport and construction sectors. He has held executive roles overseeing significant infrastructure developments and large-scale engineering programs. Armitt’s expertise has been sought by government bodies and industry organizations alike. His leadership and project management skills have been instrumental in modernizing networks and improving public services. Through his work, he has influenced engineering practices and policy in the UK.

Constantine Papadakis was a Greek-American businessman and academic who served as President of Drexel University from 1995 until his passing in 2009. Under his visionary leadership, Drexel underwent significant growth in research capacity, campus expansion, and student enrollment. He championed partnerships with industry and increased the university’s endowment. Papadakis’s entrepreneurial approach reshaped Drexel into a leading urban research institution. His legacy endures through the programs and facilities established during his tenure.

Duncan Bannatyne is a Scottish entrepreneur who founded the Bannatyne Group health clubs in the early 1980s. He overcame a challenging childhood to build a successful fitness empire. Bannatyne joined the BBC television series Dragons' Den as an investor in 2005, earning recognition for his business acumen. He has authored several books on personal development and business strategy. Bannatyne is also known for his philanthropic work, supporting health and children's charities across the UK. In 2003, he was awarded an OBE for his contributions to entrepreneurship and community service.

Jerry Sisk Jr. was a certified gemologist who co-founded Jewelry Television in 1993, pioneering gem-focused home shopping. Under his leadership, the network became one of the largest television retailers of gemstones and fine jewelry. He was respected for his expertise in gem identification and appraisal. Sisk was a member of the American Gem Society and contributed to industry education programs. He passed away in 2013, remembered for transforming jewelry retail on television.

Christie Brinkley rose to international fame after appearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue three consecutive years from 1979 to 1981. She expanded her career into acting with roles in films like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Broadway musicals. As a businesswoman, Brinkley launched her own brands of skincare and haircare products. She has authored books on health and beauty and is an advocate for children’s health and environmental causes. Her enduring presence in fashion and media has made her a pop culture icon.

Born in 1962, Luke Johnson built his reputation by transforming underperforming businesses into profitable ventures. He chaired PizzaExpress during a period of rapid expansion and co-founded the private equity firm Risk Capital Partners. Johnson has led companies across hospitality, media, and leisure sectors, including Gail’s Bakery and Channel 4 Television. In addition to his business endeavors, he writes a regular column for the Financial Times and supports start-ups through mentorship and investment.

Andrej Kiska built his early career as a successful entrepreneur in consumer finance, founding and growing multiple companies. He later dedicated himself to philanthropy, supporting social initiatives focusing on health care, education, and helping disadvantaged groups. In 2014, Kiska transitioned into politics and was elected President of Slovakia, serving a five-year term marked by his commitment to transparency and civic engagement. He advocated for human rights, anti-corruption measures, and strengthening Slovakia's role in the European Union. After leaving the presidency, Kiska continued his public service by establishing a foundation aimed at promoting civic responsibility and community development.