February 05

Born in 1840 in Dreghorn, Scotland, John Boyd Dunlop trained as a veterinary surgeon before turning to invention. In 1887, seeking a smoother ride for his son's tricycle, he developed a practical pneumatic tire inflated with air. He patented the tire and in 1889 formed a partnership that became the Dunlop Rubber Company. The company's innovations revolutionized the bicycle and automotive industries by improving speed and comfort. Dunlop tires quickly gained international popularity, establishing the brand as a household name. Though he sold his patent rights, Dunlop remained involved in the company's growth. He passed away in 1921, having transformed modern transportation with his invention.

André Citroën began his career as an innovative engineer, mastering gear production techniques during World War I. In 1919, he founded Automobiles Citroën, introducing mass-production methods inspired by American factories. His daring marketing campaigns and advanced designs popularized affordable cars for the European public. Citroën introduced front-wheel drive models and lightweight materials, pushing automotive technology forward. Under his leadership, the company became the second largest auto producer worldwide by the late 1920s. Citroën's legacy persists in pioneering engineering and bold brand identity.

Born in Lonneker, Netherlands, he studied law and began his career in banking. He became involved in politics after World War II and served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1948 to 1952. In 1961, he was appointed the 3rd Secretary General of NATO, leading the alliance through the early Cold War years. Under his leadership, NATO strengthened its collective defense and expanded political cooperation. Stikker was also a co-founder of the Christian Historical Union and an advocate for European unity. He remained active in international affairs until his death in 1979, leaving a legacy of transatlantic cooperation.

Born into the wealthy Whitney family, she inherited a fortune and a passion for the arts. Payson co-founded the New York Mets in 1962, becoming the first woman to own a major league baseball franchise without inherited stakes. An avid art collector, she amassed an important collection of modern art and donated works to museums. She supported numerous charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. Payson’s leadership and vision paved the way for women in professional sports ownership until her death in 1975.

Born in 1942 in Cincinnati, Staubach won the Heisman Trophy in 1963 while playing for the U.S. Naval Academy, then served as an officer in the Navy. He joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1969, earning the nickname 'Captain America' and guiding the team to Super Bowl VI and XII titles. Staubach was named Super Bowl VI MVP and selected to six Pro Bowls during his 11-year career. After retiring, he became a television sportscaster for CBS and launched The Staubach Company, a real estate services firm. Under his leadership, the company grew into a top national brokerage, and he became a prominent figure in business leadership. Staubach's legacy spans both sports and entrepreneurship, inspiring athletes-turned-CEOs.

Born in 1943 in Clearfield, Utah, Bushnell studied electrical engineering at the University of Utah. He co-founded Atari, Inc. in 1972 and popularized video gaming with the arcade hit 'Pong'. Bushnell left Atari in 1978 and founded Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre, blending entertainment and dining. He has launched multiple technology ventures and is considered a pioneer of interactive entertainment. Bushnell has received numerous honors, including induction into the Video Game Hall of Fame. He continues to mentor startups and speak on innovation and entrepreneurship around the world.

Born in 1960, Bonnie Crombie is a Canadian businesswoman and politician who became the 6th Mayor of Mississauga in 2014. She previously worked in the private sector and held positions at the federal level before focusing on municipal governance. Crombie’s mayoral initiatives have emphasized transit expansion, affordable housing, and economic growth. She has championed green infrastructure projects and community engagement programs. Her combination of business acumen and political experience continues to shape Mississauga’s development and regional influence.

He gained fame in 2014 after pitching his brand Hungry Head on ABC's Shark Tank. Though he did not secure an investment on the show, his engaging personality led to speaking engagements and media appearances. He is the founder of Stefan Company, offering public speaking coaching. Holzapfel has delivered keynote talks internationally on personal branding and communication. His TEDx talk on entrepreneurship has been viewed over a million times.

Kevin Gates began his career in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, overcoming personal challenges to release mixtapes that garnered underground success. His debut studio album, Islah, debuted in the top five on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like "Really Really" and "2 Phones". Gates is celebrated for his introspective songwriting, blending street narratives with emotional depth. He founded the record label Bread Winners' Association, fostering new talent and expanding his entrepreneurial footprint. Beyond music, Gates is known for his business acumen and community engagement initiatives in his hometown.

Darren Criss co-founded the theater troupe StarKid Productions while at the University of Michigan, writing and starring in the hit musical A Very Potter Musical. He rose to fame portraying the charismatic Blaine Anderson on the hit Fox series Glee, winning critical acclaim for his vocal performances. Criss earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Beyond television, he has released solo music projects, performed on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and produced several independent films. As an entrepreneur, he has ventured into production and creative projects, showcasing his versatility across entertainment fields.