February 07

John Deere was an American blacksmith whose invention of the polished steel plow in 1837 transformed agricultural practices in the Midwest. His design cut through tough prairie soil without clogging, increasing farm productivity. In 1838, he established Deere & Company, which grew into a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery. Deere's innovations supported westward expansion and contributed to the modernization of farming in the United States. The company he founded remains a global leader in agricultural equipment today.

Thomas Andrews was the managing director and head designer at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. He oversaw the design and construction of the Olympic-class liners, including the Titanic. Andrews was aboard Titanic during her maiden voyage to monitor performance and address any issues. During the ship's sinking, he helped passengers board lifeboats and is remembered for his selfless conduct. His detailed knowledge of the vessel's design highlighted missed safety improvements. Andrews went down with Titanic in 1912, becoming a symbol of professional dedication and courage.

An Wang immigrated to the U.S. in 1945 to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University. He earned his Ph.D. in physics in 1948, specializing in magnetic core memory. In 1951 he co-founded Wang Laboratories, initially focusing on calculating devices. Under his leadership, the company developed word processing systems that became industry standards in the 1970s and 1980s. Wang Laboratories grew into a Fortune 500 company, employing thousands worldwide. Wang's inventions in computer memory and display technologies sparked significant improvements in early computing. He remained CEO until 1983 and served on multiple academic advisory boards. His contributions helped shape the evolution of office computing and data processing.

Dora Bryan began acting in the late 1930s and rose to prominence after WWII. She won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in 1961 for her role in Tony Richardson's 'A Taste of Honey'. Bryan appeared in popular comedies, including 'The Ladykillers' and the sitcom 'Last of the Summer Wine'. Known for her vivacious personality, she transitioned into the restaurant business in the 1970s. Her North London eatery became a local landmark, frequented by celebrities and neighbors alike. Bryan received an OBE in 2000 for her services to drama and charity. Her warm presence on stage and screen and entrepreneurial spirit made her a beloved public figure.

Herbert 'Herb' Kohl Jr. co-founded Kohl's department stores in 1962, growing it into one of the largest retail chains in the United States. Elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 1989, he served Wisconsin for six terms until 2013, focusing on education, healthcare, and fiscal responsibility. Kohl ranked among the wealthiest members of Congress and was known for his commitment to public service and philanthropy. He purchased the Milwaukee Bucks NBA franchise in 1985 and sold it in 2014, playing a significant role in Wisconsin's sports community. His leadership in business and politics marked him as a prominent figure in both arenas.

Ashton Kutcher is an American actor, producer, and entrepreneur who rose to fame as Michael Kelso on the sitcom That '70s Show. He has starred in films such as Dude, Where's My Car?, The Butterfly Effect, and Jobs, where he portrayed Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Beyond acting, Kutcher co-founded the venture capital firm A-Grade Investments, backing companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Spotify. He has produced television series including Punk'd and The Ranch, demonstrating his versatility behind the camera. Kutcher is also noted for his philanthropic initiatives, especially efforts to combat human trafficking, blending his creative career with social impact.