May 30

José de la Borda (died 1778) was a French-Spanish entrepreneur who became one of the richest mine owners in colonial Mexico. Arriving in New Spain in the early 18th century, he capitalized on rich silver and gold veins at Taxco and Zimapán. His innovative mining techniques and investment in infrastructure boosted production and profitability. Borda's wealth enabled him to fund grand architectural projects, including the construction of the Santa Prisca Church in Taxco. He remains a symbol of colonial-era enterprise and the economic transformation of Mexico under emerging global trade.

Mary Reibey (1777–1855) was originally transported to Australia as a convict but rose to prominence as a respected businesswoman. After marrying merchant Thomas Reibey, she managed and expanded their trading and shipping enterprises upon his death. Reibey invested in property, farming, and coastal trade, amassing significant wealth and influence. She actively supported charities and educational initiatives, leaving a legacy of civic contribution. In recognition of her achievements, Reibey became one of the first women to hold a banking directorship in the colony. Her image now appears on the Australian twenty-dollar note as a tribute to her entrepreneurial spirit.

Milton Bradley (1836–1911) was a visionary American businessman and game innovator. He launched the Milton Bradley Company in 1860, pioneering commercial board games in the U.S. His first hit, "The Checkered Game of Life," combined moral lessons with playful design. Bradley expanded into educational materials, puzzles, and family entertainment. He championed quality production and creative game mechanics throughout his career. Under his leadership, the company became a household name and industry leader. His legacy endures in modern board gaming and family-oriented play experiences.

Wilbur Wright (1867–1912) was an American inventor and aviation trailblazer. Together with his brother Orville, he achieved the first sustained powered flight in 1903. He co-founded the Wright Company to produce airplanes and advance aeronautical engineering. Wright's systematic glider experiments revolutionized understanding of lift and control. His innovations laid the technical foundation for modern aviation and air travel. He lectured and demonstrated flights internationally, promoting the potential of flight. Wilbur Wright's achievements continue to inspire aerospace innovation worldwide.

Born in 1914 in Turin, Marcel Bich moved to France after World War II and purchased a failing pen factory. In 1950, he introduced the Bic Cristal pen, revolutionizing writing instruments with a reliable, affordable design. Under his leadership, Bic expanded into disposable razors, lighters, and other consumer goods, becoming a global household name. Bich's focus on simplicity, functionality, and mass production helped democratize everyday products. He built Bic into one of the world’s most recognized brands and became one of Europe’s wealthiest industrialists. Bich died in 1994, leaving a lasting legacy of design innovation and accessible consumer goods.