June 05

Born in Prussia in 1851, Chris von der Ahe immigrated to the United States and found success in grocery retail. In 1882, he purchased the St. Louis base ball club, later known as the Cardinals, and built Sportsman's Park. He introduced novel promotions, affordable admission, and on-site beer sales, transforming baseball into mass entertainment. Von der Ahe’s marketing savvy helped professionalize the sport, making it more accessible to working-class fans. Despite early triumphs, financial mismanagement and competition led to bankruptcy in the early 1890s. He died in 1913, but his innovations left a lasting mark on the business of American sports.

Edward L. Moyers began his railroad career in mechanical engineering before rising through the ranks to executive leadership. In 1985, he was appointed president of the Southern Railway, where he introduced efficiency measures and cost-saving innovations. As CEO of the Illinois Central Railroad, he orchestrated a turnaround that restored profitability and operational excellence. In 1993, Moyers was named president and CEO of Amtrak, tackling financial and service challenges to modernize trains and improve customer experience. His tenure saw the introduction of new equipment and streamlined schedules that increased ridership. Known for his strategic vision and hands-on leadership, he earned accolades such as 'Railroader of the Year.' After retiring, he continued consulting in the transportation industry. Moyers left a lasting mark on American railroads through his dedication to innovation and service.

Alan Bond was born in England and emigrated to Australia, where he became one of the country's most flamboyant entrepreneurs. In 1983, he sponsored the yacht Australia II, which ended the New York Yacht Club's 132-year winning streak in the America's Cup. Over the 1970s and 1980s, he built a vast empire spanning property development, brewing, and media, but his aggressive acquisitions led to significant debt. The early 1990s saw his companies collapse and he declared bankruptcy in 1992. In 1997, he was convicted of fraud and served time in prison before his release in 2000. Bond remained a controversial figure until his death, symbolizing both ambition and corporate excess.

Katherine Noel Brosnahan Spade was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1962 and launched her career as a fashion accessories designer. In 1993, she co-founded Kate Spade New York with her husband, creating sleek, colorful handbags that became a global sensation. Spade’s minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on functional style revolutionized the accessories market and influenced fashion worldwide. After selling her stake in 2006, she launched a new label, Frances Valentine, in 2016, expanding her design legacy. Spade was respected for her playful approach to design and her advocacy for women in business. She died by suicide in June 2018, sparking conversations about mental health in the fashion industry.