July 08

Born in London in 1836, Joseph Chamberlain first made his fortune as an industrialist in Birmingham. He entered politics as Mayor of Birmingham, championing social reforms and municipal improvements. Elected to Parliament in 1876, he became a leading figure in the Liberal Party before founding the Liberal Unionists in 1886. As Secretary of State for the Colonies (1895–1903), he oversaw expansion of the British Empire. He campaigned for tariff reform and imperial unity, shaping late Victorian politics. Chamberlain's writings and speeches on social and economic policy influenced future generations. He retired from public office in 1903 and died in 1914, leaving a legacy of both industrial and political achievements.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1838, Eli Lilly graduated from Jefferson Medical College before serving as a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war, he studied pharmaceutical manufacturing techniques in Europe. In 1876 he established a small laboratory in Indianapolis, pioneering modern drug production methods. His company, founded in 1876, focused on quality control and scientific research in medicine. Eli Lilly and Company grew into a leading pharmaceutical firm under his leadership. Lilly promoted ethical business practices and contributed to advances in insulin and antibiotics later adopted by the company. He remained president of his company until his death in 1898.

Born in Konstanz, Germany in 1838, Ferdinand von Zeppelin served as a cavalry officer in the Prussian Army and as an observer in the U.S. Civil War. After retiring from the military, he devoted himself to designing rigid airships for long-distance travel. In 1900 he flew his first experimental airship, the LZ 1, on Lake Constance. He founded the Zeppelin Airship Company to manufacture commercial airships, which were used for passenger and military transport. His designs influenced early 20th-century aviation and established the era of luxury airship travel. Although his airships faced setbacks, his vision laid the groundwork for modern dirigibles. Zeppelin's name became synonymous with lighter-than-air flight until his death in 1917.

Born in Richford, New York in 1839, John D. Rockefeller entered the oil business in Cleveland in 1863. In 1870 he co-founded the Standard Oil Company, which soon dominated the oil refining industry. Known for his business acumen and cost-cutting strategies, he built a vast corporate empire. Under his leadership, Standard Oil became America's first great business trust, controlling nearly 90% of U.S. refineries. Rockefeller used his vast wealth to fund philanthropic causes, including the Rockefeller Foundation and the University of Chicago. His approach to business and philanthropy set new standards in corporate structure and charitable giving. He retired in 1897 and remained active in philanthropy until his death in 1937.

George W. Romney began his career as a successful automobile executive, rising to lead American Motors Corporation and reviving its fortunes in the 1950s. Transitioning to politics, he was elected the 43rd Governor of Michigan in 1962, where he championed civil rights, urban renewal, and governmental reorganization. Romney launched a bid for the 1968 Republican presidential nomination, gaining national attention for his moderate stance. Later, he served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Nixon. A noted public servant and advocate for social progress, he passed away in 1995.

Nelson Rockefeller was a scion of the influential Rockefeller family and a major figure in mid-20th-century American politics. After leading urban renewal projects as New York's governor from 1959 to 1973, he was tapped as Vice President under President Gerald Ford in 1974. A known patron of the arts, Rockefeller expanded museum collections and supported cultural institutions nationwide. He championed moderate Republican policies on social welfare and education. Despite an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1964, his impact on domestic policy and philanthropy endured until his death in 1979.

Paul B. Fay was born in 1918 and became a longtime friend and plane commander for John F. Kennedy during World War II. After the war, Fay co-founded an investment firm before entering public service. In 1961, Kennedy appointed him Secretary of the Navy, where he oversaw naval operations during a pivotal era of Cold War tensions. Fay's leadership focused on modernizing the fleet and supporting emerging technologies. After leaving government, he returned to business and remained active in veterans' affairs until his death in 2009.

Born in 1920, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen was the son of LEGO founder Ole Kirk Christiansen and joined the family company in the 1940s. As managing director from 1957, he perfected the interlocking brick design and expanded LEGO's reach to international markets. Under his guidance, the company introduced new product lines and innovative manufacturing techniques, transforming LEGO into a household name. Christiansen also championed quality control and employee welfare. He retired in 1979 and passed away in 1995, leaving a lasting impact on the toy industry.

Arthur Imperatore Sr. (1925–2020) was an American entrepreneur renowned for transforming commuter transit between New Jersey and New York City. He founded the NY Waterway ferry service in 1986, providing a reliable alternative to bridge and tunnel traffic. Under his leadership, the ferry fleet expanded, carrying millions of passengers annually. He also invested in real estate and maritime ventures, demonstrating a diversified business acumen. Imperatore’s vision improved daily commutes for countless workers and influenced urban transportation planning. A passionate community philanthropist, he supported local sports teams and charitable initiatives throughout his career.

Ed Lumley began his career in the automotive industry before entering politics in 1974. He held the seat of Stormont—Dundas in the Canadian House of Commons for three terms. As Minister of Communications from 1980 to 1984, he oversaw broadcasting and telecommunications regulations. After politics, Lumley chaired the Business Development Bank of Canada and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. His leadership in both government and finance made him a respected figure in Canadian public life.

Wolfgang Puck (born July 8, 1949) is an Austrian-American chef and businessman whose innovative approach blended Californian ingredients with Asian and French techniques. After training in Europe, he opened Spago in Los Angeles in 1982, setting new standards for fine dining in America. Puck expanded his brand globally with restaurants, catering services, and a line of cookware and food products. He has authored numerous cookbooks and hosted television shows, earning multiple James Beard Awards. Known for his celebrity clientele and high-profile events, Puck helped popularize celebrity chef culture. His business ventures include fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, and market concepts, making him one of the most influential figures in modern gastronomy.