August 18

Ernest Noel was born in Glasgow in 1831 and trained as a civil engineer before founding his own manufacturing firms. He expanded his interests into coal, shipping, and railway enterprises, becoming a prominent industrialist of his era. In the 1860s, he entered politics as a Conservative, representing his constituency in the British Parliament. Noel championed infrastructure development and commercial interests, advocating for modern transport networks. He balanced business leadership with public service for several decades. His longevity allowed him to witness sweeping changes from the Victorian era to the eve of the Second World War, passing away in 1931 at the age of 100.

Marshall Field was born in Conway, Massachusetts, in 1834 and began his career as a dry-goods clerk in Chicago. By 1865, he co-founded Field, Palmer & Leiter, and soon reorganized it into Marshall Field & Company. He revolutionized retail with innovations such as fixed pricing, liberal return policies, and elaborate window displays. His stores became destinations for shoppers seeking quality goods and exceptional service. Field’s motto, “Give the lady what she wants,” epitomized his customer-first philosophy. Beyond retail, he invested in real estate and supported cultural institutions in Chicago, including the Field Museum of Natural History. He died in 1906, leaving an enduring retail legacy.

Max Factor Jr. (1904–1996) was an American business leader who guided the family cosmetics company to new heights. As president of Max Factor & Company, he introduced innovative products tailored for Hollywood stars and the emerging television industry. Factor Jr. oversaw the development of color cosmetics and the popularization of makeup techniques for on-screen use. Under his leadership, the brand expanded globally, opening salons and establishing training programs for professional makeup artists. He maintained a close relationship with movie studios and celebrities, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in beauty and entertainment. His business acumen helped transform cosmetics into a mainstream industry.

Gérard Filion led major Quebec newspaper La Presse as CEO from 1960 to 1972, modernizing its operations and editorial reach. Trained as a dentist, his passion for public discourse drove him into journalism and publishing. He championed social Catholic values and advocated for reform within the church and society. Filion authored several books on Quebec identity and media ethics, sparking debate on cultural autonomy. Awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to journalism and community leadership.

Wally Hickel co-founded the oil company that would become part of the Alaska Native-owned NANA Development Corporation. He was elected as Alaska’s second governor in 1966, championing resource development while protecting wilderness areas. Appointed by President Nixon, Hickel served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 1969 to 1970. He returned to the governorship on a third-party ticket in 1990, focusing on subsistence rights and environmental issues. Hickel’s blend of business acumen and political independence left a unique mark on Alaska’s development before his death in 2010.

Margaret Ellis "Marge" Schott (born August 18, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio) inherited her family's retail business before purchasing the Cincinnati Reds in 1984. Under her ownership, the Reds won the World Series in 1990, the franchise's first championship since 1976. Schott was a pioneering female executive in professional sports but courted controversy with her outspoken remarks, leading to MLB suspensions. She invested in community initiatives and stadium renovations, leaving a lasting impact on the team's legacy. After selling the Reds in 1999, she continued philanthropic work in Cincinnati. Schott passed away in 2004, remembered for her trailblazing role in baseball management.