October 17

Joseph Bruce Ismay was born in England in 1862 and became head of the ocean liner company White Star Line. He played a central role in commissioning and launching the RMS Titanic in 1912. During the Titanic’s sinking, Ismay boarded a lifeboat while many passengers perished, a decision that subjected him to intense public criticism. He lived the remainder of his life under a cloud of controversy and eventually withdrew from public business affairs. Ismay’s story remains intertwined with one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies until his death in 1937.

Dimitrios Maximos was born in Athens in 1873 and built a career in finance as a leading banker. He entered politics and was appointed Prime Minister of Greece in 1947 during a turbulent post-war period. Maximos focused on economic stabilization, reconstruction, and securing international aid to rebuild the country after World War II. He later served as Minister of Finance and Ambassador to the United States. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for Greece’s economic recovery before his death in 1955.

Born in 1909 and rising from modest beginnings, Eugenio Mendoza pioneered Venezuela’s industrialization. He established diversified enterprises spanning automotive, cement, brewing, and financial services. Under his leadership, his conglomerate became a cornerstone of the national economy, generating thousands of jobs. A visionary entrepreneur, he introduced modern management practices and invested in technological innovation. Beyond business, he championed social responsibility, creating foundations to support education and healthcare. Mendoza’s legacy endures in Venezuela’s corporate landscape and philanthropic institutions.

Ben Weider (1923-2008) was a Canadian businessman and bodybuilding promoter best known for co-founding the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness (IFBB). Born in Montreal to Belgian immigrant parents, he and his brother Joe built a global bodybuilding movement. Under his leadership, the IFBB expanded international competitions and professional circuits. Weider authored books on fitness and nutrition, advocating healthy lifestyles and strength training. He also served as a diplomatic figure, hosting athletes across cultures and promoting sportsmanship. His vision and organization turned bodybuilding into a mainstream sport with millions of followers.

Carl Henry Lindner Jr. (1919–2011) was an influential American entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the driving force behind American Financial Group, he expanded the company into one of the largest insurance and investment firms in the United States. Lindner began his business career in his family's wholesale grocery business before diversifying into banking, real estate, and insurance. Known for his hands-on leadership style and risk-taking approach, he built a vast business empire in Cincinnati and beyond. An active philanthropist, Lindner supported numerous educational, cultural, and medical causes. His legacy reflects a blend of bold entrepreneurship and generous community investment.

Stanford R. Ovshinsky (1922–2012) was an American inventor, scientist, and entrepreneur who made groundbreaking contributions to materials science and renewable energy. He co-founded Energy Conversion Devices, where he developed innovative technologies such as amorphous thin-film solar panels and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Ovshinsky held over 400 patents spanning information storage, energy conversion, and electronic components. His work laid the foundation for modern green energy solutions and influenced the development of consumer electronics. Known for his unconventional research approach, he combined scientific curiosity with practical engineering to address global energy challenges. Ovshinsky's legacy endures through his inventions that continue to impact renewable energy and technology industries.

Tom Smith began his career in the private sector, where he gained a reputation for his strategic vision. Over more than three decades, he held leadership positions in multiple companies, overseeing key growth initiatives. Smith later transitioned to politics, bringing his business acumen to economic and regulatory policy. In office, he focused on promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. He was recognized for bridging the gap between corporate interests and public welfare. Tom Smith passed away in 2015, leaving a legacy of cross-sector leadership.