November 12

DeWitt Wallace was born in 1889 in Missouri and later served in World War I, where he began writing condensed articles for military papers. In 1922, he and his wife Lila Bell Wallace founded Reader's Digest, aiming to bring informative articles to a mass audience. The magazine quickly grew into one of the best-selling periodicals worldwide, known for its accessible content and condensed format. Wallace used his success to fund philanthropic causes, supporting libraries, education, and community projects. He remained active in publishing and charitable work until his death in 1981.

Born in 1904 in Vienna, Max Hoffman moved to the United States in the 1920s to start a career in auto sales. After World War II, he founded Hoffman Motors, becoming the leading importer of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche. Hoffman persuaded Mercedes to develop the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing' and helped launch the Porsche 356 in America. He established a nationwide network of dealerships that introduced American consumers to high-performance European cars. An innovator in marketing, he organized racing events and road tours to showcase imported vehicles. Hoffman's vision helped shape postwar American automotive culture until his death in 1981.

Alexandra Charles is a prominent Swedish businesswoman and entrepreneur whose influence on Stockholm's social and hospitality scene spans decades. She co-founded one of the city's most popular nightclubs in the 1970s, which attracted international guests and artists. Beyond entertainment, she has been active in philanthropic and health advocacy, supporting cancer research and social welfare programs. Her innovative approach to hospitality set new standards for club design, programming, and guest experience in Sweden. Over the years, she has received numerous awards for her entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to public health initiatives. Charles continues to mentor young business leaders and remains a respected voice in Swedish culture and society.