November 27

Clement Studebaker (1831–1901) was a pioneering American businessman and industrialist. Starting with a blacksmith shop in Indiana, he and his brothers built the Studebaker wagon enterprise. Under his guidance, the company became a leading manufacturer of wagons and early automobiles. Studebaker’s commitment to quality and innovation set new standards in manufacturing and engineering. His philanthropic efforts supported education and community development in South Bend, Indiana.

Born Mary Grant Stones in Hobart, she and her husband founded the Hobart Zoo in 1895. Under her leadership, the zoo became renowned for showcasing Tasmanian Devils and other native species. Roberts advocated for the preservation of Australian wildlife during a time of rapid land development. She managed the zoo's operations until her death in 1921, expanding its collections and public outreach. Her pioneering efforts laid foundations for modern conservation practices in Tasmania.

Born Basileios Zacharias in Greece, Basil Zaharoff built a fortune in the international arms trade. He led the philanthropic branch of Vickers Limited and brokered major military contracts before WWI. Known for his secretive dealings, he earned the moniker 'the shadow financier of war.' Despite controversies, Zaharoff donated generously to educational and health institutions. By his death in 1936, he had established a lasting legacy as both businessman and philanthropist.

Marvin Miller took the helm of the Major League Baseball Players Association in 1966, when it was a relatively weak union. Through strategic negotiations and solidarity, he secured the first collective bargaining agreement in MLB history. Miller’s leadership led to the advent of free agency in 1975, vastly increasing players’ earning power. Under his tenure, player pensions and benefits improved dramatically. His methods served as a blueprint for labor movements in other professional sports. Despite controversy, many players credit Miller with ushering in a new era of athlete empowerment.

Jack Wishna began his career as a portrait and commercial photographer, capturing images of celebrities and executives. Drawing on his industry connections, he helped launch RockCityClub, a platform to showcase independent musicians. The venture combined social media, streaming, and talent scouting to connect artists and record labels. Wishna’s dual expertise in visual art and business strategy set the foundation for the startup’s vision. He was known for mentoring young talent and fostering collaborative opportunities in music technology. His work exemplified the fusion of creativity and entrepreneurship in the digital age.

Fernance B. Perry was born in 1922 to Portuguese immigrant parents in the United States. He built a successful career in business, establishing enterprises in real estate and construction. Perry was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his support for local economic initiatives. A generous philanthropist, he funded educational programs and cultural institutions in his community. He served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, championing social welfare causes. His efforts included creating scholarships and community centers to uplift underserved populations. Perry passed away in 2014, remembered as a visionary businessman and dedicated benefactor.

Born in 1929 in Canada, Maurice Strong built a reputation as a visionary energy executive and environmental advocate. He played a key role in establishing Petro-Canada and served on the boards of several multinational corporations. In 1972 he became the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, pioneering global discussions on sustainability. As Secretary-General of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Strong helped place sustainable development on the international agenda. He served as the first Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme and later founded the UN Global Compact. His innovative approach to environmental diplomacy and business left an enduring impact on global sustainability efforts.