The business world has lost a significant figure with the passing of Bernie Marcus, the co-founder of Home Depot.
The billionaire entrepreneur died at the age of 95, as revealed in an internal memo that was shared with CNN.
While the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, his impact on retail and philanthropy will not be forgotten.
From Humble Beginnings to Billionaire Status
Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1929 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Marcus was the youngest of four siblings.
He launched Home Depot in 1978 alongside Arthur Blank, transforming the hardware retail landscape.
The company, which started from modest beginnings, grew into a colossal enterprise valued at around $400 billion, boasting over 2,300 stores nationwide.
A Political Power Player
In recent years, Marcus became known not only for his business acumen but also for his substantial financial contributions to Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump.
His political commentary was often sharp; he once described President Joe Biden as a “dunce” and criticized him as “the most divisive president we’ve ever seen.”
He attributed many of America’s challenges to Biden’s leadership, even suggesting that the president lacked the mental capacity to effectively serve in office.
Strong Opinions and Significant Donations
Marcus didn’t shy away from expressing his strong opinions.
He claimed that Biden acted like a “puppet” for others within the Democratic Party, stating, “Somebody is feeding him like a puppet.”
This outspoken nature reflected his broader political involvement; according to FEC data, Marcus donated around $64 million to Republican campaigns over the years, including Trump’s 2016 presidential run.
Despite his past support for certain political figures, he admitted to struggling to rally behind many of his former favorites in recent times.
The Birth of Home Depot
The journey to creating Home Depot began when Marcus met Arthur Blank while they were both employed at Handy Dan Home Improvement in California.
After being fired from that store, the duo decided to embark on their ambitious plan to develop a larger hardware store concept.
Their vision led to the creation of Home Depot, where Marcus served as CEO until 1997 and later as chairman until 2002 before retiring.
A Lasting Legacy
Bernie Marcus leaves behind a legacy that intertwines entrepreneurship and political influence.
His contributions to the retail industry and his philanthropic efforts, including significant donations to various causes, will be remembered as part of his enduring impact on both business and society.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn