(LibertySociety.com) – Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot and a towering figure in American business, has passed away at 95, his company announced on Tuesday. Marcus was known not only for his role in building one of the most successful retail chains in U.S. history but also for his philanthropic efforts and strong support of former President Donald Trump.
Marcus’s life story is a classic tale of hard work, resilience, and visionary entrepreneurship. Born to Jewish immigrant parents, he attended pharmacy school at Rutgers University and initially worked in the corporate world. After being unexpectedly fired from a job, Marcus didn’t let the setback stop him. Instead, at the age of 49, he partnered with Arthur Blank, Ron Brill, and investor Ken Langone to create a revolutionary concept: a one-stop shop for home improvement and construction needs. This idea became Home Depot, which opened its first store in Atlanta and quickly grew into a national success.
Home Depot did more than provide convenience; it helped fuel the American dream by empowering people to build their own businesses and careers. Contractors and tradespeople, many of them immigrants, found opportunities through Home Depot. The store became an essential resource, especially during the pandemic, offering a social connection and service when other retailers were closed.
Marcus, whose net worth was estimated at $11 billion, was deeply committed to philanthropy. Following the Jewish principle of tzedakah, which is often translated as “charity” but is more about righteousness, he gave away vast sums to various causes. He contributed $250 million to fund Atlanta’s aquarium and pledged to donate the majority of his fortune, including funds toward causes he believed in, such as Trump’s presidential campaigns.
His political views were as strong as his business vision. In 2016, Marcus publicly supported Trump, despite initial backing for Jeb Bush in the GOP primaries. He believed Trump’s tax reforms and business-friendly policies would foster growth, and he defended these views even when they were controversial. During the pandemic, Marcus praised Trump’s decentralized approach, crediting it with saving lives. In his later years, he remained convinced that the country’s future depended on strong leadership and unity, expressing fear for American democracy.
Bernie Marcus’s passing on Election Day 2024 adds a bittersweet note to his legacy. He leaves behind not only a thriving business empire but a reminder of the values of resilience, generosity, and faith in the American dream that he embodied.
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