Bernard Marcus, a co-founder of The House Depot, died on Monday in Boca Raton, Florida, in response to a press release from the corporate and an obituary printed by his household. He was 95.
After being fired from Helpful Dan, one other residence enchancment retailer in 1978 at age 49, Marcus determined to show his thought for a one-stop, do-it-yourself residence enchancment retailer right into a actuality. Marcus joined Arthur Clean, Pat Farrah and funding banker Ken Langone in opening the primary two House Depot shops in Atlanta in 1979.
Marcus turned The House Depot’s first CEO. He additionally was board chairman till retiring in 2002. The corporate he helped begin finally grew to grow to be one of many largest retailers on this planet. Final 12 months, the corporate reported revenues of practically $153 billion. It operates over 2,300 shops within the U.S., Canada and Mexico and employs over 500,000 individuals.
Born in 1929 in Newark, New Jersey, Marcus was the son of the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. He aspired to be a health care provider however his household was unable to afford medical college. Marcus enrolled in pharmacy college as a substitute and graduated from Rutgers College in 1954. After faculty, Marcus labored in numerous positions in retail corporations. By 1972, he was the chairman of the board and president of Helpful Dan. He met Clean whereas working there and shaped a lifelong friendship.
In its assertion, The House Depot mentioned it “is deeply saddened” by Marcus’s passing.
“Bernie was an inspiration in some ways,” the corporate mentioned. “He was a grasp service provider and a genius with customer support. Along with Arthur Clean and Ken Langone, Bernie helped create a nation of doers who might deal with any challenge, massive or small.” The corporate additionally mentioned Marcus believed strongly within the worth of giving again.
Marcus’s philanthropic efforts and affect are multifaceted and embrace healthcare, medical analysis, free enterprise, Jewish causes and army veterans. He additionally gave $250 million to help the development of the Georgia Aquarium, in response to Bloomberg.
In 2010, Marcus and his spouse joined The Giving Pledge, committing to present away most of their cash throughout their lifetime. Forbes this 12 months estimated his internet value at $10.3 billion. Marcus’s survivors embrace his spouse and two sons.
