(ProsperNews.net) – Bernie Marcus, the visionary co-founder of Home Depot and a stalwart advocate for American small businesses, passed away at 95, his company confirmed on Tuesday. Known for revolutionizing retail with a unique one-stop-shop model for home improvement, Marcus became a foundational figure in American entrepreneurship, while also inspiring millions to pursue their own paths in small business and contracting.
Marcus, who grew up in a Jewish immigrant family, initially studied pharmacy at Rutgers University before moving into the business sector. His professional breakthrough came, ironically, after he was fired from a corporate position in his late forties. In 1978, together with Arthur Blank and Ron Brill and with investor support from Ken Langone, he launched the first Home Depot store in Atlanta, Georgia. The idea was bold and new—a vast space dedicated entirely to building materials and home essentials. The concept took off immediately, turning Home Depot into an anchor for the do-it-yourself market and a springboard for small contracting businesses.
Home Depot quickly grew beyond a store, becoming a community hub for tradespeople, contractors, and homeowners. During the pandemic, while other retail outlets shuttered, Home Depot remained a place where Americans could gather safely, find supplies, and continue working on home and personal projects. Marcus helped make the company a pillar of resilience during a time of national crisis.
Marcus’s legacy extended well beyond retail. Known for his deep sense of philanthropy inspired by the Jewish principle of tzedakah, or righteous giving, he committed over $250 million to projects like the Atlanta Aquarium. In 2019, Marcus pledged to eventually donate his entire fortune to charitable causes, supporting hospitals, education, and veterans’ organizations.
Politically outspoken, Marcus was an early and strong supporter of Donald Trump, backing him during his presidential runs and later touting the economic reforms Trump introduced, particularly the 2017 tax cuts aimed at stimulating business growth. Marcus remained steadfast in his support, arguing that Home Depot itself might have struggled to launch in today’s regulatory environment.
As Americans headed to the polls on Election Day 2024, the passing of Bernie Marcus took on a symbolic weight. Known for his unwavering belief in American resilience, independence, and opportunity, Marcus’s legacy endures not just in the vast aisles of Home Depot but in the entrepreneurial spirit he championed and embodied.
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