Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, the visionary co-founder of The Home Depot, passed away on November 5 at the age of 95. His death was confirmed by the company in a heartfelt tribute posted to their website.
In the statement, Home Depot described Marcus as “more than a founder” — he was “an inspiration in many ways, a master merchant, and a genius in customer service.” His legacy as a self-made billionaire is as much about his business acumen as it is about his commitment to giving back. The company continued, “He never lost sight of his humble roots, using his success not for fame or fortune but to generously help others.” Marcus’ contributions to both the retail industry and philanthropic world have left an indelible mark.
Born to Russian Jewish immigrants in Newark, New Jersey, in 1929, Marcus’ journey to becoming one of America’s most influential businessmen is as remarkable as his achievements. After graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in pharmacy, Marcus went on to co-found Home Depot in 1978 with his former colleague Arthur Blank and investment banker Ken Langone. The first Home Depot store opened in Atlanta in 1979, revolutionizing the home improvement industry by creating a one-stop shop for DIYers. By the time Marcus retired in 2002, the company had expanded into a retail giant with over 500,000 employees worldwide.
Home Depot’s tribute also highlighted Marcus’ impact as a philanthropist, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to charitable causes. Even after stepping down from his leadership role, Marcus continued to support various charitable initiatives, particularly in health care and education, reflecting his deep sense of responsibility to give back to the community.
At the time of his death, Marcus’ net worth was estimated at $7.4 billion, according to CNN. Despite his immense wealth, he remained a private man who preferred to let his work and generosity speak for themselves. Marcus was also a notable supporter of former President Donald Trump and a major donor to Republican causes, a detail that placed him at the intersection of both business and politics.
Before founding Home Depot, Marcus had worked for Handy Dan Improvement Centers, where he and Blank were fired in 1978, an event that set the stage for their entrepreneurial breakthrough. The two men, motivated by a shared vision, went on to create Home Depot, fundamentally changing the landscape of home improvement retail. At 49, Marcus found himself reinventing his career, a feat he achieved with remarkable success.
Home Depot’s tribute ends with a simple but powerful statement: “To us, he was simply ‘Bernie,’ a man whose vision and generosity will be remembered for generations to come.”
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