Date of Birth: May 12, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Biography
Bernard “Bernie” Marcus is a renowned American businessman and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. Born into a humble family, Marcus worked his way up through the retail industry before making his mark with The Home Depot. His journey started in Newark, New Jersey, where he was born and raised. After graduating from Rutgers University, he pursued various roles in retail, eventually leading to significant managerial positions. In 1978, after being fired from his position as CEO of Handy Dan Improvement Centers, Marcus teamed up with Arthur Blank, Ron Brill, and Pat Farrah to start The Home Depot. The first two stores opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1979, revolutionizing the home improvement industry with a warehouse-style model and excellent customer service. Under Marcus’s leadership, The Home Depot expanded rapidly and went public in 1981. Beyond his business acumen, Marcus is a dedicated philanthropist. He and his wife Billi have donated millions to various causes, including medical research, veterans’ support, and education. Notably, Marcus was instrumental in the creation of the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Bernard Marcus
1. Bernard Marcus was fired from his role at Handy Dan Improvement Centers, which led to the founding of The Home Depot.
2. He was ranked on the Forbes list of billionaires, reflecting his significant financial success.
3. Marcus donated $250 million to the Marcus Institute, which provides services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.
4. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Georgia Aquarium, contributing over $250 million to its development.
5. Marcus is a strong advocate for veterans and has donated millions to support veteran care programs.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bernard Marcus
1. “I think legacy is the most important thing.”
2. “If you ask me what I am most proud of, it’s that I was able to create an environment where people could grow and succeed.”
3. “The Home Depot is the sum of all its associates. They are our most important asset.”
4. “Philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks; it’s about making a difference.”
5. “Our success at The Home Depot was built on the foundation of giving people the tools they need to succeed.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Bernard Marcus is approximately $8.7 billion, according to Forbes.
Children
Bernard Marcus has three children: Frederick Marcus, Michael Marcus, and Susanne Marcus Collins.
Relevant Links
1. [Forbes Profile on Bernard Marcus](https://www.forbes.com/profile/bernard-marcus/
2. [The Home Depot Official Website](https://www.homedepot.com/
3. [Georgia Aquarium](https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
4. [Marcus Autism Center](https://www.marcus.org/
5. [Bloomberg Billionaires Index](https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/bernard-marcus/
