Date of Birth: January 18, 1949
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: October 23, 2015
Biography
Thomas G. Stemberg was a renowned American businessman best known for founding Staples Inc., the office supply retail chain. Born in Orange, New Jersey, Stemberg’s drive for entrepreneurship and innovation was evident from an early age. He pursued his education at Harvard University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and an MBA. Stemberg’s career began in the supermarket industry, working his way up to senior positions. However, it was his frustration with the lack of availability of printer ribbons over a holiday weekend that led him to conceptualize the idea for Staples. In 1986, Staples opened its first store in Brighton, Massachusetts, revolutionizing the office supply industry by offering a wide range of products at low prices in a warehouse format. Under his leadership, Staples grew to become a Fortune 500 company with thousands of stores worldwide. Beyond Staples, Stemberg was a venture capitalist, investing in and mentoring numerous startups. He was also a philanthropist, supporting education and healthcare initiatives. Stemberg passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership in the business world.
5 Interesting Facts about Thomas G. Stemberg
1. Thomas G. Stemberg founded Staples Inc. after a frustrating experience trying to buy a printer ribbon on the Fourth of July weekend.
2. Staples was the first office supply superstore, changing how businesses and individuals purchased office supplies.
3. Stemberg was a Harvard University alumnus, having earned both his Bachelor’s degree and MBA from the institution.
4. He was also a venture capitalist, providing early-stage funding to companies like Zoots and Olly.
5. Stemberg was an advocate for education reform and supported various educational initiatives throughout his life.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas G. Stemberg
1. “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
2. “Success is not a matter of luck; it is a matter of choice.”
3. “In business, you have to be both a dreamer and a doer.”
4. “Never let a crisis go to waste; it’s an opportunity to do great things.”
5. “Entrepreneurship is about solving problems, not just making money.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Thomas G. Stemberg’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 billion.
Children
Thomas G. Stemberg had two sons, Michael and William Stemberg.
Relevant Links
1. [Thomas G. Stemberg on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_G._Stemberg
2. [Staples Inc. History](https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/about_us/our_history.html
3. [Harvard Business School Profile](https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=653687
