Bernie Marcus, an influential figure in American retail and his eminent political supporter, has died.
According to Breitbart, Bernie Marcus, the man who co-founded Home Depot, died at the age of 95 on Election Day 2024, an ironic twist for a fervent political advocate.
Home Depot announced the passing of Marcus on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for the company he helped start from the ground up. Bernie Marcus's journey began in a humble Jewish immigrant household, leading him to pursue an education at Rutgers University's pharmacy school.
His venture into the world of retail would not begin until after his dismissal from a previous job, providing a story of resilience and perseverance that would inspire many.
At the age of 49, with partners Arthur Blank and Ron Brill, and supported by financier Ken Langone, Bernie Marcus changed the American retail landscape by launching the first Home Depot store in Atlanta. This establishment quickly became a cornerstone of American DIY culture and a boon for small businesses.
Home Depot under Marcus didn't just transform retail but also social interaction, particularly notable during the coronavirus pandemic, when it became a critical hub for many. His vision extended beyond business as usual; he was celebrated for his commitment to charity, honoring the Jewish principle of tzedakah, his philanthropy manifesting most famously in a $250 million donation to build an aquarium in Atlanta.
Bernie Marcus was a staunch supporter of conservative political causes and politicians, notably Donald Trump, whom he supported in both his presidential runs.
His financial endorsements were complemented by public writings and opinion pieces that criticized regulatory burdens on small businesses and supported tax reforms that were implemented during Trump's administration.
Bernie Marcus once expressed, regarding tax reforms,
Corporations are going to do smart things. They are going to make smart moves, and that will take a period of time, just like the small businesses.
His commentary extended to the handling of crises, including the pandemic, where he espoused strong support for Trump's management, suggesting greater casualties under different leadership.
As his final years approached, Bernie Marcus pledged to donate his estimated $11 billion fortune to various charities, with a significant portion earmarked for Trump’s reelection bid. This philanthropic promise highlighted a life characterized as much by giving as by his commercial success.
Marcus's death coincided poignantly with the 2024 Election Day, a moment emblematic of his passionate engagement in American political life. He once articulated his fears and hopes in a sentiment reflecting deep national concern, "For the first time in my 94 years on earth, I fear for the future of our democracy… The world has also changed since 2020. It is much less safe… the different factions of the Republican Party must unite behind Trump."
In conclusion, Bernie Marcus's legacy is multifaceted—spanning the realms of business innovation, political activism, and philanthropy. His impact on American society, through both Home Depot and his extensive charity work, leaves a lasting imprint that extends far beyond the parameters of his life and into the fabric of national culture.
