Bernie Marcus, the visionary co-founder of Home Depot and a staunch Trump supporter, died at age 95 on the notable date of Election Day 2024.
Breitbart reported that Marcus, the entrepreneurial force behind Home Depot, passed away on a day marked by national attention, Election Day, leaving behind a legacy that wove together immense business acumen and fervent political activism.
His death was announced by Home Depot, the company he helped to establish as a cornerstone in American retail and culture.
Born to an immigrant Jewish family, Marcus's journey to business titan began with his education at Rutgers University, where he studied pharmacy. However, his career took a pivotal turn when he was dismissed from a corporate job, setting the stage for what would become a retail revolution.
In partnership with Arthur Blank and Ron Brill, and funded by investor Ken Langone, Marcus opened the first Home Depot in Atlanta.
This venture would not only redefine the home improvement industry but also create a new kind of space that during the coronavirus pandemic served as a crucial social hub when many other retail venues shuttered.
Under Marcus's leadership, Home Depot grew to be more than just a hardware store; it became an integral part of the communities it served.
The stores supported small contracting businesses and fostered a unique environment where people could gather, exchange ideas, and build relationships, turning the chain into a cultural institution, particularly evident during societal crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marcus's philanthropy extended well beyond the walls of his stores. He was particularly passionate about his contribution to Atlanta, donating $250 million to construct the city's renowned aquarium.
Marcus was committed to giving away the majority of his $11 billion fortune to a variety of causes, both charitable and political.
Election Day 2024 was not just another day for Bernie Marcus; it was a poignant culmination of his intense involvement in U.S. politics, underscored by his unwavering support for Donald Trump.
Marcus was an ardent defender of Trump’s tax reforms and praised his handling of the pandemic. His political stance was encapsulated in op-eds for major publications where he expressed a stark vision of the political landscape and advocated for Republican unity behind Trump.
Marcus once relayed in an op-ed, "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,” capturing his deep insecurities about the nation's direction and the global political climate.
Marcus also critiqued subsequent administrations for what he perceived as barriers to the entrepreneurial spirit that facilitated the founding of Home Depot.
His foresight in business and politics was sharp; "You've got to use your brains," he argued, foreseeing that corporations and small businesses alike would need to make 'smart moves' strategically over time.
Described by his company as a "master merchant" and a "genius with customer service," Marcus's innovative approach transformed Home Depot into a quintessential American success story, impacting millions of lives.
His vision of customer service and retail management set new standards in the industry, influencing not only economic trends but also the practices of other retailers and entrepreneurs across the nation.
From the founding of an enterprise that transformed American retail to his assertive involvement in political discourse and substantial charitable contributions, his actions forged a legacy that will resonate through various facets of American life.
His death on Election Day symbolically marked the end of an era and the passing of a true titan of industry and society.