(DailyChive.com) – Bernie Marcus, the founder of Home Depot, has died at the age of 95, the company announced Tuesday. Marcus was a business legend who left a lasting mark on America. He helped millions of people across the country build their homes, start small businesses, and even find jobs as day laborers. Home Depot, the “one-stop shop” he co-founded, made home improvement easier and more affordable, transforming it into a major part of American culture. Known for his direct style and clear opinions, Marcus was also an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump and a regular commentator on cable news.
Marcus was born into a Jewish immigrant family and attended Rutgers University. Originally, he trained as a pharmacist, but after getting fired from a corporate job, he decided to go a different way. At age 49, he teamed up with friends Arthur Blank and Ron Brill and investor Ken Langone to create a new type of store. Together, they launched the first Home Depot in Atlanta. The idea took off, and Home Depot quickly became a place where people could find everything they needed for home projects under one roof.
Beyond convenience, Home Depot played a big role in the American economy. It allowed people to start their own businesses and provided a hub for tradesmen looking for work. The store also became a gathering spot during the pandemic, when many other places were closed. For some, Home Depot was one of the few ways to connect with others safely.
Marcus was well-known for his charitable giving, following the Jewish tradition of “tzedakah” — not just charity, but doing what’s right. Over his lifetime, he gave billions to causes he cared about, from building Atlanta’s aquarium to supporting veterans’ programs. He even pledged to donate most of his fortune to charity, and in 2019, he openly supported Trump’s re-election campaign.
Marcus backed Trump because he believed that the government made it harder for small businesses to succeed. In 2016, he wrote an op-ed explaining that Home Depot might never have gotten off the ground in today’s business climate. He continued to support Trump, advocating for tax reforms and less government control.
It’s fitting, though sad, that Marcus passed away on Election Day in 2024, as Americans cast their votes. Bernie Marcus left behind more than just a successful business. He left a legacy of helping others build their own futures.
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