Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, the co-founder of The Home Depot, passed away at the age of 95 in Boca Raton, Florida. Marcus played a crucial role in the growth of Home Depot, serving as CEO and chairman of the board until his retirement in 2002. Under his leadership, Home Depot became the world’s largest home improvement chain. Marcus was known for valuing associates, customers, and communities, leaving behind a legacy that is reflected in the company’s values and culture.
Born to Russian Jewish immigrants in 1929, Marcus grew up in Newark, New Jersey, with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Unable to afford medical school, he pursued a degree in pharmacy from Rutgers University. Marcus’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to skip classes to sell freezers door-to-door, a trait that would serve him well in his future endeavors. After working for several companies, Marcus formed a lifelong friendship with Arthur Blank and together they founded Home Depot in 1978 with the vision of a one-stop shop for do-it-yourselfers.
The first Home Depot store opened in Atlanta in 1979, and the company went public in 1981. Today, Home Depot has over 2,000 stores and employs over 500,000 people, with annual sales reaching nearly $153 billion in 2023. Marcus’s philanthropic efforts extended beyond Home Depot, supporting various charities, Jewish and medical organizations, and the construction of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. His legacy will live on through The Marcus Foundation, which will continue his work in supporting causes such as children, medical research, and free enterprise.
In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Marcus was also a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump. He donated nearly $5 million to the Republican Party between 2016 and 2020 and penned an op-ed endorsing Trump for a second term. Marcus’s political contributions reflected his passion for supporting causes he believed in, and his impact on the business world and beyond will be remembered for years to come. His dedication to his principles and his commitment to his values have left a lasting impact on Home Depot and the community at large.
