The first Home Depot stores opened in Atlanta on June 22, 1979, marking the start of a retail venture that would redefine the home-improvement industry. Co-founded by Bernard Marcus after his departure from Handy Dan Improvement Centers, the company grew into a retail powerhouse, establishing Marcus as a significant figure in American corporate history.
Early Career and Retail Foundation
Born in Newark in 1929 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Marcus attended Malcolm X Shabazz High School before graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in pharmacy. Although he initially worked as a pharmacist, he soon transitioned into corporate retail. He held various positions at companies such as Odell Inc. and Daylin. While serving as the CEO of Handy Dan, a California-based home improvement chain, a corporate power struggle led to his termination in April 1978. This event prompted him to partner with Arthur Blank, Pat Farrah, and Ken Langone to launch Home Depot.
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Marcus served as the inaugural CEO of Home Depot and continued to oversee the company as chairman of the board until his retirement on May 31, 2002. His tenure shaped the company's aggressive expansion and merchandising model. Beyond his corporate work, he documented the company's rise in the 1999 book Built from Scratch, co-authored with Arthur Blank and Bob Andelman. In 2006, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to the retail sector.
Political Engagement
Marcus was a vocal figure in American politics, frequently supporting Republican candidates and conservative causes. He served as a primary donor to Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign and became a significant financial supporter of Donald Trump. His political activity extended to policy advocacy; he founded the Job Creators Network in 2010 to promote conservative economic agendas. He also opposed the Employee Free Choice Act, arguing that the legislation unfairly favored labor unions over business operations.
Philanthropic Initiatives
A signatory of The Giving Pledge, Marcus committed to donating the majority of his wealth to charitable causes. He chaired the Marcus Foundation, which prioritized medical research, veterans' affairs, and children's services. Notable contributions included a $250 million gift to establish the Georgia Aquarium and significant funding for the Marcus Institute, which supports children with developmental disabilities. He also contributed $25 million to Autism Speaks and funded the MDA Marcus National Blood Services Centre in Israel.
Fast facts
- Born: 1929, Newark
- Died: 2024, Boca Raton
- Education: Rutgers University
- Co-founded Home Depot: 1978
- Inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame: 2015
- Language: English
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What was Bernard Marcus's role in the creation of Home Depot?
He co-founded the retailer in 1978 alongside Arthur Blank, Pat Farrah, and Ken Langone, serving as its first CEO and chairman.
What were the primary focuses of the Marcus Foundation?
The foundation focused on children, medical research, free enterprise, military veterans, Jewish causes, and community development.
Achievements
- New Jersey Hall of Fame — 2015
- Educated at Rutgers University and Malcolm X Shabazz High School
- Worked as entrepreneur, philanthropist and political donor
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