Bernie Marcus, one of Home Depot’s co-founders and a major figure in the world of retail, has passed away at 95. He leaves behind a lasting legacy, not only as the man who helped build one of the world’s largest home improvement chains, but also as a committed philanthropist and influential GOP donor.
Donald Trump paid tribute to Bernie Marcus on his Truth Social app. He wrote:
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"I just learned of the passing of legendary entrepreneur and political genius Bernie Marcus... He was my supporter from the beginning and was always there when I needed help or advice.
He strongly endorsed me for this election, as well as my other runs, and I will never forget him for that. He was an extraordinary man and I look forward to powerfully honoring him in the future. Warmest condolences to his wonderful family, and all of his many friends!"
A strong advocate for Donald Trump, Bernie Marcus and his wife donated $7 million to groups supporting Trump’s 2016 campaign and nearly $8 million to Republican candidates during the 2018 midterm elections.
By September 2024, he had also contributed over $1.8 million to support Trump in the ongoing election cycle.
When did Bernie Marcus start Home Depot?
Born in 1929 to a Russian Jewish immigrant family in Newark, New Jersey, Bernie Marcus studied marketing and merchandising at Rutgers University before beginning a career in retail, working for a number of retail chains.
In 1978, his career took an unexpected turn when he and Arthur Blank, former executives at a California hardware chain called "Handy Dan Home Improvement," were fired in a shocking management change. Rather than viewing this as a setback, Marcus and Blank chose to start Home Depot.
The DIY retail industry was revolutionized in 1979 when Home Depot launched its first two locations in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to providing a wide range of goods, Bernie Marcus and Blank wanted to ensure that their staff members were sufficiently trained to advise clients on home renovation projects, making the experience dependable and reasonably priced.
Home Depot quickly grew beyond Atlanta and became a nationwide success. Marcus and Blank’s strategy of offering everything under one roof helped Home Depot grow rapidly.
Till 1997, Bernie Marcus served as the CEO of Home Depot and was the chairman until 2002. Home Depot has posted about Bernie's loss on their X account by stating:
"The entire Home Depot family is deeply saddened by the death of our co-founder Bernie Marcus. He’s left us with an invaluable legacy and the backbone of our company: our values and our culture. He will be tremendously missed."
Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and longtime business partner of Marcus has also posted on his X, mourning his loss. In the heartfelt note, Blank wrote:
"I am heartbroken at the passing of my dearest friend, Bernie Marcus. Today, I've lost a father-figure, mentor, brother and business and life partner. While this loss is profoundly painful, I am grateful for the close to 60 years we spent together, navigating challenges and celebrating successes, and I am honored to have been part of Bernie's remarkable life."
In addition to being a successful businessman, Bernie Marcus was a devoted philanthropist, whose donations covered a wide range of fields, such as healthcare, education, and Jewish interests. He and his wife, Billi, funded the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University, which is one of his most well-known charitable endeavors.
Bernie Marcus was a major backer of medical projects in Atlanta, like the Marcus Heart and Vascular Center at Piedmont Hospital and the Marcus Trauma Center at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Additionally, he contributed significantly to Jewish nonprofits that promote cultural preservation and education. His $250 million gift to the Georgia Aquarium, which at the time was the greatest single giving to an aquarium, was one of his most well-known contributions.
His dedication to community, improving healthcare, and aiding the Jewish community propelled his generosity, making a significant contribution to regional and worldwide organizations.
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