Bernie Marcus, the visionary co-founder of Home Depot, passed away on Monday in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 95.

The Revolutionary Idea

His passing marks the end of an era that revolutionized the home-improvement industry and forever changed how consumers approach DIY projects.

Marcus's journey began in the late 1970s when, after being dismissed from his role as CEO of a California hardware chain, he conceived the groundbreaking idea of creating a do-it-yourself megastore. With an emphasis on affordability and accessibility, he imagined large warehouse-style stores that catered to weekend warriors looking to take on home repairs and renovations.

The First Home Depot

Partnering with Arthur Blank, a colleague from Handy Dan, Marcus opened the first Home Depot outlet in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1978, with the financial backing of Wall Street investor Ken Langone. What began as a single location has now expanded into over 2,300 stores across North America, raking in more than $150 billion in annual revenue.

The Home Depot concept was a game-changer—while competitors operated much smaller stores, Marcus envisioned expansive spaces filled to the brim with a variety of products at reduced prices by sourcing directly from manufacturers.

“He was an inspiring visionary,” said Blank, who took over as CEO in 1997. “He had the innate ability to see around corners that others couldn’t.” This innovative approach proved successful: where others predicted modest sales, Home Depot soared to unprecedented heights.

Early Life and Influences

Born on May 12, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, to Jewish immigrants from Russia, Marcus faced early childhood challenges during the Great Depression. His formative years were influenced heavily by his mother, whose resilience taught him the value of perseverance and focus on the future rather than the past.

After a series of endeavors, including working as a busboy and earning a pharmacy degree from Rutgers University, he made his mark in the retail world.

A Compassionate Employer

Marcus was not just a successful businessman; he was also a compassionate employer who offered employees—whom he referred to as “associates”—more than just minimum wage. Many of Home Depot’s original workers became millionaires through stock options, a testament to Marcus’s belief in sharing the company's success with its employees.

Philanthropic Contributions

Aside from his contributions to retail, Marcus was a philanthropist dedicated to healthcare and autism research. He helped create the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, and established the Marcus Autism Center which offers essential services to children with developmental disorders. His charitable foundation has contributed over $2.7 billion to various causes, including veterans’ initiatives, medical research, and children’s health.

A Polarizing Figure

However, Marcus was also a polarizing figure due to his strong political beliefs. A staunch Republican, he was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and donated heavily to right-wing causes, which led to some controversy surrounding Home Depot amidst calls for boycotts from critics of Trump.

A Lasting Legacy

Marcus’s legacy is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to employee welfare, and generosity toward community issues. As Home Depot continues to thrive, the innovative groundwork laid by Bernie Marcus remains a pivotal chapter in the story of American retail.

His vision will undoubtedly influence the industry for generations to come, serving as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to leave their mark on the world. Rest in peace, Bernie Marcus—your impact will not be forgotten.