BERNIE MARCUS RECEIVES THE LEGEND AWARD

Doug Hertz, Bernie and Michael Marcus, and Bill Nordmark

Bernie Marcus, cofounder of the Home Depot and a well-known philanthropist, has spent the past twenty-five years making a positive impact on the economic and social life of Georgia and Georgians. 

Originally from New Jersey, his parents were Russian immigrants.  Bernie went to work at the age of 13 but continued his education.  He wanted to become a doctor but after entering Rutgers University in New Jersey he learned that without a huge bribe the young Jewish boy would not be accepted into medical school.  Therefore, he changed his plans and settled on becoming a pharmacist.  He graduated from Rutgers in 1954.

Bernie worked only briefly as a pharmacist before entering retail sales. For the next several decades he moved up the corporate ladder, working for a string of retail stores and manufacturing companies such as Two Guys and Odell. By the mid-1970s Bernie was employed as an executive at Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers, a Los Angeles–based company with several dozen stores in the West. Arthur Blank, the other co-founder of Home Depot, also worked at Handy Dan as its chief financial officer.

In April 1978 Bernie and Arthur were abruptly fired from Handy Dan's..  The two thought it was time to start their own chain of stores.  Thy chose Atlanta as the location and over the next few opened Home Depot starting with two original stores in1979 to more than 1,800 stores located throughout North America.   

A wealthy man due to his company's success, Bernie became involved in a series of diverse philanthropic activities. His mother had instilled in him a commitment to donating to worthy causes and Bernie has given generously.   Since today’s award, The Legend’s Award, is being presented by the Rotary Club of Atlanta for his work in Atlanta, let’s focus on these endeavors, i.e.  The Marcus Institute which works with children with Autism, Anthrax research by The CDC, The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Shepherd Spinal Center and, of course, his personal thank you to Atlanta, The Georgia Aquarium.  Bernie has given not only money but time and love to so many things.

Bernie, thank you Bernie for your sharing.