Home Depot Cofounder and Trump Supporter Bernie Marcus Passes Away at 95
Legacy of a Business Visionary
Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, the billionaire cofounder of Home Depot and a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, passed away at the age of 95. His death was announced by Home Depot in a heartfelt statement, honoring Marcus as a “master merchant and a genius with customer service” whose generosity and goodwill were “unparalleled.” The statement continued, “The Home Depot family is deeply saddened by the death of our cofounder Bernie Marcus. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Bernie.”
Building the Home Depot Empire
Marcus, originally a pharmacist, co-founded Home Depot with Arthur Blank in 1978 in Atlanta. What began as a single-store operation grew into a retail powerhouse, now with over 2,000 stores across the United States and a market valuation approaching $400 billion. Marcus served as Home Depot’s CEO until 1997 and continued as chairman until his retirement in 2002. His journey from pharmacist to hardware mogul stands as a testament to his business acumen and dedication to customer service, inspiring many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Political Engagement and Controversy
In addition to his business success, Marcus wielded significant influence in political circles. With a net worth estimated at $7.4 billion by Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, he was a prominent contributor to the U.S. Republican Party. Notably, he and his wife, Billi, donated $7 million to support Trump’s 2016 campaign and contributed $7.9 million to the GOP during the 2018 midterms. In the current election cycle, Marcus had donated over $1 million in support of Trump as of September. His contributions extended to other Republican figures, including the late Senator John McCain and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Marcus expressed concerns about the state of capitalism in a 2022 interview, criticizing what he saw as a growing preference for “socialism” over hard work and individual enterprise. His political stance drew both support and backlash, with some customers boycotting Home Depot in 2019 due to his support for Trump. Despite his retirement, the company sought to distance itself from Marcus’s political views to maintain neutrality.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Alongside his business and political engagements, Marcus and his wife were committed to philanthropy, contributing to numerous charitable causes. Their dedication to both community and family was evident in their significant contributions across various philanthropic endeavors. Marcus is survived by his wife, Billi, and their three children, reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to his family and community.
A Lasting Impact
Bernie Marcus’s contributions to retail, philanthropy, and politics have left a legacy marked by innovation, generosity, and conviction. His life’s work not only transformed Home Depot into a household name but also influenced the broader discourse on business and political ideology in America. His impact will be felt across these spheres for years to come.