Co-founder of Maidenform Bra Co. Maidenform replaced the pain of corsets w/the cotton bra--a liberating innovation in its day. Maidenform had the most bizzare advert. campaign in the 50s & 60s: a woman would go to the opera, etc. w/ her bra as her only top and then wake-up saying "I dreamed I went to the opera in my Maidenform bra." What? It worked, though.
brought relief to millions as the founder of the Ex-Lax company. Roy Goodman, long term liberal Republican State Sen. from Manhattan, is one of the heirs to the fortune. Should give out samples in Albany.
Meyer was one of the earliest Jewish settlers in what became Nebraska. He moved to Omaha in 1866 as a trader with the Native Americans, learned at least six Indian languages and was adopted by the Pawnee tribe, with the name Curly Headed White Chief with One Tongue (probably a reference to his honesty in business, as whites were normally considered to be split-tongued, or deceivers). He later became an official government interpreter & accompanied a group of Native Americans to the Paris Exposition of 1900.
C.E.O. of Carnival Corp.(cruise lines). Also runs Miami Heat (basketball). Member of wealthy Israeli family which owns the two companies.
Founder of EST, the 70s program that pioneered seminars for "self-awareness". Born Jack Rosenberg, he was also a used car salesman. The choice of his name was often commented on--not too favorably.
founder of the first department stores in US--Vincennes, Ind. in 1842. Sons founded the chain, which included Saks 5th Ave.
Introduced the American-style supermarket to Britain after WWII, in the process turning his small family grocery firm into the giant Sainsburys chain & turning himself into one of the richest men in Britain (and a member of the House of Lords). When he was made a baron in 1962, he chose the name, "Lord Sainsbury of Drury Lane," to commemorate his familys humble origins. Jewish mother. (Editors note: Wouldnt it be great if Americans could get titles the same way, i.e.,"Lord Ron Popeil of Maxwell Street".)
Known as "Mr. Cost-Plus". Took the West Coast based retail chain from one store to more than 20. Not that unusually, his parents were socialists and he brought their community-aware ethos to the chain.
Co-founders of Home Depot. Its ironic that Jews have always been big in the hardware biz. The stereotype, partially true, is that Jewish men are not big on doing home improvts themselves. Jewish mothers would rather have their manually deft kids become surgeons or violinists-not carpenters. (Well, I can think of one Jewish mother who was okay w/the kid becoming a carpenter).
Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream. Pay scale at company, in contrast to most companies, allows fairly little disparity between top and bottom. Ben & Jerry were the models for the ice cream moguls who traveled w/Billy Crystal in the movie "City Slickers".
Co-founder of Home Depot. Its ironic that Jews have always been big in the hardware biz. The stereotype, partially true, is that Jewish men are not big on doing home improvts themselves. Jewish mothers would rather have their manually deft kids become surgeons or violinists-not carpenters. (Well, I can think of one Jewish mother who was okay w/the kid becoming a carpenter).
Founders of the famous ice cream chain. Irvings only son, John Robbins, is a devout vegetarian who is opposed to dairy products. He is a "hero" on several veggie sites. Gee, it seems a bit unfair to us--I mean these guys werent exactly arms merchants and their ice cream was (is) kosher when most brands didnt know from kosher.
Famous clothing designer who was born in the Bronx in 1942. His parents were immigrants from Europe. Klein was always known as the best dressed boy on the block. He began his company in 1968 with $10,000 and the help of his childhood friend, Barry Schwartz. The rest is fashion history.
Founder of Toys R-Us, which pioneered the warehouse toy store concept. Cleverly sold baby supplies practically at cost. One of the few American retailers to make a dent in Japan.
Founder and long-term President of Revlon Corporation. Chas. Revson Foundation is a major donor to Jewish and non-Jewish charities.
