Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, billionaire cofounder of The Home Depot and an influential Republican donor, has passed away at 95, the company announced Tuesday. Marcus, who made headlines as an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, leaves behind a legacy marked by business success and political controversy.
A Visionary Business Leader and Billionaire
Bernie Marcus co-founded The Home Depot in 1978 with Arthur Blank after both were fired from their previous jobs at Handy Dan Home Improvement. The two envisioned a revolutionary retail model: a vast hardware store with an extensive selection and well-trained staff, differentiating it from traditional stores. What began as an idea soon transformed into a retail giant, with The Home Depot now boasting 2,300 stores and a stock market valuation close to $400 billion.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1929 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Marcus was the youngest of four siblings. He studied merchandising and marketing at Rutgers University and embarked on a career in retail, where he eventually met Blank. Together, they built The Home Depot from the ground up, with Marcus serving as CEO until 1997 and then as chairman until his retirement in 2002.
“He was a master merchant and a retail visionary,” The Home Depot stated. “His values continue to be the backbone of our company.”
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Marcus was well-known in Atlanta, where The Home Depot was founded, as a generous philanthropist. Alongside his wife Billi, Marcus contributed significantly to causes across healthcare, Jewish organizations, and children’s charities. In 2005, his $250 million grant helped establish the Georgia Aquarium, which has become one of the city’s most famous attractions.
Another significant contribution was the founding of the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University, which provides crucial support to children with developmental disabilities. The Marcuses’ philanthropy also extended to Jewish charities and medical research, leaving a substantial legacy of community impact beyond the business world.
Marcus’s philanthropy reflected his commitment to making a difference in Atlanta, with his contributions benefiting thousands. His charitable donations, the company noted, were guided by his core values of community support and employee appreciation.
Political Engagement and Controversy
In his later years, Marcus became a prominent Republican donor and outspoken supporter of right-wing causes, which sparked mixed reactions among consumers and political observers. He donated millions to the campaigns of high-profile Republican figures, including John McCain, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Donald Trump. His support for Trump led to backlash in 2016 and again in 2019, with some Trump critics attempting to boycott The Home Depot, despite Marcus having retired from the company by then.
A frequent guest on Fox News and Fox Business, Marcus spoke openly about his concerns regarding what he viewed as a decline in American work ethic and an alarming shift toward socialism. “I’m worried about capitalism,” Marcus said in a 2022 interview with the Financial Times, where he expressed frustration about what he perceived as the “spread of socialism” in the United States. He criticized those he felt lacked drive, remarking, “Nobody works. Nobody gives a damn. ‘Just give it to me. Send me money.’”
“The woke people have taken over the world,” Marcus said, lamenting what he saw as an erosion of free speech. “We used to have free speech here. We don’t have it.”
His bold remarks resonated with conservative audiences but also fueled opposition from those who felt his views were divisive and out of touch with the changing economic landscape. Despite the criticism, Marcus remained unapologetic and stood firm in his beliefs, becoming a symbolic figure for conservative capitalism.
Legacy: Success, Generosity, and Division
Bernie Marcus’s life and legacy are defined by his business acumen, philanthropy, and political involvement. The Home Depot’s growth into a global retail powerhouse serves as a testament to his visionary approach to customer service and retail strategy. His dedication to charity has benefited countless lives in Atlanta and beyond, with his contributions to autism research and children’s services leaving a lasting mark.
However, Marcus’s political stances made him a polarizing figure, especially in recent years. While some view him as a champion of free-market values, others see his outspoken support for conservative ideals and criticism of progressive movements as a point of contention.
The Home Depot, in its statement, praised Marcus’s contributions to the company and his dedication to its employees and communities. “We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Bernie,” the company said, honoring his legacy and the values he instilled.
A Complex Figure with a Lasting Impact
Bernie Marcus’s passing marks the end of an era for The Home Depot and a significant chapter in American retail history. His contributions to business, philanthropy, and conservative politics leave behind a complex legacy, admired by some and contested by others. As the retail giant continues to grow, it does so on the foundation of Marcus’s principles, while his political views remain a point of debate among Americans.
