Early Life
Arthur Blank was born in Flushing, Queens, New York, on September 27, 1942. He grew up in a Jewish family and graduated from Stuyvesant High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Babson College in 1963. After graduating, Blank worked as a senior accountant at Arthur Young and Company.
Rise to Success
Blank's entrepreneurial journey took off when he co-founded The Home Depot with Bernard Marcus in 1978. The two were fired from their jobs at Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers before partnering to create Home Depot. The first two stores opened in Atlanta on June 22, 1979, revolutionizing the home improvement industry with its warehouse concept. Blank served as Home Depot's president and CEO for many years. He retired as co-chairman of the company in 2001.
Key Business Strategies
Blank focused on creating value for companies, customers, and communities. His leadership approach emphasized employee empowerment and customer service, which was crucial to Home Depot's early success. He also invested in sports franchises, including the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), further expanding his business ventures.
Philanthropy
Arthur Blank is dedicated to philanthropy. He signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate more than half of his wealth to charitable causes. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has granted over $1.3 billion, investing in education, parks and green space, youth development, community redevelopment, and mental health initiatives.