Acey Gaspard 
Charles Henry Deere moved from bookkeeping into major operating leadership during the Panic of 1857, then helped expand Deere & Company through management, product growth, and a national branch-house distribution system.
William Butterworth led Deere through major organizational growth and a long transition into tractor manufacturing, including the 1918 purchase of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company.
Alfred J. Billes co-founded Canadian Tire with his brother J.W. Billes, helped shape its dealer-based growth, later served as president, and remained closely connected to the company for decades.
Canadian Tire began in Toronto in 1922 and grew through its Associate Dealer model, national expansion, loyalty programs and new retail businesses. Its history also includes U.S. setbacks, store reinvention and later portfolio changes.
Tractor Supply Company began as a mail-order tractor-parts business in 1938. Its history includes store expansion, private and public ownership changes, digital retail, loyalty, and a broader pet and animal-care business.
Explore the practical steps and key considerations involved in starting a concrete contractor business so you can plan carefully and know what to expect.
Get a practical overview of starting a flooring installation business, with guidance on what to expect, what to plan, and how to prepare for opening.
Menards began with John Menard Jr.’s building work in 1958 and developed into a privately held home-improvement chain through retail expansion, internal manufacturing, and decades of regional growth.
Karl Rapp moved from engineering into aircraft-engine entrepreneurship and founded Rapp Motorenwerke. In 1917, he left as the company reorganized and took the Bayerische Motoren Werke name.
Learn what goes into starting a tile installation business, from understanding the work to preparing for the decisions, responsibilities, and planning involved.