Biographies

Edward John Noble did not invent Life Savers. After he and J. Roy Allen acquired Clarence Crane’s candy business, packaging and manufacturing improvements helped build the brand. Noble later worked in federal aviation administration and broadcasting.

Edwin H. Land turned experiments with polarized light into a research company and helped bring instant photography to consumers. His life also encompassed color science, national-security advice, corporate controversies, and an independent research institute.

Lester M. “Les” Alberthal Jr. was chief executive when EDS became independent of General Motors in 1996. His career also encompassed international expansion, a changing corporate culture and a difficult final period at the company.

J.R. Simplot left school at 14 and built an Idaho agricultural enterprise that became a major McDonald’s supplier. His story reaches from wartime food production and frozen fries to Micron financing, legal disputes and civic giving.

H. Lamm helped establish Subaru of America as an independent U.S. importer in 1968. His career followed the brand from its troubled first car to nationwide growth and a 1990 buyout, then continued in automotive-related businesses.

John Pitcairn Jr. began railroad work at fourteen and later co-founded Pittsburgh Plate Glass. His story also takes in religious education at Bryn Athyn and his campaign against vaccination.

Malcolm McLean grew a North Carolina trucking venture into a major carrier before backing the shipping-container system that changed international freight. His career also included resistance, a costly later failure, and a final return to shipping.

Ernest Gallo co-founded E. & J. Gallo Winery with his brother Julio in 1933 and became its business, sales, marketing, and distribution leader, helping build a national wine company while navigating labor, regulatory, and family conflicts.

John E. Pepper Jr.’s career extended beyond P&G into Yale administration, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Disney board governance, youth development, and decades of institutional service.

Max Factor built his career by adapting cosmetics to the changing demands of film, then carried Hollywood makeup expertise into the consumer market and the Technicolor era.