Bernard (Bernie) Marcus was born in 1929 to Jewish immigrants from Russia in Newark, New Jersey. While growing up in the tenements, he dreamed of becoming a doctor, but knew that he could not afford the tuition. He began working for his father as a cabinet maker in order to put himself through Rutgers University, where he earned a pharmacy degree.
While Bernie Marcus worked as a pharmacist in a drugstore, his interest in business and dealing directly with customers motivated him to switch to a career in retailing. He held different jobs in retail, eventually becoming the CEO of Handy Dan Improvement Centers, a small Los-Angeles based chain of home improvement stores.
In 1978, being fired became a key opportunity for Bernie Marcus. Arthur Blank was also fired, and a year later, they co-founded what had been Marcus’ vision for a number of years: The Home Depot. The Home Depot revolutionized the home improvement business and is today the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer. Bernie Marcus served as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2001.
Marcus is involved with many philanthropic causes. He founded The Marcus Institute, a nationally recognized center that provides comprehensive services to families with children with disabilities and learning problems, including autism. He also helped to launch a national program for autism called Autism Speaks with Bob and Suzanne Wright.
The Georgia Aquarium is a Marcus gift to the people of Atlanta and Georgia that opened as the largest in the world in 2005. More than 3.5 million people have visited the Aquarium since its opening.
Marcus is also highly involved with Jewish and Israeli causes. He serves as International Chairman of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) and has been involved with the IDI since its inception in 1991.