B. C.
Forbes

Bertie Charles Forbes, known as B.C. Forbes, was born on May 14, 1880, in New Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and became a towering figure in the world of journalism and publishing in the United States. Forbes embarked on his career in journalism at the age of 14, after leaving school, demonstrating an early aptitude for writing and an insatiable curiosity about the world of business and finance. His journey took him from Scotland to South Africa, and finally to New York City in 1904, where his career in financial journalism began to flourish. Forbes quickly made a name for himself as a writer for the Journal of Commerce, and later, as a financial columnist for Hearst newspapers, showcasing his ability to demystify complex financial concepts for the public and his keen insights into the personalities behind business success stories.

In 1917, Forbes founded Forbes magazine, a publication that would become synonymous with financial journalism and a staple among the business elite and those aspiring to understand the intricacies of American capitalism. Under his leadership, Forbes magazine emphasized the importance of the entrepreneur in the American economy, profiling titans of industry and offering advice to those looking to emulate their success. B.C. Forbes' philosophy that "Business was originated to produce happiness, not to pile up millions" reflected in his writing and editorial direction, influencing generations of business leaders and journalists. Despite passing away in 1954, B.C. Forbes' legacy lives on through the magazine that bears his name and continues to be a leading authority in the business world, upholding his commitment to insightful, accessible financial journalism.