Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Arthur Blank

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Arthur Blank made an impact.

Arthur Blank is an American businessman primarily recognized as the co-founder of The Home Depot, a leading home improvement retail company. Beyond his success in retail, Blank also owns the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL), Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), and PGA TOUR Superstore. His business ventures demonstrate his entrepreneurial spirit and his involvement in professional sports.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1963: Hired by Arthur Young and Company

In 1963, after graduating from Babson Institute, Arthur Blank was hired by Arthur Young and Company as a senior accountant.

1978: Fired from Handy Dan; Co-founded Home Depot

In 1978, Arthur Blank and Bernard Marcus were fired from Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers. Subsequently, in 1978, Blank co-founded The Home Depot with Marcus.

1978: Arthur Blank Co-Founded The Home Depot

In 1978, Arthur Blank co-founded The Home Depot with Bernard Marcus. The company's vision of one-stop shopping for the do-it-yourselfer was realized with the help of investors and experts.

June 22, 1979: The First Home Depot Stores Opened

On June 22, 1979, the first two The Home Depot stores opened in Atlanta, revolutionizing the home improvement business.

2001: Blank Retired From Home Depot

In 2001, Arthur Blank retired from The Home Depot as co-chairman after spending 19 years as the company's president and then succeeding Marcus as CEO.

February 2002: Blank Purchased Atlanta Falcons

In February 2002, Arthur Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons franchise in the National Football League (NFL).

September 2004: Blank Purchased Georgia Force

In September 2004, Arthur Blank bought the Arena Football League franchise, the Georgia Force, and moved the team to Atlanta.

2006: Blank Temporarily Withdrew from Atlanta Braves Purchase

In early 2006, Arthur Blank temporarily withdrew from contention as a potential buyer of the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball.

February 2007: Braves Sale Completed to Liberty Media

In February 2007, the Atlanta Braves completed the sale of the team to Liberty Media, after Blank had re-entered talks to purchase the team.

2017: Atlanta United FC Began Play

In 2017, Arthur Blank's expansion Major League Soccer franchise, Atlanta United FC, began play, sharing Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the Falcons.

March 2020: Blank's Foundation Donated to Coronavirus Pandemic Response

In March 2020, Arthur Blank's foundation announced it would donate nearly $5.4 million to aid the coronavirus pandemic response in Georgia and Montana.

October 2020: New Children's Hospital Named After Arthur Blank

In October 2020, it was announced that the new Children's Healthcare of Atlanta hospital would be named after Arthur Blank after his foundation donated $200 million to the project.