The co-founder of Home Depot and American businessman Arthur Blank, born on 27th September, 1942 in Sunnyside, New York, is popularly known today for his benevolent acts and his ownership of two popular football teams namely The Atlanta Falcons of National Football League which he purchased in February 2002 followed by Georgia Force of Arena Football League. which Arthur acquired in 2004.

Arthur Blank was born as younger child of Max and Molly Blank. He has an elder brother by the name Michael Blank. The family of four lived in Flushing, New York. Blank is Alumni of 1904 established Stuyvesant Public High School located in New York City. After graduation from school Arthur attended Babson College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at an appropriate age of 21. After his graduation, Blank joined Handy Dan Hardware where he soon reached the post of regional manager but unfortunately in 1978, Blank was thrown out of the company for disagreeing with superior executives.

In 1978, Blank co-founded home-improvement retail store Home Depot with former Handy Dan manager and friend Bernie Marcus. Ken Langone a New York based investment banker was instrumental in collecting the initial team of investors for the project. The innovative retail store soon transformed the home improvement business with its innovative construction products and services, consequently Arthur and Marcus joined the league of select individuals whom the world knows as billionaires. Arthur Blank was the chief financial officer of the company for 19 years then he succeeded Marcus to hold the post of CEO. Arthur retired in 2001 as co-chairman from the company.

Arthur Blank is a keen investor and big fan of sports. His major sporting business debut came with the purchase of National Football League franchise Atlanta Falcons in 2002 followed by purchase of Duluth, Georgia based Georgia Force a franchise of Arena Football League two years later. Arthur also expressed keen interest in acquiring professional baseball team Atlanta Braves however lost his bid to another media conglomerate Liberty Media.

As owner and CEO Blank has made his mark as the most inventive of the teams owner. He used his talent sourcing skills and gave both the teams the right combination of experience on fresh energy. He expects his teams to play off opponents year after year.

Blank is presently the CEO, President, and Chairman of the Arthur Blank Family Foundation and AMB Group, LLC. As of 21st September, 2006, Blank’s net worth was estimated at $1.3 billion. In 2006, Arthur Blank’s name features in the Hall of Fame list of U.S Junior Business achievers.

Arthur is happily married and lives with his family consisting of his wife and 6 children. Arthur presently serves on the Emory University’s Board of Trustees and lives in Bankhead, a neighborhood on the west side of Atlanta, Georgia.