Ernst & Young selects Arthur Blank of Home Depot as entrepreneur of year

21 Nov '05

3 min read

Arthur M. Blank, Co-founder of world's largest home improvement retailer Home Depot Inc was named the Overall Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 National Award Winner.

Blank is also the owner and chief executive officer of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and the Georgia Force arena football team.

"Arthur Blank exemplifies the very best in entrepreneurial spirit," said James S. Turley, chairman and CEO, Ernst & Young LLP.

"Blank took a simple idea and turned it into the world's largest home improvement retailer, while never forgetting the communities that supported his success. They are pleased to honor him as the Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year."

Blank was honored as both the Overall Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year national award winner as well as the national winner in the Retail & Consumer Products Category at a gala in Palm Springs. Awards were given in 10 additional categories.

All Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year winners were selected from approximately 400 regional award recipients by an independent panel of judges.

Blank and the company's co-founder opened the first three Home Depot stores in 1979.

Today, The Home Depot is a household name with more than 1,900 stores throughout North America -- with a new store opening every 48 hours. More than 22 million people visit a Home Depot store each week.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program was created and is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP.

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