Arthur Blank

Arthur Blank
Blank in 2016
Arthur Blank
Born	Arthur Morris Blank 27 9, 1942
Birthplace	Queens, New York City, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Businessman, sports team owner, philanthropist
Known for	Co-founding The Home Depot; ownership of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC
Education	Babson College (BSBA)
Awards	The Giving Pledge signatory

Arthur Morris Blank (born September 27, 1942) is an American businessman, philanthropist, and professional sports team owner who co-founded The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer. Born in Queens, New York City, Blank built a career that took him from modest roots in a working-class New York family to the upper echelons of American business. After co-founding The Home Depot with Bernie Marcus in 1978, Blank helped grow the company from a single store concept into a retail empire with locations across North America. Following his departure from The Home Depot's day-to-day operations, Blank turned his attention to professional sports and philanthropy in Atlanta, Georgia, where he became owner of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and later founded Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). Atlanta United won the MLS Cup in 2018, and Blank subsequently expanded his sports portfolio to include an expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the Atlanta Drive GC of TGL, which won the SoFi Cup in 2025. Through AMB Group LLC, his family of businesses, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, he has directed significant resources toward community development, youth programs, and charitable causes. Blank is also a signatory of The Giving Pledge, committing the majority of his wealth to philanthropy.

Early Life

Arthur Morris Blank was born on September 27, 1942, in Queens, New York City, to a Jewish family. His father, Max Blank, worked as a pharmacist and ran a small mail-order pharmaceutical business. The elder Blank's work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting impression on his son, though Max Blank died when Arthur was still a teenager. The loss of his father at a young age placed significant financial and emotional burdens on the family. Arthur's mother, Molly Blank, took over responsibility for raising the family and instilled in her children values of perseverance, hard work, and community responsibility.

Growing up in Queens, Blank was shaped by the diverse, working-class environment of post-war New York City. The experience of watching his mother manage the family's circumstances after his father's death gave Blank an early understanding of resilience and the importance of financial stability. These formative experiences would later inform both his business philosophy and his approach to philanthropy, particularly his focus on underserved communities and youth development programs.

Education

Blank attended Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). Babson College, known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship and practical business education, provided Blank with the foundational skills and mindset that would later prove instrumental in his career. The school's focus on entrepreneurial thinking aligned well with Blank's own ambitions, and he has remained connected to the institution throughout his career. Blank is frequently cited among Babson's most notable alumni, alongside other prominent business figures who graduated from the college.

After completing his studies at Babson, Blank entered the business world, eventually finding his way into the retail and home improvement industry, a path that would define the trajectory of his professional life.

Career

Early Career and Handy Dan

Following his graduation from Babson College, Blank began his career in the retail sector. He eventually joined Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers, a California-based chain of home improvement stores, where he served in a senior executive capacity. At Handy Dan, Blank worked alongside Bernie Marcus, who served as the company's chief executive officer. The two developed a close professional relationship and a shared vision for what a home improvement retail operation could become.

In 1978, both Blank and Marcus were dismissed from Handy Dan following a corporate shakeup. Rather than viewing their termination as a setback, the two men saw it as an opportunity to pursue their own vision for a home improvement retail concept—one that would offer a vast selection of products at competitive prices in a warehouse-style format, with knowledgeable staff providing expert customer service.

Co-Founding The Home Depot

In 1978, Blank and Marcus, along with investment banker Ken Langone and merchandising expert Pat Farrah, co-founded The Home Depot. The first stores opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1979, establishing the city as the company's home base—a connection that would deepen significantly throughout Blank's career. The Home Depot's business model represented a departure from existing home improvement retailers. The company's stores were large, warehouse-format spaces that offered an extensive inventory of building materials, home improvement products, and tools at discount prices. Equally important to the founders' vision was an emphasis on customer service; staff members were trained to offer practical advice and guidance to do-it-yourself customers as well as professional contractors.

The Home Depot grew rapidly throughout the 1980s and 1990s, expanding from its Atlanta base across the United States and eventually into Canada and Mexico. The company went public and became one of the most successful retail enterprises in American history, ultimately joining the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Blank served as president and chief operating officer and later as co-chairman of the company, working closely with Marcus to oversee the chain's expansion and operational strategy.

Under the leadership of Blank and Marcus, The Home Depot grew to hundreds of stores and tens of thousands of employees, transforming the home improvement industry and establishing the big-box retail format that would become a dominant force in American commerce. Blank was instrumental in shaping the company's corporate culture, which emphasized employee empowerment, customer-first policies, and community involvement. The company's success made both Blank and Marcus billionaires and established them as prominent figures in American business.

Blank retired from The Home Depot in 2001, stepping down from his role as co-chairman. His departure marked the end of an era for the company but also the beginning of a new chapter in Blank's career, one focused on professional sports ownership and philanthropy.

AMB Group LLC and Business Ventures

After leaving The Home Depot, Blank established AMB Group LLC as the parent organization for his portfolio of business and philanthropic interests. AMB Group serves as the umbrella company overseeing Blank's professional sports teams, real estate holdings, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Through AMB Group, Blank has maintained an active role in Atlanta's business and civic landscape, investing in projects aimed at community development and economic revitalization.

Atlanta Falcons

In 2002, Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League, becoming the team's principal owner. The acquisition represented Blank's entry into professional sports ownership and deepened his ties to the city of Atlanta. Under Blank's ownership, the Falcons underwent significant organizational changes aimed at building a competitive franchise.

One of the most significant developments during Blank's tenure as Falcons owner was the construction of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2017 in downtown Atlanta. The stadium, which replaced the Georgia Dome, was designed to serve as a multi-purpose venue for football, soccer, concerts, and other major events. Mercedes-Benz Stadium became notable not only for its innovative retractable roof and architectural design but also for Blank's decision to implement fan-friendly pricing on concessions—a policy that significantly reduced the cost of food and beverages compared to industry norms and drew widespread attention across professional sports.

Under Blank's ownership, the Falcons reached Super Bowl LI following the 2016 NFL season, where they faced the New England Patriots. The Falcons built a 28–3 lead in the third quarter but ultimately lost 34–28 in overtime in what became one of the most memorable comebacks in Super Bowl history. Despite the result, the appearance represented the franchise's second Super Bowl appearance and underscored the competitive improvements made during Blank's tenure.

Blank has been recognized for his hands-on approach to team ownership, regularly attending practices and games and maintaining close involvement in organizational decisions while entrusting football operations to his front office and coaching staff.

Atlanta United FC

In 2014, Blank was awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, bringing top-tier professional soccer to Atlanta. The team, named Atlanta United FC, began play in 2017. Blank described his investment in the soccer franchise as being "close to his heart," reflecting his belief in soccer's growth potential in the United States and his commitment to Atlanta's sports landscape.

Atlanta United FC quickly became one of the most successful expansion franchises in MLS history. The team shattered league attendance records, regularly drawing crowds of over 40,000 to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and establishing itself as one of the best-supported clubs in North American soccer. In its second season of play, Atlanta United won the 2018 MLS Cup, defeating the Portland Timbers before a crowd of over 73,000 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium—the largest crowd ever to attend an MLS Cup final at that time. The championship cemented Atlanta United's status as a major force in American soccer and validated Blank's vision for the franchise.

Additional Sports Ventures

Blank continued to expand his sports portfolio beyond the Falcons and Atlanta United. He acquired an expansion franchise in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), further establishing Atlanta as a multi-sport city and demonstrating his commitment to women's professional athletics. Additionally, Blank became the owner of the Atlanta Drive GC, a team competing in TGL, the technology-enhanced golf league. The Atlanta Drive GC won the SoFi Cup in 2025, adding another championship to Blank's ownership portfolio.

All of Blank's sports teams operate under the AMB Group LLC umbrella, with Blank serving as chairman. His ownership group's approach has been characterized by significant investment in facilities, player talent, and fan experience across all of his franchises.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Fan Experience

The construction and operation of Mercedes-Benz Stadium represents one of Blank's most visible legacies in Atlanta. The approximately $1.5 billion stadium, which opened in August 2017, was designed by the architectural firm HOK and features a distinctive eight-panel retractable roof inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The facility serves as the home venue for both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.

Blank attracted significant media attention for his decision to implement what the organization termed "fan-first pricing" at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Under this policy, the prices of food, beverages, and other concessions were set substantially below the industry average for professional sports venues. The initiative was part of Blank's broader philosophy of prioritizing the fan experience and making attending live sporting events more accessible and affordable.

Personal Life

Arthur Blank has been married and divorced multiple times. He was married to Stephanie Wray from 1995 until their divorce in 2014. He subsequently married Angela Macuga in 2016; the couple divorced in 2019.

Blank has been a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, for decades, having established deep roots in the city through his business ventures, sports team ownership, and philanthropic activities. His connection to Atlanta has been a defining aspect of his personal and professional identity since co-founding The Home Depot there in the late 1970s.

In 2014, Blank publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He subsequently announced that he was cancer-free following treatment, sharing the news as a message of hope and encouragement for others facing similar diagnoses.

Blank's mother, Molly Blank, was an important figure in his life and in his philanthropic endeavors. Her influence on his commitment to community service and charitable giving has been frequently acknowledged in connection with The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

Philanthropy

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is the primary vehicle for Blank's charitable activities. The foundation has directed resources toward a range of causes, including youth development, community building, and programs serving underserved populations in Atlanta and beyond. Blank has consistently emphasized the importance of giving back to the communities that supported his business success.

In 2010, Blank became one of the signatories of The Giving Pledge, the philanthropic campaign founded by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates that encourages the world's wealthiest individuals to commit the majority of their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetimes or in their wills. Blank's participation in The Giving Pledge reflected his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and his belief in using private wealth for public benefit.

Through his foundation and personal giving, Blank has supported initiatives in education, parks and greenspaces, community development in Atlanta's Westside neighborhoods, and various youth-focused programs. His philanthropic work has been closely tied to his vision for Atlanta as a thriving, equitable city.

Recognition

Blank's career in business, sports, and philanthropy has earned him numerous accolades. He appeared on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans, with Forbes profiling his career and financial achievements.

As co-founder of The Home Depot, Blank is recognized as one of the architects of modern retail, having helped create a company that fundamentally changed how Americans purchase home improvement products and building materials. His subsequent career as a sports team owner has brought championships to Atlanta, including the 2018 MLS Cup with Atlanta United FC and the 2025 SoFi Cup with Atlanta Drive GC.

Blank's implementation of fan-friendly concession pricing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium drew attention from across the professional sports industry and influenced discussions about the economics of the live fan experience at other venues. His ownership style, combining significant financial investment with attention to fan accessibility, has been noted as a distinctive approach in professional sports ownership.

Within Atlanta's civic and business community, Blank is recognized as one of the city's most influential figures, having shaped its identity as a major sports city and contributed to community development through his philanthropic activities. Babson College counts him among its most prominent alumni.

Legacy

Arthur Blank's legacy spans multiple domains—retail innovation, professional sports, and philanthropy. As co-founder of The Home Depot, he helped create one of the largest and most influential retail companies in American history, a business that transformed the home improvement industry and established the warehouse-format retail model that has since been adopted across numerous sectors of retail commerce.

In professional sports, Blank's ownership of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, and his other teams has established Atlanta as a multi-sport city with competitive franchises across multiple leagues. The success of Atlanta United FC, in particular, demonstrated the viability and potential of Major League Soccer in the southeastern United States and contributed to the broader growth of professional soccer in America. The team's record-setting attendance figures and rapid championship success set a new standard for MLS expansion franchises.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, built under Blank's direction, has become one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the United States, hosting Super Bowls, MLS Cup finals, college football championship games, and other major events. The stadium's fan-first pricing model challenged long-standing industry practices and prompted other venues to reconsider their own concession pricing structures.

Through The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and his commitment to The Giving Pledge, Blank has established a philanthropic legacy focused on community development in Atlanta, particularly in the city's historically underserved neighborhoods. His integrated approach—combining business investment, sports franchise development, and charitable giving within the same metropolitan area—represents a distinctive model of civic engagement among American business leaders.

From his origins in Queens, New York, through his education at Babson College, to his decades-long career building businesses and teams in Atlanta, Blank's trajectory illustrates the intersection of entrepreneurship, community investment, and professional sports ownership in late twentieth and early twenty-first century America.