Paul Newman: The Heart of Business

The recent passing of Paul Newman has left the world a smaller place without a legendary actor, race car fanatic and the ultimate entrepreneur.

For Hollywood, Newman will be remember for his award winning performances in many films including classics such as The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, The Verdict and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. For race car enthusiasts, Newman was not only an owner but driver and he became the oldest driver winning in his class at the 24 Hours of Daytona. For the business world, Newman left a legacy of purpose through profits.

Newman started Newman's Own food company in 1982. The maker of salad dressing and other products operates as a for profit company donating all profits to charities. Total donations now exceeds $250 million. Newman put the heart in cause related marketing. He knew his world was blessed with good fortune and wanted to share it with others. The words of Paul in a statement released by Newman's Own Foundation shows his greatness:

"I wanted to acknowledge luck; the chance and benevolence of it in my life, and the brutality of it in the lives of others, who might not be allowed the good fortune of a lifetime to correct it."