Bernie Marcus, who envisioned a big-box store aimed at do-it-yourselfers and turned it into Home Depot, the world’s largest home-improvement retailer, died on Nov. 4 in Boca Raton FL. He was 95.

Today, Home Depot has more than 2,300 stores across North America, and records more than $150 billion in annual revenue. Home Depot employees were called “associates,” and not only were paid more than minimum wage, but also received stock options. More than 3,000 of the company’s original employees, including former secretaries and sales associates became millionaires as the company’s fortunes soared. The company would eventually employ more than half a million people.

He retired as chairman and chief executive in 2002, and devoted his life to philanthropy, supporting programs for children with brain disorders, children’s health, medical research, Jewish causes, veterans’ initiatives, national security, and political causes from which Home Depot stores distanced itself.

Of his success, Mr. Marcus said, “The key is not to make the sale; the key is to cultivate the customer…Care for them today, and they’ll be back tomorrow.”