As we celebrate Presidents Day (yesterday), we reflect not only on the leaders who shaped our nation but also on the unexpected ways their paths crossed with American businesses. One fascinating part of D&B’s history is that several U.S. Presidents once worked for our earliest predecessor, The Mercantile Agency, founded in 1841.
Long before stepping into the Oval Office, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland, and William McKinley all served as credit reporters for The Mercantile Agency — the organization that eventually evolved into Dun & Bradstreet. These future presidents gathered business intelligence, assessed creditworthiness, and contributed to the foundation of modern commercial data reporting.
Their work laid early groundwork for what would one day become the trusted D&B data network used worldwide.
As we honor our nation’s leaders, we take pride in knowing that D&B’s legacy is intertwined with theirs — a reminder that great leadership and great business insight often begin with the same values: integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding the world around us.
Happy Presidents Day from D&B!