Co-founder of a popular tax preparation company, revolutionizing the way people file their taxes with a convenient and affordable service. Known for making tax season less daunting for millions of Americans.
Known for co-founding the giant tax preparation company HR Block, Henry W. Bloch was an American businessman and philanthropist who revolutionized the tax preparation industry. Alongside his brother Richard, Bloch transformed the way individuals and businesses approached tax preparation, making it more accessible and convenient.
Born on July 30, 1922, in Kansas City, Missouri, Henry W. Bloch came from a Jewish family. His parents, Hortense Bienenstock and Leon Bloch, instilled in him the value of hard work and education. Bloch attended Southwest High School and later enrolled at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as an undergraduate. He then attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, graduating in 1944.
After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Bloch founded United Business Company with his brother Leon in 1945. The company provided bookkeeping and tax preparation services in Kansas City. When Leon left to pursue a law degree, Richard Bloch joined the company in 1946. The brothers' innovative approach to tax preparation, including a successful advertising campaign in the Kansas City Star, helped them expand their services.
In 1955, Bloch and his brother Richard officially founded HR Block, which would go on to become a household name. The company's unique approach to tax preparation, including its famous slogan "Don't face the laws alone," resonated with the public. By 1962, HR Block had become a public company, and by 2019, it had over 12,000 offices worldwide.
In 1951, Bloch married Marion Helzberg, and they had four children together. Throughout his life, Bloch received numerous honors for his contributions to the business world and philanthropy. He was initiated as a brother of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity's Phi chapter at the University of Michigan in 1940.
Bloch was dedicated to giving back to his community. He supported various charitable organizations, including the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he established the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Bloch also donated to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, which features the Bloch Building, a stunning addition designed by architect Steven Holl.
Henry W. Bloch's legacy extends far beyond the realm of tax preparation. He revolutionized the way people approach tax filing, making it more accessible and convenient. His entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approach, and commitment to philanthropy have inspired generations of business leaders and entrepreneurs. As the chairman emeritus of HR Block, Bloch's impact on modern society continues to be felt.
Bloch's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and hard work. He will be remembered as a visionary who transformed an industry and made a lasting impact on the world.
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