Sokolof, Philip

▪ 2005

      American businessman (b. Dec. 14, 1921, Omaha, Neb.—d. April 15, 2004, Omaha), launched a personal mission to combat high cholesterol. He had already amassed a small fortune as a construction supplies manufacturer when, in 1965, a near-fatal heart attack alerted him to the importance of a healthy diet. Over almost two decades, Sokolof spent an estimated $15 million on campaigns to raise cholesterol awareness. In 1985 he formed the National Heart Savers Association, an organization that successfully lobbied Congress to pass legislation requiring nutritional labels on food. He also raised his own profile by taking out a series of ads in national newspapers criticizing the major fast-food chains.

* * *