In World War I he joined the United States Navy, and he earned an ensign's commission while he served in the North Atlantic.

Pepsi was only one of scores of cola drinks when he became president, and like all the others, was making little headway against the giant Coca-Cola bottling concern.

In the late 1930s, in a notable court case, Pepsi won from Coke the right to add "cola" to its name.

Another noted move he made was to dispense with long, wordy advertisements on radio and broadcast memorable commercial jingles.

The company also financed art exhibits, and built gathering places for city youths and for servicemen.

He resigned after a fight with the board of directors over his promotion campaigns and the stream of innovations he was bringing to the company.

During the Great Depression, he gained a reputation as a businessman and financer who could turn around troubled companies.

He and his companies would pump money into failing firms where they saw promise, after gaining stock options and a say in management.

It was while working with the Loft's candy chain that Mack discovered its Pepsi syrup and saw its potential.