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The Visionaries Who Built Our Company: Bill Hewlett and David Packard

Cody Blair

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Published in The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett And I Built Our Company (Collins Business Essentials)

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In the annals of American business history, few names are as synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship as Bill Hewlett and David Packard. The co-founders of Hewlett-Packard (HP),they built a company that revolutionized the world of technology and left a lasting legacy on Silicon Valley and beyond.

The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett and I Built Our Company (Collins Business Essentials)

by David Packard

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	226 pages

Early Lives and Education

William Redington Hewlett was born on May 20, 1913, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His father was a professor at the University of Michigan, and his mother was a homemaker. Hewlett attended the University of Michigan, where he studied electrical engineering. He graduated in 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

David Packard was born on September 7, 1912, in Pueblo, Colorado. His father was an electrical engineer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Packard attended Stanford University, where he studied electrical engineering. He graduated in 1934 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Founding Hewlett-Packard

Hewlett and Packard first met in 1934, while working on a summer job at General Electric. They quickly bonded over their shared interest in electronics and engineering. After graduating from college, they decided to start their own company together.

In 1938, Hewlett and Packard borrowed $538 from Hewlett's father and started Hewlett-Packard in a one-car garage in Palo Alto, California. Their first product was an audio oscillator, which they sold to Walt Disney Studios for use in the production of the animated film "Fantasia."

Growth and Innovation

HP quickly became a leader in the field of electronics. The company developed a wide range of products, including oscilloscopes, frequency counters, and other test and measurement equipment. In 1947, HP introduced its first computer, the HP 9100A. This machine was one of the first commercially available computers and helped to pave the way for the modern digital age.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, HP continued to grow rapidly. The company expanded its product line to include calculators, printers, and other office equipment. In 1968, HP went public, and its stock quickly became one of the most valuable on the market.

Leadership and Values

Bill Hewlett and David Packard were not only brilliant engineers but also visionary leaders. They believed in creating a company that was not only profitable but also ethical and responsible. They instilled in HP a set of core values that emphasized integrity, customer service, and respect for employees.

Hewlett and Packard were also known for their hands-on approach to management. They spent countless hours in the factory, talking with employees and learning about the products. This close connection with their customers and employees helped them to make HP one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world.

Legacy

Bill Hewlett and David Packard retired from HP in 1972. They remained active in the company as advisors until their deaths in 2001 and 1996, respectively.

The legacy of Bill Hewlett and David Packard is immense. They helped to create one of the world's most successful and innovative technology companies. They also set a high standard for ethical and responsible business practices.

Today, HP continues to be a leader in the field of technology. The company's products are used by businesses, governments, and consumers around the world. Hewlett-Packard is a testament to the vision and leadership of its founders, Bill Hewlett and David Packard.

Bill Hewlett and David Packard were true pioneers in the field of technology. They built a company that revolutionized the world and left a lasting legacy on Silicon Valley and beyond. Their story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and business leaders everywhere.

The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett and I Built Our Company (Collins Business Essentials)

by David Packard

4.3 out of 5