David Packard
David Packard
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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David Packard was born as David Warren Packard on September 7, 1912, in Pueblo, Colorado. He is often referred to as D.W. Packard by his friends and family.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: September 7, 1912
Died: March 26, 1996
Nationality and Profession(s)
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David Packard was an American engineer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is best known for co-founding Hewlett-Packard (HP) with Bill Hewlett in a small garage in Palo Alto, California.
Early Life and Background
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David Packard grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, where he developed a passion for electronics and mechanics at an early age. His father, Malcolm Packard, was a civil engineer who encouraged David's curiosity in science and technology. After graduating from high school in 1929, Packard attended Stanford University but dropped out to take a job with General Electric.
Major Accomplishments
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During World War II, Packard worked as an engineer at the U.S. Navy's aircraft manufacturing division in California. In 1939, he met Bill Hewlett and formed a partnership that would change the course of history. Together, they founded Hewlett-Packard (HP) with an initial investment of $538. Their early success was fueled by innovative products like the HP200A audio oscillator and the Model 300A electronic counter.
Notable Works or Actions
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One of Packard's most notable contributions to society is his commitment to philanthropy. He and his wife, Lucile Salter Packard, donated millions of dollars to various causes, including Stanford University, where they established the David and Lucile Packard Foundation in 1964.
Impact and Legacy
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David Packard's legacy extends far beyond his business accomplishments. He played a pivotal role in shaping the electronics industry and inspiring generations of entrepreneurs. His commitment to philanthropy has had a lasting impact on education, science, and conservation efforts worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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David Packard is widely quoted and remembered for his wise insights on innovation, leadership, and philanthropy. Some of his most notable quotes include:
"We stand by our products."
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."
* "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful things, but it means nothing if people don't want it."
Packard's dedication to innovation, his partnership with Bill Hewlett, and his commitment to philanthropy have cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in American business history.
Quotes by David Packard
Why are we here? I think many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists solely to make money. Money is an important part of a company's existence, if the company is any good. But a result is not a cause. We have to go deeper and find the real reason for our being.
A company has a responsibility beyond making a profit for stockholders; it has a responsibility to recognize the dignity of its employees as human beings, to the well-being of its customers, and to the community at large.
He said that more businesses die from indigestion than starvation. I have observed the truth of that advice many times since then.
Profit is not the proper end and aim of management – it is what makes all of the proper ends and aims possible.
The betterment of society is not a job to be left to a few. It’s a responsibility to be shared by all.
Take risks. Ask big questions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; if you don’t make mistakes, you’re not reaching far enough.
I could disagree with Lew but I never started a public campaign against him, ... He was such a decent person.
I am perfectly aware that HP has never guaranteed absolute tenure status to its employees; but I also know that Bill and Dave never developed a premeditated business strategy that treated HP employees as expendable,