Charles Kettering

Date of Birth: August 29, 1876

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: November 25, 1958

Biography

Charles Franklin Kettering was a prominent American inventor, engineer, and businessman. Born on August 29, 1876, in Loudonville, Ohio, Kettering’s innovations had a profound impact on various industries, particularly the automotive sector. He attended The Ohio State University but had to leave due to poor eyesight. Despite this setback, he continued his work in engineering and eventually earned his degree. Kettering’s career took off when he joined the National Cash Register Company (NCR) in 1904, where he developed the first electric cash register. He co-founded the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO) in 1909, which was later acquired by General Motors (GM). At GM, Kettering served as the head of research and development, where he invented the electric starter motor, which revolutionized the automotive industry by making cars easier to start. Throughout his life, Kettering held over 300 patents. His contributions extended beyond automotive technology to areas such as aviation, medicine, and renewable energy. He was a philanthropist who supported education and research, founding the Kettering Foundation and contributing to various institutions. Kettering passed away on November 25, 1958, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and progress.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Kettering

1. Charles Kettering invented the electric starter motor, which replaced the hand crank in automobiles.

2. He held over 300 patents throughout his career.

3. Kettering co-founded DELCO, which became a key part of General Motors.

4. He contributed significantly to the development of leaded gasoline, which was later phased out due to environmental concerns.

5. Kettering founded the Kettering Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on research and education.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Kettering

1. “Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.”

2. “My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.”

3. “You can’t have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time.”

4. “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.”

5. “Inventing is a combination of brains and materials. The more brains you use, the less material you need.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Charles Kettering’s net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several hundred million dollars in today’s terms, considering his stock in General Motors and various other investments.

Children

Charles Kettering had one son, Eugene Williams Kettering, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became an influential figure in the automotive industry.