David Packard

Date of Birth: September 7, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: March 26, 1996

Biography

David Packard was an American electrical engineer and businessman who co-founded the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) alongside William Hewlett. Born on September 7, 1912, in Pueblo, Colorado, Packard pursued an education in electrical engineering at Stanford University, where he met Hewlett. The two founded HP in 1939 in a rented garage, which has since become a symbol of the Silicon Valley startup culture. Under Packard’s leadership, HP grew from a small electronics manufacturing company into a multinational corporation known for its innovation in computing, printers, and other electronics. He served as the company’s president from 1947 to 1964, CEO from 1964 to 1968, and Chairman of the Board from 1964 to 1968 and again from 1972 to 1993. Packard also served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1969 to 1971 under President Richard Nixon. His contributions to business and engineering were widely recognized, earning him numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988. Packard was also a noted philanthropist, establishing the David and Lucile Packard Foundation with his wife in 1964 to support various charitable causes. David Packard passed away on March 26, 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and philanthropy.

5 Interesting Facts about David Packard

1. David Packard and William Hewlett started HP with an initial investment of only $538.

2. The first product HP produced was an audio oscillator, which was used by Walt Disney Studios for the movie “Fantasia.”

3. Packard was a strong advocate for the “HP Way,” a corporate culture emphasizing respect for employees, innovation, and ethical business practices.

4. He served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense and was instrumental in reforming defense procurement processes.

5. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, founded in 1964, is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the United States.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Packard

1. “To remain static is to lose ground.”

2. “Take risks. Ask big questions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; if you don’t make mistakes, you’re not reaching far enough.”

3. “The best possible company in the world is one in which the employees would be happy to have their own sons and daughters work.”

4. “Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department.”

5. “Why are we here? I think many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists simply to make money.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

David Packard’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $5 billion at the time of his death.

Children

David Packard and his wife, Lucile Salter Packard, had four children: David Woodley Packard, Nancy Packard Burnett, Julie Packard, and Susan Packard Orr.