Harvey S. Firestone

Date of Birth: December 20, 1868

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 7, 1938

Biography

Harvey Samuel Firestone was an influential American businessman and the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which was one of the first companies to manufacture automobile tires on a large scale. Firestone was born into a family with a farming background but ventured into the industrial sector, where he made significant contributions to the automotive industry. His innovative approaches to tire manufacturing and his close relationships with other industrial giants of his time, such as Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, helped him build a formidable business empire. Firestone’s company played a crucial role in the mass production of automobiles by supplying tires to the Ford Motor Company, particularly for the Model T. His vision and business acumen led to the growth of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company into a global entity. He was not only a pioneer in the tire industry but also an advocate for the improvement of American agriculture, contributing to advancements in rubber plantation practices.

5 Interesting Facts about Harvey S. Firestone

1. Harvey Firestone initially started his career in the tire business by working for the Columbus Buggy Company, where he saw the potential for rubber tires.

2. He was close friends with Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, forming a group that became known as the “Vagabonds,” who often went on camping trips together.

3. Firestone’s company was the first to introduce the concept of mass production in the tire industry, revolutionizing how tires were manufactured and distributed.

4. In 1926, Firestone established one of the largest rubber plantations in Liberia to secure a steady supply of rubber for his company.

5. Harvey Firestone was a strong advocate for improving American roads and infrastructure, understanding their importance to the automotive industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harvey S. Firestone

1. “Success is the sum of details.”

2. “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.”

3. “Our success is not due to our being superior to others, but to our having been more determined and persistent.”

4. “If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend.”

5. “The secret of my success is a two-word answer: Know people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Harvey S. Firestone was estimated to be around $40 million at the time of his death in 1938, which would be equivalent to approximately $700 million today, adjusting for inflation.

Children

Harvey S. Firestone had seven children with his wife, Idabelle Smith Firestone. Their names were Harvey S. Firestone Jr., Russell A. Firestone, Leonard K. Firestone, Raymond C. Firestone, Elizabeth Idabelle Firestone, Roger S. Firestone, and Richard Firestone.