The Quiet Innovator and the Birth of Silicon Valley
William Redington Hewlett was born on May 20, 1913, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His father was a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, but the family moved to San Francisco in 1916 when his father took a position at Stanford University. This early exposure to academia would influence Hewlett’s future in technology.
Hewlett attended Lowell High School in San Francisco, where he was known for his curiosity and inventiveness. His academic journey led him to Stanford University, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1934. His education continued at MIT, where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1936, before returning to Stanford for further graduate studies.
It was at Stanford that Hewlett met David Packard, another engineering student. Their friendship was solidified during a camping trip after graduation, where they discussed starting a business together. In 1939, with just $538, they founded Hewlett-Packard (HP) in Packard’s garage in Palo Alto, California, now famously known as “The Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” The order of their names was decided by a coin toss.
Their first significant product was an audio oscillator, which Hewlett had developed for his thesis. This device caught Walt Disney’s attention for use in the production of “Fantasia,” marking HP’s first big commercial success. Hewlett focused on technical innovation, while Packard handled the business side, creating a synergy that would define HP’s culture.
HP grew to become a leader in electronic test equipment, later expanding into computers and printers. Hewlett served in various leadership roles at HP, including president from 1964 to 1977 and CEO from 1969 to 1978. He was pivotal in fostering what became known as “The HP Way,” a management philosophy emphasizing respect for individuals, innovation, and the idea that profits should follow as a result of doing the right thing by employees and customers.
Beyond business, Hewlett was deeply involved in philanthropy. He and his first wife, Flora Lamson Hewlett, founded the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in 1966, which has become one of the largest private foundations in the U.S., focusing on education, environment, performing arts, and global development.
Hewlett’s contributions to technology were not just in products but in how technology companies operate. He was known for his humility and dislike of the limelight, often driving himself to work and sharing lunch in the company cafeteria. His legacy includes significant donations to Stanford University, including the Hewlett Teaching Center.
Bill Hewlett passed away on January 12, 2001, in Palo Alto, leaving behind an indelible mark on technology, business culture, and philanthropy. His influence helped shape Silicon Valley into a global hub of innovation.
Further Reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Hewlett
https://www.hp.com/us-en/hp-information/about-hp/history/bill-hewlett.html