David Packard was the co-founder of Hewlett Packard, one of the most influential companies in the world when it comes to technology HP and its co-founders, David Packard and William Hewlett, are credited with developing the Silicon Valley culture and innovation that have been the foundation of modern technology. Both Packard and Hewlett have been recognized and honored for their contributions to the tech industry and business culture, with the current Hewlett Packard Enterprise headquarters located on the former Hewlett Packard campus.
David Packard’s business acumen helped him to grow Hewlett Packard from a two-person operation in a Palo Alto garage to the global leader in technology and innovation it is today. Packard was a proponent of integrating a strong values-driven culture into Hewlett Packard’s business model, as a forward-thinking leader always looking for new ways to innovate and serve the customer. He is known for his “HP Way”, which has become synonymous with the company. Creating a working environment of trust and respect, the HP Way helped to encourage new ideas and business practices that encouraged innovation.
Packard also believed in the importance of philanthropy, and helped to found the Packard Humanities Institute, which provides grants for educational and cultural projects. In addition, he is involved in numerous charities and NGOs, including the National Science Foundation and the Aspen Institute.
Five best examples of David Packard’s legacy:
1. The HP Way: This business philosophy of Packard’s, which was implemented across the company, encouraged creativity, innovation, and collaboration while providing a respectful working environment.
2. The Stanford Industrial Park: Packard and Hewlett founded the park, which was the birthplace of Silicon Valley, located right near Stanford University.
3. The Packard Humanities Institute: This organization was founded by Packard, and provides grants for educational and cultural projects.
4. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation: This philanthropic organization, which was co-founded by Packard, is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, conserving the environment and empowering people through access to technology and information.
5. The Packard Fellows Program: This program is designed to foster collaboration between engineering and science students, and provides two-year fellowships for research and development in the fields of science and engineering.