William Redington Hewlett, American engineer and businessman, co-founded Hewlett-Packard (b. 1913)

William Redington Hewlett (pronounced HEW-lit; May 20, 1913 – January 12, 2001) was a visionary American engineer and an indelible figure in the history of technology, best known as the ingenious co-founder, alongside his esteemed partner David Packard, of the globally renowned Hewlett-Packard Company, commonly referred to as HP. His life’s work profoundly shaped not only the burgeoning electronics industry but also laid foundational principles for corporate culture that persist today.

Early Life and Formative Years

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, William R. Hewlett displayed an early aptitude for science and engineering. His academic journey led him to Stanford University, a pivotal institution where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1934. It was during his time at Stanford that he forged a lifelong friendship and professional partnership with David Packard, a fellow electrical engineering student. Their shared passion for innovation and problem-solving would eventually lead to one of the most successful collaborations in technological history. Hewlett further honed his technical expertise, receiving a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1936.

The Birth of Hewlett-Packard: A Garage and a Vision

The genesis of the Hewlett-Packard Company is a legendary tale often cited as the origin of Silicon Valley itself. In 1939, from a modest garage located at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, California, Hewlett and Packard officially founded their enterprise with a mere $538 in capital. This humble beginning marked the unofficial start of what would become a global technology hub. Their initial product, the HP 200A audio oscillator, was a groundbreaking electronic test instrument designed for sound engineers. Notably, one of their very first and most significant customers was Walt Disney Productions, which purchased eight of these oscillators to test and synchronize the audio systems for its iconic film, Fantasia. This early success underscored the immediate demand for HP's innovative and high-precision electronic instruments.

Engineering Excellence and The HP Way

William Hewlett was not only a brilliant engineer but also a pioneer in fostering a unique corporate culture known as "The HP Way." This philosophy emphasized trust, respect, open communication, and a strong belief in employees' abilities, encouraging innovation and risk-taking. Key tenets of The HP Way included:

• Decentralized management and "management by walking around."
• Open-door policies and accessible leadership.
• Focus on employee well-being and generous benefits.
• Commitment to innovation and quality engineering.
• Contribution to the community.

Under Hewlett's technical leadership and Packard's business acumen, HP expanded its product portfolio to include a wide array of electronic test equipment, calculators, computers, and printers, consistently pushing the boundaries of what was possible in electronics. Their collaborative leadership style became a model for countless technology companies that followed.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

William R. Hewlett's legacy extends far beyond the impressive financial success of HP. He is remembered as a true architect of the modern technology industry and a champion of engineering excellence. His contributions helped establish Silicon Valley as the world's leading center for innovation. He passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a company that had grown from a garage startup into a multinational technology giant and a lasting blueprint for ethical and innovative business practices. His partnership with David Packard serves as an enduring example of how complementary talents, when combined with shared values and a pioneering spirit, can lead to extraordinary achievements that transform the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About William R. Hewlett

Who was William Redington Hewlett?

William Redington Hewlett was an influential American engineer and co-founder of the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) with David Packard. He was a key figure in the development of the electronics industry and a proponent of innovative corporate culture.

When and where was HP founded?

The Hewlett-Packard Company was founded in 1939 by William Hewlett and David Packard in a garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, California. This location is often regarded as the birthplace of Silicon Valley.

What was the first product developed by Hewlett-Packard?

HP's first commercially successful product was the HP 200A audio oscillator, an electronic test instrument primarily used for sound engineering. Walt Disney Productions was an early customer, using it for their film Fantasia.

What is "The HP Way"?

"The HP Way" is a corporate philosophy established by Hewlett and Packard that emphasizes trust, respect, open communication, decentralized management, and a focus on employee well-being and innovation. It became a widely admired model for corporate culture in the tech industry.

What was William Hewlett's educational background?

William Hewlett earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in 1934 and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1936.