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Biography of Henry Ford

In: Business and Management

Submitted By maok
Words 326
Pages 2
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, best known for his pioneering achievements in the automobile industry. From humble beginnings he was able to create a company that would rank as one of the giants of American and World industry long after his death. There is no doubt that Henry Ford was a successful business man. The Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford's legacy, has left its mark on every continent in the world. However, Ford didn't gain his success solely on his innovation in the automobile industry. He was a friend to the middle class public as well as the workers in his factories. For this he was rewarded with financial success by the same people he looked out for. Moreover, he repeatedly gave back to society through donations, philanthropic foundations, and the creation of organizations that would help to educate and benefit the people. Henry Ford was a man who gained world-wide business success through his innovative ideas, brilliant management skills, and down-to-earth tactics.

Henry Ford was born on a farm near Dearborn, Michigan, on July 30, 1863, and educated in district schools. He became a machinist's apprentice in Detroit at the age of 16. From 1888 to 1899 he was a mechanical engineer, and later chief engineer, with the Edison Illuminating Company. In 1893, after experimenting for several years in his leisure hours, he completed the construction of his first gasoline engine. His first automobile was completed in 1896. The body was a small crude wooden box, it had a single seat, a steering tiller, bicycle wheels, and an electric bell on the front. In 1903 he founded the Ford Motor Company.

At first, like his competitors, he made cars that only the wealthy could afford. But later he came to believe that every man, no matter what his income, should own a car. This resulted in the inexpensive "Model T" in 1908. It brought great financial success to his company.

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