Story

How Stanford University Played a Role in Their Success
Stanford played a pivotal role in shaping Hewlett and Packard’s future. Their professor, Frederick Terman, is often credited as the “father of Silicon Valley” for his role in encouraging students like Hewlett and Packard to start their own companies. Terman fostered an environment that blended academia with entrepreneurship, urging his students to take their theoretical knowledge and apply it to practical problems.

Under Terman’s mentorship, Hewlett and Packard began working on various projects during their time at Stanford. These collaborations not only strengthened their friendship but also provided the groundwork for what would eventually become HP.

The Garage Startup That Sparked a Revolution
In 1938, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard made the decision to formalize their partnership, and with $538 in capital, they set up shop in a small garage in Palo Alto, California. This garage, often hailed as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, became the headquarters for their budding enterprise. While garages have become the symbol of tech startups, it’s worth noting that Hewlett and Packard’s decision to start in such humble surroundings reflected their resourcefulness and commitment to bootstrapping their dream.

Their first product was a precision audio oscillator, an innovative device that generated high-quality audio frequencies at a fraction of the cost of competing models. This invention put HP on the map and attracted their first major client—none other than Walt Disney Studios. Disney used HP’s oscillators to improve the sound systems for the movie Fantasia, showcasing the early commercial success and real-world application of Hewlett and Packard’s ingenuity.

The Creation of Hewlett-Packard (HP)
Officially founded in 1939, HP began as a modest company with Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard at the helm. They decided on the name “Hewlett-Packard” through a coin toss—a friendly gesture that underscored the equality and mutual respect between the two founders. From the very beginning, they emphasized collaboration, with a shared vision of making technology more accessible and useful for businesses and consumers.

Hewlett and Packard’s guiding principle was simple: make a contribution, rather than chase profits. This ethos shaped the company’s early product development, and it was one of the reasons HP maintained its reputation for high-quality products and cutting-edge technology for decades.

HP’s First Product: A Game-Changer in Audio Technology
HP’s first commercially successful product, the HP 200A audio oscillator, revolutionized the audio technology industry. It was not only innovative in design but also significantly cheaper to produce than existing models. The success of the 200A was a pivotal moment in HP’s history, as it caught the attention of big players like Walt Disney, marking HP’s entry into the mainstream technology market.

Disney’s adoption of HP’s oscillators for sound design in the production of Fantasia gave the fledgling company a major boost. This early success was a testament to the technical brilliance of Hewlett, combined with Packard’s ability to identify and market their innovations effectively.

FAQs
How did Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard meet?
They met at Stanford University while studying under the influential professor Frederick Terman, who encouraged them to start their own company.

What was HP’s first major product?
Their first major product was the HP 200A audio oscillator, used by Walt Disney Studios for the movie Fantasia.

What was the “HP Way”?
The “HP Way” was the company’s management philosophy that emphasized respect for employees, innovation, and long-term sustainability over short-term profit.

How did WWII impact HP’s growth?
World War II brought military contracts to HP, as their technology was used in radio and radar systems, significantly boosting their production and reputation.

What role did Dave Packard play in HP’s success?
Dave Packard’s leadership in business strategy, marketing, and organizational growth was instrumental in guiding HP to success while Hewlett focused on technical innovation.

Why is the HP garage so famous?
The HP garage is considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley, symbolizing innovation, entrepreneurship, and the power of starting small to achieve great things.