David Packard

David Packard – Life, Legacy, and Inspirational Wisdom

: Discover the life of David Packard (1912–1996) — cofounder of Hewlett-Packard, U.S. public servant, and philanthropist — including his business philosophy, major achievements, and most memorable quotes.

Introduction

David Packard was an American electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist best known as the cofounder of Hewlett-Packard (HP) and as a leader who pushed for integrity, innovation, and service in both business and public life. Born on September 7, 1912, and passing on March 26, 1996, his influence continues through the technology he helped pioneer, the organizational culture he shaped, and the philanthropic legacy he left behind.

In this article, we will trace his early life, career, impact, personality, and select his enduring quotes and lessons for leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Early Life and Family

David Packard was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 7, 1912.

He attended Centennial High School in Pueblo, where he was active in academics and athletics, foreshadowing a life that balanced technical excellence with broader vision.

Packard married Lucile Salter in 1938. Together they had four children: David, Nancy, Susan, and Julie.

Education & Early Career

After high school, Packard enrolled at Stanford University, earning his bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in 1934. General Electric (GE) in Schenectady, New York.

In 1938, he returned to Stanford, where he earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering that same year.

It was also in 1938 that Packard and Lucile were married.

Founding Hewlett-Packard & Business Leadership

Birth of HP

In 1939, Packard partnered with his Stanford classmate William Hewlett to form Hewlett-Packard (HP) in Packard’s garage (in Palo Alto, California) with a modest capital investment of US$538. audio frequency oscillator, which they sold to Walt Disney Studios for testing sound equipment for the film Fantasia.

Packard and Hewlett famously decided via coin flip the order of the company name, resulting in “Hewlett-Packard.”

Roles and Growth

Over the decades, Packard held multiple leadership roles at HP:

• President (1947–1964)

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (1964–1968)

• Chairman of the Board (1964–1968, and later 1972–1993)

Under Packard’s stewardship, HP evolved from a small electronic instruments company to a major innovator in test equipment, computers, printers, and more.

In 1991, he oversaw a major internal reorganization to realign HP for future technological challenges.

He finally retired from active leadership in 1993.

Public Service & Government Roles

Packard did not confine himself to business. He also held significant public service roles:

• From 1969 to 1971, Packard served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense under President Richard Nixon.

  • During his tenure, he introduced reforms aimed at improving defense procurement and management, including challenging some earlier procurement practices.

• Later, he served in leadership roles at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), including president from 1976 to 1981, and chairman of its board of regents from 1973 to 1982.

• He also advised various government initiatives, particularly in defense, leveraging his managerial experience from HP.

Philanthropy & Legacy

Packard and his wife founded the David and Lucile Packard Foundation in 1964 to support causes in conservation, science, education, and more.

Some notable philanthropic contributions include:

• A $40 million donation toward Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, which opened in 1991.

• Support for the Monterey Bay Aquarium (opened in 1984) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (founded 1987) with significant funding.

• A large bequest at his death — about US$4 billion — to his foundation, along with real estate assets.

Through the foundation, Packard’s philanthropic impact persists decades after his passing, especially in environmental science and education.

Personality, Values & Leadership Style

David Packard was often admired for the following traits and philosophies:

• Humility and simplicity: Even as HP grew, he maintained a down-to-earth style and respect for all levels of the organization.

• Long-term purpose orientation: He saw a company as more than profit-making; it must contribute socially, care for employees, and maintain integrity.

• Emphasis on culture and values: He helped formulate what became known as the “HP Way” — principles of trust, openness, innovation, and respect for people.

• Balanced judgment: In both business and governance, he sought both technical rigor and human considerations.

• Innovation as ongoing work: He believed that innovation is not instantaneous, but the result of persistent effort.

Selected Quotes by David Packard

Below are some of the most quoted and meaningful statements by David Packard that capture his philosophy on business, leadership, purpose, and human dignity:

“Why are we here? I think many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists solely to make money. Money is an important part of a company’s existence, if the company is any good. But a result is not a cause. We have to go deeper and find the real reason for our being.”

“Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department.”

“More organizations die of indigestion than starvation.”

“The greatest success goes to the person who is not afraid to fail in front of even the largest audience.”

“A company has a responsibility beyond making a profit for stockholders; it has a responsibility to recognize the dignity of its employees as human beings, to the well-being of its customers, and to the community at large.”

“Take risks. Ask big questions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; if you don’t make mistakes, you’re not reaching far enough.”

These quotes reflect how Packard merged pragmatic sense with moral purpose.

Lessons from David Packard’s Life

From Packard’s life and legacy, here are lessons we can draw — useful for business leaders, innovators, and anyone seeking impact:

1. Start small, think big
   The origin of HP in a garage with modest capital illustrates that great enterprises often begin with humble beginnings and clear vision.

2. Purpose over profit
   Packard believed that profit is a means, not the end. Businesses should be guided by deeper purpose, social accountability, and respect for people.

3. Culture matters
   The “HP Way” demonstrates that sustainable success depends on trust, values, empowerment, and a human-centric organizational culture.

4. Innovation is continuous effort
   Because Packard saw innovation not as a flash but as continuous work, he emphasized persistence, exploration, and adaptation.

5. Humility in leadership
   He showed that even as one leads large, complex organizations, humility, approachability, and integrity make for lasting respect and loyalty.

6. Balance business and service
   His foray into public service and philanthropy shows that professional success and civic contribution can and should go hand in hand.

7. Legacy through giving
   By endowing foundations and institutions, Packard ensured that his values and impact would outlive him, influencing future generations.

Conclusion

David Packard’s life is a powerful example of how technical brilliance, entrepreneurial courage, moral clarity, and a spirit of service can combine to build a lasting legacy. From a small garage startup to a global technology giant, and from corporate leadership to public service and global philanthropy, Packard’s path shows what it means to lead with purpose.

His wisdom — in quotes and in action — continues to guide business leaders, engineers, and change-makers. If you like, I can also prepare a timeline of his major decisions and turning points, or a deeper dive into the philosophy of “The HP Way.” Would you like me to prepare that?