| (1874
- 1956) |
| Inducted: |
1990 |
| Region: |
West |
| Industry: |
Computers
|
|
Thomas J. Watson did everything for International Business Machines (IBM). He gave the company its name and made the name into the world's most respected corporation. He also fathered the man who led IBM to new heights after him. Watson's strategy of selling customers punch cards and renting the machines to tabulate and sort them endured profitably for decades. As early as the 1920's, IBM had installations around Europe and Asia, allowing Watson to crow that "the sun never sets on IBM." He dramatically expanded profits, while increasing stock prices and market penetration with a legion of well-dressed and well-mannered salespeople. In 1956, his last year, the company had revenues of $734 million--170 times greater than the sales of the company he joined in 1914. |
