Interview with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford & Harvey Firestone

Read Time 3 mins

Interview with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford & Harvey Firestone. (Video and audio quality is very poor don’t adjust your tech!)

Can you imagine how many followers these guys would have on social media these days? Trillions. Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. More than simply the light bulb the car and the tyre – benchmark innovators that paved the way for a whole new gold rush of inventors in our modern era.

These is really exciting for me to share a video interview of the three of them. They were actually real! Did that just happen yes it did and here they are.

So who were they? We know how to associate name with product but here’s a basic who’s who; and I am not teaching anyone to suck eggs here or even vaguely trying to be clever with facts. I just think its pretty funky to see such an old clip. Remembering the impact they have had, being inspired by the calm in which they conduct themselves.

I like the romantic notion that they invented because they had a passion and then a determination. They weren’t after likes or follows, they were probably more accepting of losing all they had n the search than being on Forbes Rich list. They did what they did because something inside them was clawing at that dream.

Maybe if they had to do it in todays world they would be too distracted who knows. But what is clear that the basis of what they did means humanity moved forward.

Any way. Here’s some information. And enjoy the clip.

Henry Ford, an American industrialist and entrepreneur, is renowned for revolutionizing the automotive industry and pioneering mass production techniques. Born in 1863 in Michigan, Ford’s early life was marked by a fascination with machines and mechanics. In 1903, he founded the Ford Motor Company, introducing the Model T in 1908, a car that became affordable to the masses and transformed personal transportation. Ford’s innovative assembly line techniques significantly increased production efficiency and lowered costs, making auto-mobiles accessible to the average American. Beyond his business achievements, Henry Ford was known for his belief in paying his workers a fair wage, a philosophy that became known as the “Five Dollar Day.” His contributions left an indelible mark on the 20th-century industrial landscape and forever changed the way we live and work.

Harvey Samuel Firestone (1868-1938) was an American businessman and the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, a prominent tire manufacturing company. Born in Ohio, Firestone started his business career by selling buggy tires, and he later ventured into manufacturing tires for auto-mobiles.

Harvey Firestone is perhaps best known for his collaboration with auto-mobile industry pioneer Henry Ford. The two were close friends, and Firestone supplied tires to Ford’s burgeoning automotive company. Firestone’s company became one of the primary suppliers of tires to the Ford Motor Company, contributing to the success of the Model T and the mass adoption of auto-mobiles in the United States.

Firestone was not only a successful businessman but also a philanthropist. He supported various charitable causes and established the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Foundation to provide assistance to educational and civic organizations.

His tire company, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, became one of the leading tire manufacturers globally and played a significant role in the growth of the American automotive industry during the early 20th century. Harvey Firestone’s legacy lives on in the tire industry and the enduring impact of his contributions to the automotive world.

Thomas Edison (1847-1931) was one of the most prolific American inventors and entrepreneurs in history. He is best known for his groundbreaking inventions, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and, most notably, the practical electric light bulb. Edison’s work in electric lighting not only transformed the way people lived by bringing light into homes and businesses but also laid the foundation for the modern electrical power industry.

Edison was also the founder of General Electric (GE), one of the world’s largest and most influential electrical and technology companies. His contributions to science and innovation earned him the nickname “The Wizard of Menlo Park.”

The connection between Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone is often referred to as the “Vagabonds.” These three iconic figures, along with naturalist John Burroughs, embarked on a series of camping trips during the late 1910s and early 1920s. These trips were not only a display of friendship but also a means of bonding and relaxation.

Henry Ford, known for his innovations in the automotive industry, invited his close friends Edison and Firestone to join him on these annual excursions. The Vagabonds travelled across the United States in Ford’s auto-mobiles, camping in various natural locations and exploring the country. These trips not only offered relaxation but also allowed for discussions on a wide range of topics, including technology, business, and the environment.

The Vagabonds’ camping trips were widely publicized and attracted attention from the media, providing insights into the personal lives and interests of these influential men. The friendship and collaboration between Edison, Ford, and Firestone went beyond their professional endeavours and extended into their personal lives through these memorable adventures.

Now run run run… go invent something while you are in the zone !