Harvey S. Firestone. The Man, the Entrepreneur, the Legend
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| Harvey S. Firestone. (Russ Vitale Photography) |
Harvey S. Firestone was a child of his times. He moved with America from the farm to the factory. He was a complex businessman with a simple plan - a plan that involved new technologies and innovations within the rubber industry.
Born in Columbiana, Ohio, on Dec. 20, 1868, Firestone was the middle son of three boys born to Benjamin and Catherine Firestone.
He grew up on a farm with his two brothers, Elmer and Robert. All three boys worked the farm along with their mother and father.
Firestone graduated from Columbiana High School in 1887 at the age of 19. His first job after graduation was selling patent medicines as a traveling salesman. After that, he went to work at the Columbus Buggy Company in Detroit as a buggy salesman. But this self-confident man with a knack for selling buggies had bigger goals for himself. He had an idea that would help make the horse and buggy carriage more comfortable for customers -- rubber tires.
Firestone's goal was to go into business for himself. So in 1900, he incorporated The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. In the beginning, the company only sold tires made by other manufacturers. Firestone soon realized he could make a better product, and in 1903 the company manufactured its first set of rubber tires.
The company got its first big opportunity in 1906, when Firestone sold 2,000 sets of tires to his friend and fellow entrepreneur, Henry Ford. That was the largest order of tires in the industry at the time. Competition in the tire industry was fierce, yet The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company continued to thrive.
Firestone's personal life hit a high note in 1895 when he married Idabelle Smith. This union produced five sons and one daughter: Harvey S. Firestone Jr., Russell, Leonard, Raymond, Roger and Elizabeth. A hardworking businessman and dedicated family man, Firestone saw his family grow and his business prosper at the same time.
The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company grew as the automobile industry grew. But Firestone was not just involved with the auto industry, he also led the company in other directions. Over the years, The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company branched into different divisions and developed various products and services, including steel, textiles and chemicals.
Firestone also positioned his company as a major player in the world of racing, and soon realized the potential marketing benefits that come from motorsports. "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday," became a motto for Firestone, as he became more and more determined to show the world that Firestone tires were better than the competition.
In addition to his role in motorsports, Firestone also created "The Voice of Firestone" in 1928, which holds the distinction of being the most successful radio program of its time. The half-hour musical series appealed to family audiences because of its wholesome programming, but also served as a promotional vehicle for the company and its products.
Harvey S. Firestone died on Feb. 7, 1938. His hard work, determination and innovative spirit continue to be the driving force behind a company that is one of the leaders in the tire and rubber industry.
Bridgestone/Firestone is celebrating 100 years of innovation that began in 1900 through the company founded by Harvey S. Firestone. Throughout the year 2000, "Firestone: A Legend. A Century. A Celebration." recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit that built the brand admired worldwide.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan, the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Bridgestone/Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles.
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