From a contemporary perspective on business history, the initial encounter between Bill Hewlett and David Packard is often seen as a pivotal moment. Their first meeting occurred in the fall of 1930 during tryouts for Stanford University's football team. David Packard, a freshman from Colorado, stood out not only for his athletic prowess but also as a promising talent in Stanford's nascent electronics department. Despite his athletic achievements, Packard's academic pursuits in engineering would shape his future. In contrast, Bill Hewlett, who was shorter and had a more robust build, compensated for his lack of natural athletic ability with sheer enthusiasm and dedication. Despite his struggles with dyslexia, which went undiagnosed until much later in his life, Hewlett's perseverance in academics allowed him to excel in other areas.
In the autumn of 1930, a significant event in modern business history took place: the first meeting between Bill Hewlett and David Packard. This encounter occurred during the annual tryouts for the Stanford University football team. Packard, a six-foot-five freshman from Colorado, was a natural athlete and a rising star in Stanford's new electronics department. He would go on to play for Stanford's football, basketball, and track teams. Hewlett, on the other hand, was short and stocky, compensating for his lack of natural athletic ability with enthusiasm and commitment. Despite his academic struggles, which were later attributed to severe dyslexia, Hewlett was admitted to Stanford due to his family connections. The two didn't immediately become friends, but their shared interests in the outdoors and electronics eventually brought them together. After graduating in 1934, they embarked on a two-week horseback trip in the San Juan Mountains, during which they contemplated starting their own electronics company. Packard accepted a job with General Electric in New York, where he was initially assigned to test new refrigerators. However, he eventually transferred to GE's radio transmitter department, where he improved the manufacturing process of mercury vapor rectifiers. Meanwhile, Hewlett stayed at Stanford for another year, enrolling in a graduate electronics class. Known for his practical jokes, Hewlett also demonstrated his problem-solving skills, impressing Professor Fred Terman. After completing his master's degree at MIT, Hewlett returned to the San Francisco region to work on a product development project. When Packard visited Hewlett, he was inspired by the exciting electronics research happening at Stanford and decided to leave GE. On August 23, 1937, Hewlett and Packard held a meeting to discuss their plans for a new venture, tentatively named "The Engineering Service Company". Their product ideas included high-frequency receivers and medical equipment, and they expressed interest in the emerging technology of television.
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