Hewlett-Packard (or HP) was a pioneering Silicon Valley company.

It was founded in a one-car garage by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, when they graduated from Stanford University.   The two men were heavily influenced by Stanford engineering professor Frederick Terman, who encouraged and mentored them.

The company was well-known for its culture, called the HP Way.  Management was informal, and the majority of the company’s engineers worked in an open environment, rather than offices, to encourage communication and teamwork.    In Bill Hewlett’s word, “the HP Way is a core ideology … which includes a deep respect for the individual, a dedication to affordable quality and reliability, a commitment to community responsibility, and a view that the company exists to make technical contributions for the advancement and welfare of humanity.”

This innovative culture laid the groundwork for the Silicon Valley style of management.

HP is currently the world’s leading PC manufacturer, and also produces network equipment, printers, and electronic instruments.

Details

3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304

Founded January, 1939

317,000 employees (as of 2014)