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- The World’s Greatest Inventor
Thomas Edison has more patents than anyone in history.
Considering 1,000 plus novel inventions in one lifetime bends the mind. That’s nearly double the next closest person (Edwin Land).
What’s more impressive, Edison was not limited to tinkering and science. He also built a colossal business to bring his creations to market.
The Edison General Electric Company sold electrical power systems to cities and municipalities hungry for power. Then they sold the incandescent lightbulbs, phonographs, and storage batteries that families & businesses needed to take advantage of the societal transformation underway.
Edison, like Steve Jobs, knew he needed to hire well. He entrusted General Electric to Charles Coffin, Samuel Insull, and Edward Johnson.
Charles A. Coffin was responsible for the merger of Thomas Edison's Edison Electric Light Company and the Thomson-Houston Electric Company.
Samuel Insull was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the company, including overseeing the construction of power stations and distribution lines. He later left the company to start his own utilities empire.
Edward Johnson was responsible for managing the company's manufacturing operations, including the production of electric light bulbs and other electrical equipment.
Edison and Jobs knew they couldn’t do it alone. Why do you think you’re any different?
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