Paul Galvin

Co-founder of Motorola

What is Paul Galvin known for?

Paul Vincent Galvin, one of the co-founders of telecommunications giant Motorola, was born in Harvard, Illinois, U.S. on June 29, 1895. Prior to embarking on his business journey, he served as an artillery officer during World War I and later went on to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology. Influenced by his college experience, Galvin was an active member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.

Galvin eventually established the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation on September 25, 1928, which later became known as Motorola. Under his leadership, the company played a pioneering role in the mass production of car radios, which formed the foundation of Motorola's early business endeavors. The iconic company name "Motorola" was officially introduced in 1930.

In addition to his role at Motorola, Paul Galvin lived briefly in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Furthermore, he made significant contributions to the educational sector. The school library at the Illinois Institute of Technology's main campus is named after him, as is the biology building at the University of Notre Dame, which is called Galvin Hall. His dedication to the world of arts and culture is also evident with the Paul V. Galvin Playhouse at Arizona State University named in his honor. This proscenium theater, with its continental seating and a capacity of 485 seats, hosts numerous events and performances every year.

Paul Galvin's legacy extended beyond his lifetime, with the Six Sigma methodology being developed at Motorola under the leadership of his son, Bob Galvin. This highlights the lasting impact of the Galvin family's work on the field of business and telecommunications.

Moving beyond his professional and personal life, it's important to note that Galvin's wife Lillian was tragically murdered in their home in Evanston, Illinois in 1942, a case that unfortunately remains unresolved. Galvin passed away on November 5, 1959, leaving behind a significant legacy in the telecommunications industry.

To explore more about Paul Galvin, you can visit the Automotive Hall of Fame or find more details about his life on Find a Grave.