Pioneers and Plodders

Why are some companies able to embrace innovation and grow in employment, their leaders strongly influencing the development of American business: At the same time, why do some companies, having established themselves, disappear without a trace?

Since the middle of the nineteenth century, the United States, led by visionary entrepreneurs, has become the most dominant industrial power in the world. Starting with the first entrepreneurs in colonial America, noted business leader and historian Robert C. Baron discusses the history of four major industries: steel, automobiles, electronics, and computers; the changes these industries made on American life; and the people who created and built major companies.

Through close examinations of the history of American businesses and the people who have built America, Baron reveals the leadership qualities and tools necessary to succeed in today’s business climate.

Robert C. Baronhas more than 25 years experience in computer and electronics industry as an engineer, an entrepreneur, and an executive. He served as program manager for the Mariner II (Venus) and the Mariner IV (Mars) on-board space computers for Computer Control Company. He managed an integrated circuit laboratory and was worldwide manager for Honeywell’s minicomputer business. In 1971, he founded Prime Computer, which became one of the Fortune 500 largest American companies, and was its first president and CEO, building an international business. He is the founder and president of Fulcrum Publishing and lives in Denver, Colorado. Baron is past chairman of the WILD Foundation, and American Antiquarian Society and is a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Western History Association, the Explorers Club, the Newcomers Society, and the Hakluyt Society. His is the author of numerous books and papers on technology, history and management.