The ubiquitous glass container is an afterthought in modern life. Today’s marketing focus is on the beverage
inside the bottle and the snappy jingle or ad that clamors for consumer attention. But before the bottle was filled, it had to be made. Prior to the automated machines invented by Michael Owens, child labor was the backbone in producing inconsistent and unsanitary containers for foods, beverages, and medicines.
In this biography of the unassuming visionary, artist, and craftsman, Skrabec’s historical account of glass making sets the stage for the revolutionary inventions of Michael Owens, a big-picture, true-to-life Horatio Alger character. His automated inventions were vital to electric lighting, food and beverage packaging, advanced optics, and automotive safety. The reduction of child labor was a direct and significant outcome of his inventions. With nine companies and forty-nine patents bearing his name, Michael J. Owens ultimately became known as the father of project management. This is an engaging account of this unpretentious, resourceful, colorful, and dynamic industrialist and inventor.
About the Author
Dr. Quentin Skrabec’s long list of academic degrees includes a PhD in manufacturing management from the University of Toledo, an MS in metallurgical and industrial engineering from Ohio State University, and an MS/BS in management, operations, systems, and organizational leadership as well as an MBA in business administration, organizational leadership, and behavior from Robert Morris University. He has written more than fifty articles and five books on history, industrial history, and business. Dr. Skrabec is an adjunct professor at Findlay University and is a sought-after speaker for management conferences, having appeared at over thirty national gatherings.
MICHAEL OWENS AND THE GLASS INDUSTRY
By Quentin R. Skrabec, Jr.
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Science & Technology
320 pp. 6 x 9
58 photos Notes Index
ISBN: 9781589803855