Passion or Profession: Industrialist

Period: 1863–1947

By the time he was 16, Ford had taught himself to be a machinist and was working at a machine shop. His work with machines and engines inspired him to create his first automobile when he was 28. The invention became widely popular after Ford began mass producing the cars on assembly lines. The mass production allowed many people to own his cars. It also revolutionized the way manufacturing took place in many industries. Today he is recognized for his contributions in the fields of transportation and industry.