In Hartford, Connecticut, Samuel Colt built the world’s largest private armament
factory. The factory
was not only the largest, it was probably the world’s most advanced manufacturing
facility. As a precursor to Henry Ford, Colt used interchangeable parts, production
lines, and standard work. In 1856, the company could produce 150 weapons per
day.
Samuel Colt was an engineer and mechanic who continually refined
his designs. For his famous revolvers, he obtained dozens of patents. In 1873,
after his death, the Colt’s Manufacturing Company introduced the iconic Colt
Single Action Army revolver, also known as the Peacemaker, which has since been
in continuous production except for a short hiatus in the 1940’s and 50s.
The Colt’s Manufacturing Company has produced more than 30
million pistols, revolvers and rifles. Samuel Colt, one of the richest men in
America, once wrote, “Money is a trash I have always looked down upon.” There
are several ways to get rich, but fun way is to do something you love, and
doing it so well that customers flock to your door. These people built empires that
last generations, and they didn’t do it for the money. Money was a
byproduct of their passion. If you don’t believe me, ask Samuel Colt, Walt
Disney, Steven Spielberg, Coco Chanel, or Bill France (NASCAR). Steve Jobs and Bill Gates fall into this category, but I'm not sure about the current generation of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. They seem to be in it for the money.