Harold Boeschenstein, Owens Corning chairman and chief executive officer from 1938 to 1967, is one of five entrepreneurs who was inducted into the JA Worldwide(TM) (Junior Achievement) US Business Hal…
Harold Boeschenstein, Owens Corning chairman and chief executive officer from 1938 to 1967, is one of five entrepreneurs who was inducted into the JA Worldwide(TM) (Junior Achievement) US Business Hall of Fame during a ceremony on 26 April 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harold Boeschenstein takes his place alongside business legends like Walt Disney, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and J.D. Rockefeller, Jr. Since its inception in 1975, the U.S. Business Hall of Fame has inducted 229 business leaders. The US Business Hall of Fame benefits JA Worldwide(TM) (Junior Achievement) and recognizes business leaders who have made outstanding contributions to free-enterprise and society. Inductees are selected by a committee of past winners and are reviewed on their excellence in business, courageous thinking and actions, vision and innovation, leadership and philanthropy. “Harold Boeschenstein is an inspiration to the millions of young people learning how to be successful entrepreneurs today through Junior Achievement programs”, said Dave Brown, president and chief executive officer. “He was central to the formation of Owens Corning, and his emphasis on solid leadership, vigorous research and innovation are reflected in our company“s sales growth from USD 3 million to USD 373 million during his tenure”. Boeschenstein (1896 – 1972) was a prominent figure in the glass industry for more than 40 years. In 1931, he and his associates at Owens-Illinois Glass Company began the research of fibrous glass. This led to the formation of Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, later named Owens Corning, by Owens-Illinois and Corning Glass Works of Corning, New York. In 1938, Boeschenstein was named president and a director of the new company. He was elected chairman in 1963 and retired in 1967. After retirement, he continued to serve the company as chairman of the executive committee and as a director and advisor. Boeschenstein also was a director for many other companies, including American Electric Power Company, Dow Jones and Company Inc., Ford Motor Company and International Paper Company. In 1957, he was selected as one of the 50 foremost business leaders in the U.S. by Forbes Magazine. In addition to being a successful business leader, Boeschenstein served his country through military duty during WWI and WWII, and as an advisor to the administration of five US presidents from Franklin D. Roosevelt through Lyndon B. Johnson. He also was actively involved in several educational, research, charitable and cultural foundations. JA Worldwide is the world“s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA Worldwide provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12.