Howard R. Hughes, Sr.
Father of Howard Robard Hughes, Jr, the reclusive multi-millionaire. Hughes, Sr. created the fortune that Hughes, Jr. inherited at 18 years of age. Hughes, Sr. founded Hughes Tool Company, based in Houston, TX in the early 1900's. The essential asset of Hughes Tool was Hughes Sr's patent for a revolutionary oil drilling bit. The fees for licensing this technology were the basis of Hughes Tool's revenues.
Hughes Sr. was a classic entrepreneur, trying and failing at many endeavors before he finally found his niche. He was also classic in his disregard for the effect of his wide-ranging business travels and endeavors on his family. He laid the foundation for his son's later weirdness by allowing his wife, the mother of Hughes, Jr., to coddle the boy and spoil him.
