Henry John Heinz (1844-1919)

Henry J. Heinz, of Pittsburgh; Founder of the H.J. Heinz Company

Associated Houses

Greenlawn

Point Breeze, Pittsburgh

He was the quintessential entrepreneur. He was an irrepressible optimist, an expert in positive PR, the first global marketeer, and as a manufacturer and employer he consistently set new standards of excellence. He treated his employees - that he referred to as "the Heinz family" - to better conditions than they could have dreamed of at home: sparkling locker rooms with clean running water; roof gardens to relax and eat lunch in; freshly laundered clothes to wear everyday; weekly manicures for anyone handling food; dental care; a monthly newsletter; music recitals; social clubs; and, of course, the annual family-day picnic. By employing chemists, he is also credited with creating the "quality control department" and encouraged consumers to come and tour his factory. He married Sallie Young and was the father of 4-children.
Contributed by Mark Meredith on 06/09/2020 and last updated on 05/02/2021.