Min Kao Biography: Life, Career, Success, Wealth & Net Worth

Min Kao is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded the GPS technology company, Garmin. Born on February 28, 1949, in Taiwan, Kao was the youngest of five children. His family moved to the United States when he was a child and settled in Wichita, Kansas.

Kao showed an early interest in technology and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee. After completing his degree, Kao worked for several companies in the aviation and defense industries, including Teledyne, King Radio, and AlliedSignal.

In 1989, Kao teamed up with fellow engineer Gary Burrell to start a company that would revolutionize the GPS industry. They founded Garmin with the goal of creating high-quality, affordable GPS devices for consumers. Their first product, the Garmin GPS 100, was a hit, and the company grew rapidly from there. Today, Garmin is a global leader in GPS technology, with products ranging from aviation and marine navigation systems to fitness trackers and smartwatches.

Kao’s success at Garmin has earned him a substantial fortune. As of 2021, his net worth is estimated to be around $3.6 billion. However, Kao is also known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2013, he and his wife donated $17.5 million to the University of Tennessee to establish the Min H. Kao Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building. Kao has also given generously to other causes, including education and healthcare.

In addition to his business and philanthropic activities, Kao has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015, and he has received honorary degrees from the University of Tennessee, Wichita State University, and National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.

In conclusion, Min Kao is a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the GPS technology industry. His net worth of $3.6 billion is a testament to his business acumen, while his philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to giving back to his community and making a positive difference in the world.

Here’s a timeline of Min Kao’s life and career:

• 1949: Min Kao is born on February 28th in Taiwan.
• 1967: Kao and his family move to the United States and settle in Wichita, Kansas.
• 1972: Kao graduates from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
• 1972-1989: Kao works for several companies in the aviation and defense industries, including Teledyne, King Radio, and AlliedSignal.
• 1989: Kao and Gary Burrell co-found Garmin, a GPS technology company, in Lenexa, Kansas.
• 1990: Garmin releases its first product, the GPS 100, which quickly becomes a bestseller.
• 1991: Garmin moves its headquarters to Olathe, Kansas.
• 1995: Garmin goes public, with its stock trading on the NASDAQ exchange under the ticker symbol GRMN.
• 1996: Garmin introduces the GPSMAP 195, the world’s first aviation GPS device with moving-map display.
• 2006: Kao is named one of Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful People” and receives the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
• 2013: Kao and his wife donate $17.5 million to the University of Tennessee to establish the Min H. Kao Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building.
• 2015: Kao is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his work on GPS technology.
• 2018: Kao steps down as executive chairman of Garmin’s board of directors but continues to serve as a director.
• 2021: Kao’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.6 billion.

This timeline highlights some of the key moments in Min Kao’s life and career, including his co-founding of Garmin, the development of innovative GPS technology, and his philanthropic efforts to give back to his community.

Sure, here are 5 interesting facts about Min Kao:

1. Kao co-founded Garmin with Gary Burrell in 1989 with just $1,000 in startup capital.
2. Before founding Garmin, Kao worked as an engineer for several aerospace and defense companies, including Teledyne and AlliedSignal.
3. Kao’s interest in GPS technology was sparked when he was working on a project for the U.S. Air Force in the 1980s.
4. Kao’s wife, Ying-Chiao Kao, is also an engineer and has worked for several aerospace companies, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
5. In addition to his philanthropic work, Kao is an avid supporter of the arts and has served on the boards of the Kansas City Symphony and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

And here are 5 quotes from Min Kao:

1. “I always wanted to be an inventor, to create something that people would use and enjoy.”
2. “Innovation is the lifeblood of a technology company.”
3. “When we started Garmin, we set out to build the best GPS products in the world. We never lost sight of that goal.”
4. “I firmly believe that business leaders have a responsibility to give back to their communities and help make the world a better place.”
5. “Success is not just about making money; it’s about creating something that makes a difference in people’s lives.”