Ralph C. Peabody

 

(1920 - 2000) Ralph Peabody invented the world's first vaccuumized power sweeper. His formal education was high school, plus a variety of short courses and seminars. He was awarded nine patents. He is a fine example of an outstanding inventor - engineer who has contributed significantly from the beginning of an idea and through the development of that idea into an invention into a broad product line that spawned the growth of a new industry worldwide. The product line that Peabody helped create is a significant economic and labor easing benefit to the world. A menial, laborious task, held in low esteem, was mechanized making it more economical, more rewarding, while freeing people to do more productive tasks. By mechanizing a menial, laborious task, Peabody has contributed to safer and more attractive work places leading to improved worker morale and higher productivity. It also triggered Tennant Company's modern day growth into a world leader in surface maintenance. As this growth occurred, work places around the world have become safer and more attractive, leading to greater personal satisfaction, improved morale, and higher productivity.