May 24, 2023
Pages 2892
Whole Number 134
HONOR COMES TO JACK D. SPARKS
We have just learned that one of our most generous and enthusiastic members of The Sparks Family Association, Jack D. Sparks, has been named "Best Chief Executive of the Home Appliance Industry" by the Wall Street Transcript. He is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Whirlpool Corporation, the nation's leading maker of household appliances.
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| Whirlpool's Jack D. Sparks |
The career of Jack D. Sparks with Whirlpool sounds like a story written by Horatio Alger. He made his way to the top of this giant corporation by working hard, starting with the company in 1940 hauling crates out of railroad boxcars for 30 cents an hour. After serving in World War II, he returned to Whirlpool and began working on the loading docks, nailing crates. He began his rise through the ranks when he was promoted to a position in the personnel office, then, in 1948 he was transferred to the sales office. He spent 10 years as advertising manager and became vice-president for marketing in 1977. He was made chairman of the board in 1982 with the title Chief Executive Officer.
In presenting the award to Sparks, the Wall Street Transcript stated, "At the bottom line, his innovative product program, his financial acumen, and the long-term strategic perspective has distinguished him as a leader in this industry."
We are pleased to recognize this honor to Jack D. Sparks and send him our belated congratulations. We are proud to have him as a member of this organization. (For information regarding the branch of the Sparks family to which he belongs, see the June 1976 issue of the Quarterly, Whole No. 94, beginning on page 1816.)