Patentlessons.com

Bill Lear was building radio coils when hired to work for a radio builder.  At the time, no one had figured out how to build radios that would work inside a functioning automobile.  Bill Lear built and patented one.  His boss was so pleased he changed the name of the company to more closely identify with their star product the car radio they called "Motorola" a blend of Motor Car and Victrola. 

Bill Lear later invented the auto pilot for planes and the 8 track tape player.

At 65 he decided to build Jets and found a military plane he converted into the first Lear Jet.

Bill Lear held over 150 patents despite never finishing high school.