A Conversation with Edison and Ford at the Winter Estates Fort Myers, FL
Dan Blanchard (DB): Thomas, Henry — thank you for letting me visit your winter estates here in Fort Myers. When people walk through these homes today, they see stunning architecture and lush gardens. But I imagine it’s more than that for you, right?
Thomas Edison (TE): Absolutely, Dan. These estates were not just homes—they were places of invention, reflection, and friendship. Here, in this warm Florida sun, ideas could grow as freely as the gardens.
Henry Ford (HF): And it’s a reminder that great work doesn’t happen in isolation. Edison and I shared ideas, challenges, and, frankly, a lot of laughs. It was the perfect environment for collaboration.
DB: Henry, you were 19 years younger than Edison. How did your friendship start?
HF: It started at a convention in New York. Edison was my hero, and when I shared my gasoline-powered quadricycle with him, he didn’t shut me down—even though he was all about electricity. Instead, he encouraged me: “My boy, I think you got something there. Keep working on that.” That moment lit a fire under me.
DB: Thomas, what drew you to support Henry’s work?
TE: I recognized his passion and potential. He had vision, and he reminded me of myself at a younger age, wrestling with ideas and experimentation. Mentorship isn’t just about teaching—it’s about seeing possibility and fostering it.
DB: Both of you improved on existing ideas rather than inventing completely new ones. Can you talk about that?
TE: Certainly. The light bulb existed before me, but I perfected it and built the electrical grid to make it practical. Seeing an idea through to real-world application—that’s where impact lies.
HF: Cars were already around, but only for the wealthy. I wanted to make them affordable, reliable, and accessible. Improving the assembly line and doubling workers’ pay allowed ordinary people to buy the very products they helped create. It was revolutionary, not because it was new, but because it was better.
DB: Your friendship and mentorship seem as impactful as your innovations. Can you share a memorable story?
HF: We bought homes next to each other, went camping together, and even raced in wheelchairs when Thomas needed one later in life. And perhaps most unusual—when Thomas passed, I captured his last breath in a tube. It may seem strange, but it was a symbol of our bond.
TE: Indeed. The relationship between us shows that trust, encouragement, and shared vision can turn mentorship into a lifelong friendship.
DB: What leadership lessons would you want today’s dreamers to take from your story?
TE: Dream bigger and better. You don’t always need to invent something entirely new—improving what exists can change the world.
HF: Go the extra mile. Whether it’s perfecting a light bulb or making cars affordable, putting ideas into action with dedication is key.
TE: And never underestimate mentorship. Guiding and supporting others strengthens innovation, leadership, and relationships.
HF: Relationships are everything. Our work would not have been as meaningful without our friendship.
DB: Edison and Ford, thank you. Your story is a vivid reminder that innovation, perseverance, and meaningful relationships can leave an enduring legacy.
TE & HF: Thank you, Dan. Keep inspiring others to dream bigger.
DB: Will do.
