Voting Station

Fred Maytag

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Inventor

The Resume

    (July 14, 1857-March 26, 1937)
    At age 9, family settled in Laurel, Iowa (1867)
    Birth name is Frederick Louis Maytag
    Invented the Maytag Washing Machine (1907)

Why he might be annoying:

    His greatest invention the Maytag washing machine was invented as just something to help get his company some profits during the off season.
    He had very little schooling (less than 2 years).
    A bit egocentric, his car was named Maytag, his washing machine was named Maytag and his grandson was named Fred Maytag II.
    He took huge risks bankrolling the majority of his money on one innovation after another.

Why he might not be annoying:

    Along with his brother's-in-law, he started a farm accessory firm in Newton, Iowa (1893).
    He was an entrepreneur.
    He sold his own brand of cars, vacuums and even fountain pens.
    Although his electric washer was a success, he introduced a gas powered washer for those who were yet to get electricity (1915).
    He bought out his partners and changed the name of Parsons Band Cutter and Self-Feeder Company to Maytag.
    He truly appreciated his factory workers and was said to start each meeting asking if everyone was happy.
    When he retired in 1926, he still would visit retailers to make sure his name brand product was still high in quality.
    His washing machines lasted a very long time and rarely needed repair, and thus the creation of the lonely Maytag repairman.
    He said: 'A grave responsibility rest upon us in respecting the public's confidence.'
    He said: 'We must maintain the quality of our products in every respect. We must give them more because they expect more.'
    Maytag washers and dryers was named as one of Oprahs' Favorite Things 2004.
    A park in Iowa is named in his honor.
    The Fred Maytag award is presented to exceptional launders.

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 70 Votes: 2.86% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 7 Votes: 85.71% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 200 Votes: 50.50% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 23 Votes: 52.17% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 22 Votes: 54.55% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 17 Votes: 47.06% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 23 Votes: 47.83% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 16 Votes: 37.50% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 9 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 127 Votes: 63.78% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 77 Votes: 37.66% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 28 Votes: 39.29% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 138 Votes: 44.20% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 129 Votes: 48.06% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 255 Votes: 42.75% Annoying
    In 2004, Out of 59 Votes: 40.68% Annoying