Short Final: Taking Inventory

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:15 PM ET

Verified

Credit: Piper Aircraft

Key Takeaways:

During a contentious labor dispute, William T. Piper, founder of Piper Aircraft, was asked about the number of people working at his Lock Haven factory.
He famously replied, "About half," a cynical quip implying that only a fraction of his employees were effectively contributing due to the ongoing conflict.

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According to legend, while in the midst of a contentious labor dispute with employees, William T. Piper was standing with a business associate in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, overlooking the large Piper Aircraft factory on the Susquehanna River. The other man asked, “So, how many people work here these days?”

Piper replied with a sigh, “About half.”