John Samuel Clapper
President
Agri and aquaculture
The Toro Company
United States of America
Biography
The Toro Motor Company is founded on July 10, 1914 to build tractor engines for The Bull Tractor Company. Although established as an independent company, the name “Toro” is chosen due to the company’s association with Bull Tractor. Toro co-founder, John Samuel Clapper, becomes the company’s first president. Clapper goes on to serve as president for 29 years (1914-1943), leading the company through challenging times including a devastating farm depression in the early 1920’s, the Great Depression, and both World Wars. Clapper is active in all phases of the business and earns 14 patents. Under his stewardship, Toro becomes a world leader in the golf and industrial turf management business and begins to tap into the fledging homeowner market.
Research Interest
Agri and aquaculture The Toro Company
