Early Life and Education
Min Hwan Kao was born in Zhushan, Nantou, Taiwan, in 1949. He showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science, completing his primary and secondary education in Taiwan. Kao graduated from National Taiwan University with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He then moved to the United States and earned both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1977.
Rise to Success
Kao's career began with research for NASA and the United States Army. He subsequently worked as a systems analyst for Teledyne Systems and as an algorithm designer for Magnavox Advanced Products. Later, he served as an engineering group leader for King Radio Corporation. In 1989, Kao co-founded Garmin with Gary Burrell. The company's name is a portmanteau of their first names. Kao served as CEO of Garmin until 2012 and now serves as Executive Chairman.
Key Business Strategies
Min Kao's leadership has been instrumental in Garmin's success. Under his direction, Garmin focused on innovation and adapting to changing market demands. The company's strategy involved expanding its product lines to cover aviation, marine, automotive, outdoor, and fitness markets. Garmin's emphasis on research and development, combined with a commitment to quality, has allowed it to maintain its leadership position.
Philanthropy
Kao is a notable philanthropist, supporting various educational initiatives, including significant donations to the University of Tennessee. He and his wife, Yu-Fan Kao, donated $12.5 million to construct a new engineering building at the university, which was enhanced to $37.5 million with state funding. They also established endowments within the department. The Kao Family Foundation, established in 2019, supports education and social welfare in Taiwan.