Sherman Mills Fairchild ( April 7 , 1896 -- March 28 , 1971 ) was an inventor and serial entrepreneur who founded over 70 companies , including Fairchild Aircraft , Fairchild Industries , Fairchild Aviation Corporation , and Fairchild Camera and Instrument .
Sherman Mills Fairchild ( April 7 , 1896 -- March 28 , 1971 ) was an American businessman and inventor . 
 He founded over 70 companies , including Fairchild Aircraft , Fairchild Industries , Fairchild Aviation Corporation , and Fairchild Camera and Instrument .