Mexican welder becomes millionaire after SpaceX IPO, now works for Jeff Bezos

Juan Hernandez, a welder from Mexico, experienced a life-changing transformation into a millionaire following the historic stock market debut of SpaceX. His journey began in 2015 when a friend recommended him for a position at Elon Musk's aerospace company. Initially, Hernandez had little understanding of SpaceX's operations, recalling, "I thought, to myself, I don't know what SpaceX is, but let's go."

“

I thought, to myself, I don't know what SpaceX is, but let's go.

During his decade with the company, Hernandez performed essential welding tasks for launch system structures. His consistent performance led to a promotion to supervisor. Early in his tenure, he was offered a stock package valued at $10,000, which he did not fully appreciate at the time. "I didn't know anything about it then, I didn't imagine it would become so important," Hernandez admitted.

“

I didn't know anything about it then, I didn't imagine it would become so important.

The company's official listing on the Nasdaq exchange significantly boosted the net worth of long-term employees. According to CBS News, SpaceX's initial public offering valued the company at $75 billion. Hernandez currently holds approximately 6,500 shares, worth about $880,000 based on the initial offering price of $135 per share.

“

Their performance will be much better because, after all, it is also their company.

Hernandez believes that offering stock ownership motivates employees, stating, "Their performance will be much better because, after all, it is also their company." He continues his career in the aerospace sector at Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin. Despite his newfound wealth, he maintains his work routine, driven by the values of hard work instilled as an immigrant. He is now focused on teaching his three children about investing, with his 16-year-old daughter already managing her own financial assets, including shares in companies like Meta.

“

She also is a little entrepreneur.