Not taking too much money becomes a core tenant of the Skunk Works operation to avoid management's ire and the need to report to shareholders. The team of bright young designers selected by Kelly took over empty space in an unmarked building, adjacent to a commercial airport. They brainstormed future needs of aircraft and borrowed the best people from the main plant to keep overhead low and financial risks small. The small group of young and high-spirited individuals were willing to work in any conditions as long as they could design and build airplanes.
Today we bring you two absolutely incredible stories. The first is Lockheed’s legendary Skunk Works division — the elite team of aviation geniuses who produced some of the greatest airplanes in history: the U-2, the Stealth Fighter, and the incomparable SR-71 Blackbird. The second story is arguably even more important, but not widely known! It's the secret and true origins of Silicon Valley — and Lockheed’s primary role in it. We take you from WWII to the Cold War, all the way to today to unpack and analyze the industry dynamics of defense contractors in the modern era. Tune in and prepare to be blown away by what you’ll learn about the history of our industry!
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Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.