A former SpaceX welder has seen a stock grant received a decade ago grow into a holding worth more than $1 million following the company's long-awaited stock market debut.
Juan Hernandez, who joined SpaceX in 2015 without knowing much about the company, said he initially viewed the role as another contract job, as reported by CBS. Today, he owns roughly 6,500 SpaceX shares, valued at more than $1 million based on the stock's closing price after the company's initial public offering.
From contract worker to shareholder
Hernandez said he first learned about SpaceX through a friend who believed his welding experience would make him a suitable candidate for the company.
When he was hired, SpaceX granted him stock worth $10,000. Having previously worked hourly jobs that did not offer equity, he said he paid little attention to the shares at the time and did not anticipate their future value.
SpaceX began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SPCX, marking the company's entry to public markets and significantly increasing the value of employee shareholdings.
A decade at SpaceX
During his 10 years with the company, Hernandez worked on infrastructure used to support rockets on launch pads and later advanced to a supervisory role.
He said employee ownership creates a stronger connection to the company's success and encourages workers to perform at a higher level because they feel invested in the organisation's future.
Wealth changes finances, not outlook
Despite the financial windfall, Hernandez said he intends to continue working. Now employed at Blue Origin, he credited a strong work ethic and the values he learned as a US immigrant for shaping his outlook.
He has also begun sharing lessons about investing with his three children. According to Hernandez, his 16-year-old daughter already owns shares in several companies, including Meta.
Gratitude for an unexpected opportunity
Reflecting on his journey, Hernandez said he would thank Elon Musk for helping create opportunities for workers from a wide range of backgrounds.
He said the company's growth has benefited not only employees but also their families, turning what began as an ordinary job opportunity into a life-changing experience.
