tech
Former SpaceX welder becomes a millionaire after historic IPO
Updated on: June 12, 2026 / 4:26 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Juan Hernandez, a former welder at SpaceX, is now a millionaire due to the company's IPO.
- He received $10,000 worth of stock when he joined SpaceX in 2015.
- His SpaceX shares are now valued at over $1,046,175.
- Hernandez has moved on to work at Jeff Bezos-owned rocket startup Blue Origin.
- He believes offering employees stock ownership motivates them to perform better.
- Hernandez plans to continue working and teach his children about investing.
- He expressed gratitude to Elon Musk for creating opportunities for everyday workers.