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Former SpaceX welder becomes a millionaire after historic IPO

Updated on: June 12, 2026 / 4:26 PM EDT / CBS News

Former SpaceX welder becomes a millionaire after historic IPO

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.