Key facts
- A former SpaceX welder, Juan Hernandez, now possesses SpaceX shares worth over $1 million.
- Hernandez received a stock grant from SpaceX a decade ago.
- The value of his holdings increased significantly following SpaceX's initial public offering.
- SpaceX shares began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SPCX.
- Hernandez initially viewed his role as a contract job and paid little attention to the stock grant.
Juan Hernandez, a former welder at SpaceX, has seen a stock grant received a decade ago grow into a holding valued at over $1 million following the company's initial public offering on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SPCX. Hernandez joined SpaceX in 2015, initially viewing the role as a contract job and paying little attention to the $10,000 stock grant he received. He now owns approximately 6,500 shares. Despite the significant financial gain, Hernandez intends to continue working and credits his strong work ethic and immigrant values for his outlook. He has also begun teaching his children about investing, with his 16-year-old daughter already holding shares in companies like Meta. Hernandez expressed gratitude to Elon Musk for creating opportunities for diverse workers, noting that the company's growth has been life-changing for employees and their families.