We don’t typically associate the Great Depression with technological innovation. However, it was a time when many people found the determination to make their dreams a reality. For example, Robinson Helicopter Company is the leading manufacturer of helicopters for civilian use. And this innovative and successful company can be traced to one young man’s experiences during the Great Depression.

Frank Robinson was the youngest of four children. He was only nine when he saw a picture in the Seattle Post Intlligencer that featured a helicopter. It was a wonderous experience for a child who was forced to deal with the dour realities of the time. He fell in love with the idea of helicopters. And as time went on he’d focus on the more advanced issues related to helicopter design in his University studies.

Visit: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/robinson-helicopters-news-sky-latest-213821365.html?.tsrc=fin-srch

All of this came to fruition as Robinson moved forward in his career. His academic study and professional life came about as a result of his childhood fascination with the subject. And Frank wasn’t content to just accept the state of the industry. He came to the field with a sense of wonder about the future. And when the industry didn’t move forward into that future he knew he had to take matters into his own hands.

Frank went on to start Robinson Helicopter Company in 1973 with himself as the sole employee. He worked on a prototype helicopter in a nearby airport hanger. This prototype would eventually become the first of the R22 line of helicopters. Frank more than proved that his ideas were the next logical step in helicopter design. By staying true to himself he revolutionized the industry. His R22 would quickly become the top-selling helicopter for civilian use.

Frank’s company would continue to grow. A company that began with one person would become one of the most important helicopter companies in the country. However, one thing didn’t change. The Robinson Helicopter Company had always had a Robinson running things. When Frank retired in 2010 the company stayed in the family. The lessons from his childhood about the importance of family had made as big an impact on him as the dreams of flight. By staying true to both of those ideals Frank had been able to make an amazing impact on the world.