Chapter 28: World Expo, Part 1

June 15th, New York World Expo

Early on the morning of the exhibition, George arrived at his company's booth. Paul had arranged everything according to George's instructions. The setup was flamboyant—far more eye-catching than the simple, understated displays of other companies like Root.

In the center of the booth stood two cylindrical, 1.5-meter-high platforms made of rebar. Inside each cylinder was a platform that could gently sway from side to side. Mounted on the platforms were George's latest invention: highly sealed, vehicle-mounted rechargeable batteries. These batteries swayed slightly as the platforms moved.

Two wires extended from each battery—one end connected to the battery, the other to an electric fan. George had also arranged for two attractive women to stand beside the exhibition stands, gently keeping the platforms in motion.

Initially, George had planned to showcase his other invention—the car seat headrest—around the booth. However, he reconsidered and decided to hold it back as a small trump card for later.

As a crowd began to gather around his booth, George didn't go over to greet them. Instead, he left Paul in charge of communication while he wandered around the exposition on his own. Paul assumed that the Stark family's exhibition design style might have been influenced by this event.

George encountered numerous innovations: stainless steel washing machines, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and refrigerators—various household appliances. One washing machine in particular caught his attention. Its interior was almost entirely smooth, with water spinning inside the tub. George suddenly realized that the agitator-type washing machine hadn't been invented yet. He made a mental note to work on that as soon as he returned—it was a simple enough concept.

He also noticed that fans only operated at fixed speeds. Unlike those in his previous life, these lacked adjustable speeds or oscillation features. That, too, was a relatively simple improvement—just a matter of adding a few resistors and a small motor.

When he came across a refrigerator, George recalled an article from his past life that discussed inventing vehicle-mounted air conditioners based on refrigeration principles. Since the fundamentals were similar, he figured he could recruit a team to develop one. With his ideas and direction, success seemed inevitable. He made a note to pursue that as well.

After surveying the exhibits, George realized there was tremendous room for growth in the realm of consumer goods. Previously, he'd focused mostly on large enterprises from his past life, but now he saw that everyday products—though inconspicuous—could be just as profitable. Many of the household appliances from his previous life included schematic diagrams in their manuals. A deeper study of physics was in order.

He then moved on to the automotive section. There, George saw U.S. brands like General Motors, Cadillac, Lincoln, and Ford, as well as British and German names like Rover, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. George believed that by next year, his own company would shine brightest in this area.

He paid close attention to Lincoln in particular. He recalled that the company was already struggling financially around this time and would be sold to Ford for about 8 million USD two years later. George believed Lincoln's value would drop further during the coming economic crisis, making it his next acquisition target.

Passing by booths for diesel engine manufacturers and agricultural machinery companies, George didn't linger. He simply collected some brochures and moved on.

In a quiet corner of the expo, he discovered an aircraft manufacturing company. After passing two more booths, he spotted a banner that read "Boeing Company." This was the name he'd been looking for.

Boeing was still in its infancy. The display boards even advertised furniture and yachts—clear signs of a company struggling to stay afloat.

George's goal today was to meet William Edward Boeing, the founder and heart of the company. Under his leadership, Boeing would later become the world's largest aerospace corporation, manufacturing commercial jets and defense systems while providing advanced logistics and after-market support.

At this stage, Boeing was still finding its footing. Its product lineup included commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch platforms, communication technology, and training services. The company's business units included Commercial Airplanes, Defense, Space & Security, and Boeing Global Services, with an annual revenue of $58.158 billion by 2020.

However, international instability had begun to take its toll on Boeing. But in the Marvel Universe, things were different. George knew Tony Stark would one day custom-order private jets from Boeing, showcasing its immense potential.

During World War I, thanks to Boeing's partner Wilt, the U.S. Navy purchased 50 C-type trainer planes from the company for $220,000. But after the war, military demand dropped sharply, and the civil aviation industry had not yet taken off. This development bottleneck explained why Boeing had resorted to producing furniture and yachts.

As George stood in front of the booth, dressed in expensive attire, a Boeing employee approached and handed him a brochure featuring yachts.

"I'm not here to look at yachts," George interrupted. "Is Mr. Boeing, your company's owner, here?"

Shortly after, he was led to meet William Boeing. The man appeared to be about 39 years old, wearing round glasses, a well-trimmed beard, and a sharp suit.

The employee quickly explained George's request. After a nod from Boeing, the employee smiled and excused himself.

"Hello, sir. May I have your name?" Boeing asked politely. "I'm William Edward Boeing, but you may call me Boeing."

"Hello, Mr. Boeing. Sorry for the unexpected visit. I'm George Orwell, a major shareholder in Coca-Cola and the largest shareholder in Winchester."

"Pleasure to meet you," Boeing replied as they shook hands.

"May I ask what brings you here today?" Boeing led him to a small lounge area.

"Just call me George," he replied. "I recently visited the Self-Defense Force barracks in Washington and heard a flight instructor mention your company's seaplanes. I have a deep interest in aviation and thought this would be a great opportunity to explore potential collaboration."

George subtly emphasized his military ties and wealth.

Without a sponsor or introduction, he had to rely on his presence, though he found the situation somewhat undignified. Perhaps it was time to find someone to handle these things for him.

"I see. Are you interested in learning to fly? I can recommend a training school. Or perhaps you'd like to experience our Blue Eagle seaplane personally—it's among the best," Boeing offered, smiling but cautious.

George could tell that Boeing didn't fully believe his credentials. His attire alone wasn't enough to prove anything; after all, even swindlers dressed the part.

"I believe you misunderstood, Mr. Boeing. I'm interested in investing in your company."

Boeing paused. "Ah, I see. Please give me some time to consider it."

It was clear Boeing had its doubts about George's financial strength. George didn't press the issue. He knew that Boeing was already losing nearly $300,000 and barely staying afloat. With the looming economic crisis, George believed Boeing wouldn't decline his offer next time.

After a brief discussion about piloting, George handed over his business card. "If you change your mind, feel free to contact me. I'll make you an offer you can't refuse." Then he left the booth.

Boeing handed George his card and walked him out. Watching George disappear into the crowd, he thought this young man might indeed be sincere. Looking again at the business card in his hand, he carefully tucked it away.

That afternoon, while exploring other exhibits, Boeing came across PL Company's booth, surrounded by onlookers. Thinking of George, he stepped in and listened as Paul explained the battery's features. A certain idea began to take root in his mind.

Elsewhere, after leaving Boeing's booth, George soon arrived at the Alco Seaplane Company display.

If Boeing represented the future of civil aviation, Lockheed Aircraft Manufacturing Company—founded by Allan and Malcolm Lockheed—was the spark that would ignite America's first major military contractor.

Their entrepreneurial path had been rough. This current company was their second venture. Their F-1 aircraft had once flown 211 miles in 181 minutes—a record at the time. But the U.S. military required them to convert the F-1 from a seaplane into a land-based aircraft. Before they could complete it, World War I ended.

Worse, the government flooded the civilian market with surplus military planes for as little as $300 apiece. Despite its excellent design, Lockheed's aircraft simply couldn't compete.

Now, their booth was tucked in a neglected corner. The display was humble, a testament to the company's dire situation. George could tell they were at their breaking point, even without the coming economic crisis.

Inside the booth were several photos: King Albert and Queen Elisabeth of Belgium riding in their aircraft, and scenes from movie studios renting their planes for shoots. The aircraft had a good reputation, but sales were nonexistent.

The original Lockheed company went bankrupt under these circumstances. It was re-established in 1926, only to fail again during the Great Depression. In 1932, Lockheed was auctioned off and acquired for $40,000 by Robert and Courtlandt Gross.

Under their leadership, Lockheed slowly recovered and eventually merged with Martin Company, becoming the largest military contractor in the U.S.—Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed's repeated failures were due not only to external economic pressures but also to internal management shortcomings. The Lockheed brothers were brilliant designers but poor managers.

George envisioned a future where Boeing handled management, the Lockheed brothers led the design team, and additional top-tier talent from his past life joined them. That Lockheed would achieve even greater heights.

—End of Chapter 28—

Translator's Note:

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