[Elecraft] Interesting Conversation about FT-5000 vs K3

[Lew Phelps K6LMP]

The flip side of the coin: companies created by two guys who grew to succeed.  Many examples exist, including Apple Computer, HP, Walt Disney Co., and Microsoft. Only Apple still has one of its founders in an active management role, and he will retire soon. Good companies outlive their founders, so long as the founder's vision remains.  Given the limited size of the ham radio market, I don't expect Elecraft to reach their size.  

However, (to comment on an earlier post) if they thought it would be profitable to enter the marine radio business (for example) by repurposing the K3, we should encourage that, not bemoan it. A broader customer base could help to ensure long-term success.

Lew Phelps K6LMP


On Dec 1, 2010, at 11:28 AM, Monty Shultes wrote:

> Many more innovative companies were created by one or two than by committees.  Many of those won't survive beyond their founder's life.  As a personal example, I worked 23 years for AT&T (1961-1984).  AT&T as it existed after WW I was the creature not of Alexander Bell but of Theodore Vail.  Vail's vision was universal service provided by a regulated monopoly. The evolution of modern electronics and computers gradually invalidated this idea; the company, however, fought to preserve it.  So instead of adapting it disappeared.  (The name "AT&T" is now owned and used by one of it's former subsidiaries)
> That same evolution did in Hallicrafters, National Radio, Hammarlund, Drake, World Radio labs, Heathkit, and many others as ham radio manufacturers.  Now it has made Elecraft possible.  What a great time to be around.  What's next?
> 
> Monty K2DLJ