Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

The flight test of the aircraft was a resounding success for Poul and his team. To celebrate Timothy grabbed a crate of beer and handed them over to the team one by one.

"This is all for the success of our aircraft!" Timothy cheered. "Mr. Nielsen, I can't still believe that we can make such another miracle. You and your partner, Jonathan, are maybe the brightest minds of Avalonia…No! The whole world!" he exclaimed.

Poul could only smile at his fervent praises. It's true, since the last ten years he had single-handedly introduced modern technology to this world and gotten rich out of it. The total valuation of their company is nearing its 750 million dollar mark. They have clients from domestically and abroad, all are seeking their products as they believe it is superior to others.

Competing companies could only crane their neck to catch a glimpse of Poul's success.

Ideas flooded again in Poul's mind as he contemplated. The Axelsen & Nielsen Company had indeed grown exponentially in the past decade, and its success had led to the establishment of numerous subsidiaries across various industries. Poul recognized that with their strong foundation and expertise, they had the potential to create an even more powerful conglomerate. The question was is it better to merge them all together in one entity?

Poul weighed the pros and cons of merging their subsidiaries into a single entity. While a unified conglomerate would provide centralized control and a clear brand identity, it could also come with challenges such as managing diverse operations, maintaining specialized expertise, and potentially diluting the distinctiveness of each subsidiary.

As he contemplated the decision, Poul found himself leaning towards the idea of organizing a corporation for the Axelsen & Nielsen Company. The more he thought about it, the more he saw the potential benefits of this structure.

A corporation would allow for centralized control and management of the subsidiaries, providing a clear chain of command and decision-making process. It would streamline operations and foster a more cohesive organizational structure, enabling the company to respond swiftly to market changes and make strategic decisions with greater efficiency.

Additionally, a corporation would enhance the brand identity of Axelsen & Nielsen, presenting a unified front to clients and investors. The combined strength of all subsidiaries under one corporate umbrella would amplify their market presence and create opportunities for cross-promotion and collaboration.

Poul envisioned a future where the subsidiaries would operate as divisions within the corporation, each retaining its specialized focus and expertise. They would benefit from shared resources, including research and development facilities, marketing strategies, and administrative support, while still maintaining their individuality.

However, Poul was well aware of the potential challenges that came with organizing a corporation. He knew that integrating diverse operations and managing the complexities of multiple industries would require careful planning and execution. It would be crucial to strike a balance between centralization and subsidiary autonomy, ensuring that the unique strengths of each subsidiary were preserved while fostering collaboration and innovation across the entire organization.

Fortunately, it was not a one-man decision, Poul would have to consult with his partner, Jonathan and as well as with his angel investors, John Morgan, and Caroline Dupont.

"Mr. Nielsen," Walter called gently, interrupting Poul's contemplation.

Poul smiled warmly at Walter. "Yes, my friend, what is it?"

"This is your beer," Walter said, handing Poul a cold bottle from the crate.

"Oh thank you," Poul chuckled and accepted the beer, clinking it against Walter's bottle. "So, what do you think huh? You were skeptical at first when we were working on the aircraft."

"It's not that I'm skeptical, it's just that I didn't come across the same concept. The hot air balloon for example is the only thing closer to being associated with the aircraft. That being said, I have an idea."

"What is it?" Poul leaned forward, his interest piqued.

"Well, I'm thinking of an aircraft that is lifted by air, similar to a hot air balloon," Walter continued, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "But instead of relying solely on hot air, we could incorporate advanced technologies to control the lift and achieve greater maneuverability."

Poul's curiosity grew as he listened intently to Walter's idea. "That sounds intriguing. Can you elaborate?"

Walter nodded, taking a sip from his beer before continuing. "Imagine a hybrid aircraft that combines the lifting capabilities of a hot air balloon with the propulsion and control systems of a conventional aircraft. We could design it with a large envelope filled with a lighter-than-air gas, such as helium, to provide the initial lift. Then, using adjustable wings and engines, we could manipulate the airflow around the envelope to control the ascent, descent, and direction of the aircraft."

Poul tilted his head as he imagined Walter's idea. It closely resembled the concept of a blimp from his original world. To think that Walter would conceive such an idea in this era by just observing the aircraft that flew earlier is remarkable.

"I think I have a general picture of your idea, Walter, and it's impressive if I must say," Poul commented. "Let me guess, is it powered by an internal combustion engine or something similar?"

Walter nodded. "This idea is not new, to be honest, Mr. Nielsen. I have been thinking about making one but I have no idea where to start. When I looked at the radial engine that is being used by the aircraft, it flipped a switch in my mind."

"I see," Poul hummed thoughtfully. "So, you're suggesting we utilize the same radial engine technology we've developed for our aircraft and adapt it to power this hybrid aircraft?"

Walter nodded eagerly. "Exactly, Mr. Nielsen!"

"Let me think about it, Walter. As you can see, we just finished building our aircraft prototype. We must focus first on that before jumping into another prototype."

"If I may suggest, Mr. Nielsen," Walter interrupted. "Is it possible if I can work on this project alone? Of course not entirely alone but with five or six engineers to help me build the prototype. Please, Mr. Nielsen."

Poul paused for a moment, considering Walter's request. He knew that Walter was a talented engineer, and his passion for this new concept was evident. Poul also recognized the importance of focusing on their current aircraft prototype, which had the potential to revolutionize the world again.

After a moment of contemplation, Poul nodded and smiled at Walter. "Fine, you can pick your engineers to work on that project of yours. I will also give you the funds so I will also give you the funds to kickstart the project."

Walter's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen. I won't disappoint you."

Poul raised his beer bottle, offering a toast to Walter's new endeavor. The two clinked their bottles together, the sound echoing in the hangar where they celebrated their achievements. As Poul looked around at his team, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude.

As they were having their moment, a voice cut through the air, interrupting their celebration.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," the voice called out, causing Poul and Walter to turn their attention toward the source. Standing at the entrance of the hangar was a man and a woman, dressed in formal attire. Poul recognized them instantly. It was Jonathan and Amelia. "Why am I not informed of this?"

Poul stepped forward, greeting the two. "Oh easy there now Jonathan. I and my team are conducting a flight test, what's wrong?"

"What do you mean what's wrong? Shouldn't I be part of this because I'm also the founder?"

"I know which is why we are saving you for the best," Poul said. "We wanted to ensure that the aircraft will be ready for the demonstration to the President and major investors, which is where you'll come in."

"Well you could have at least invited me over," Jonathan said, his tone a bit melancholic.

"Woah there Jonathan…are you crying?" Poul teased.

"What are you talking about?! Do you see tears in my eyes? Come on men."

"Oh there you go have some beer instead," Poul handed Jonathan a bottle of beer.

Jonathan reluctantly took the bottle of beer from Poul and sighed. "Fine, I suppose I can forgive you this time. But next time, don't exclude me from this okay? I want to see our prototype."

Poul chuckled and patted Jonathan on the back.

"So, this is what's making the noises in the sky huh?" Amelia remarked, looking at the parked aircraft in the distance.

"That's correct, Amelia," Poul confirmed. "Did you see it?"

"I was the first one to notice it from the office, from which I informed Jonathan about it," Amelia replied with a smile. "It's an impressive sight."

"It would be more impressive if you were to experience it," Poul said. "Oh, by the way, you two, we have some matters to discuss later about the reorganization of our company."

Amelia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Reorganization? What do you have in mind?"

"I'll explain later."