Linden Blue

$1.00 B

Ranked #1990 in World

About Linden Blue

Linden Stanley Blue, born in 1936 in Meeker, Colorado, to James Elliott Blue, a real estate developer, and Virginia Neal Blue, Colorado's first female treasurer, carved a significant path in various industries. From earning his private pilot's license in 1955 to spearheading the Cordillera Corporation and purchasing General Atomics with his brother Neal, Blue's career reflects a diverse portfolio including aviation, real estate, and tech sectors. Notably, under his vice chairmanship, General Atomics developed the Predator drone, profoundly impacting U.S. military capabilities. Blue's academic credentials include a BA from Yale University and participation in Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. His professional journey is marked by pivotal roles at Gates Learjet and the Beech and Raytheon companies, alongside political involvement and philanthropic endeavors. Currently, as the managing director of Spectrum Aeronautical, Blue continues to shape the future of high-tech business jets. This summary encapsulates the breadth of Linden S. Blue's multifaceted career and contributions to industry, politics, and community, tailored for finance readers seeking insights into the life of a distinguished entrepreneur and innovator.

Born

June 14, 1936 in Meeker, Colorado, US

Age

89 years

Source Of Wealth

Defense

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Del Mar, California

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Yale University

Parent

James Elliot Blue (father), Virginia Neal Blue (mother)

Linden Stanley Blue was born in 1936 in Meeker, Colorado. His father, James Elliot Blue, was a real estate developer, and his mother, Virginia Neal Blue, was the first female treasurer of Colorado. The Blue family owned Blue and Blue Realtor in Denver. Linden's childhood interest in aviation was sparked by an airport project in Meeker.

Linden Blue: Education

Linden Blue graduated from Denver's East High and Yale University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale in 1958 and later attended Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.

Linden Blue: Career

Linden Blue earned his private pilot's license in 1955. An engine failure incident in Honduras led to his preference for twin-engine aircraft. He gained media attention as the "Flying Blue Brothers" with his brother Neal. Linden started a banana and cacao plantation in Nicaragua with the Somoza family but faced challenges, including a forced landing in Havana, Cuba, in 1961, which resulted in his imprisonment for 12 days before the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Linden Blue: SAC and Denver Real Estate

In 1961, Linden Blue joined the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and served as a security officer in Denver. He later entered the commercial real estate business with his brother in Denver and was involved in the acquisition of Great Western United holdings.

Linden Blue: Cordillera Corporation

Linden Blue formed Cordillera Corporation with his brother Neal, diversifying into construction, ranching, oil, and gas. He currently serves as the chairman of the executive committee.

Linden Blue: Denver City Council

Linden Blue was elected as a Denver councilman at large and served for four years.

Linden Blue: Harvard Business School

Linden Blue attended Harvard Business School's advanced management program.

Linden Blue: Gates Learjet

Linden Blue worked at Gates Learjet from 1975 to 1980, holding various positions such as head of strategic planning, executive vice president, and general manager of the aircraft division. He influenced the firm to focus on product development and high-performance aircraft.

Linden Blue: Beech and Raytheon

Linden Blue served as president and CEO of Beech from 1982 to 1984.

During his tenure, he became a director of Raytheon. However, he left Raytheon due to disagreements over a new airplane model. In the mid-1980s, he and his brother acquired the Rocky Mountain JetCenter Network.

Linden Blue: General Atomics

In 1986, Linden Blue and his brother Neal purchased General Atomics. He has been the vice chairman of General Atomics since then. Under their leadership, the company developed the Predator drone, used by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. General Atomics also created the Warrior product for long-endurance surveillance, communications, and weapons delivery. The company won a Homeland Security contract for unmanned aircraft border patrol and has global operations and diverse affiliates.

Linden Blue: Spectrum Aeronautical

Linden Blue is currently the managing director of Spectrum Aeronautical, which designs high-tech business jets.

Linden Blue: Board Memberships and Activities

Linden Blue has served on various boards and committees, including the Center for Naval Analysis, Hudson Institute, Green Foundation, National Parks Foundation, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Burnham Institute, UCSD Foundation, Jobs for San Diego's Graduates, Jobs for America's Graduates, Denver Planning Board, Denver Symphony, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, American Council of Young Political Leaders, and Business and Industry Political Action Committee.

Linden Blue: Honors and Awards

Linden Blue has received numerous honors and awards, including induction into the San Diego's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (2009), the IRI Achievement Award from the Industrial Research Institute (2010), and induction into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame (2010).

Linden Blue: Political Activities

Linden Blue is a longtime Republican donor and has been critical of President Obama's policies in an article co-authored with Herbert London.

Linden Blue: Personal Life & Legacy

Linden Blue's brother is Neal Blue. His parents were James Elliott Blue and Virginia Melba Neal Blue (deceased). He plans to marry Ronne Froman, a retired Navy admiral and former chief operating officer for San Diego.

Linden Blue: Trivia

Linden Blue is known for his love of flying and his contributions to the aviation industry.

He is also recognized for his business acumen and leadership in various sectors, including real estate, construction, and aerospace.

Wealth History

Timeline

1936

Linden Stanley Blue is born in Meeker, Colorado.

1955

Earns private pilot's license.

1958

Graduates from Yale University with a BA.

1961

Forced landing in Havana, Cuba, leading to 12-day imprisonment before the Bay of Pigs invasion.

1961

Joins Strategic Air Command (SAC) and serves as a security officer in Denver.

1961

Enters commercial real estate business with brother in Denver.

1975

Begins working at Gates Learjet, holding various leadership positions.

1982

Becomes president and CEO of Beech.

1984

Leaves Raytheon due to disagreement over new airplane model.

Mid-1980s

Acquires Rocky Mountain JetCenter Network with brother.

1986

Purchases General Atomics with brother Neal.

1986

Becomes vice chairman of General Atomics.

2009

Inducted into San Diego's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

2010

Receives IRI Achievement Award from Industrial Research Institute.

2010

Inducted into International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

Linden Blue : FAQs

What is Linden Blue's net worth?

As of 2020, Linden Blue's net worth was $1.00 billion.

What are Linden Blue's main sources of wealth?

Linden Blue's main source of income comes from Defense.

In which industry does Linden Blue primarily operate?

Linden Blue is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

What is Linden Blue educational background?

Linden Blue holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Yale University.

How old is Linden Blue?

Linden Blue is 89 years old.

Who is Linden Stanley Blue and when was he born?

Linden Stanley Blue, born in 1936, is a known figure in aviation, real estate, and politics. His early life began in Meeker, Colorado, with his career spanning various industries including aviation, real estate, and technology.

What sparked Linden Blue's interest in aviation?

Linden Blue's interest in aviation was sparked by an airport project in Meeker during his childhood, fostering a lifelong passion for flight that eventually led to him earning his private pilot's license in 1955.

What significant achievements has Linden Blue had in his career?

Throughout his career, Linden Blue co-formed Cordillera Corporation, served on the Denver City Council, became executive vice president at Gates Learjet, and played a pivotal role in the development of the Predator drone at General Atomics, among other accomplishments.

How has Linden Blue contributed to the development of aerospace technology?

Linden Blue significantly contributed to aerospace technology by developing the Predator drone at General Atomics, a pivotal innovation used by U.S. forces, and by leading Spectrum Aeronautical as the managing director, focusing on designing high-tech business jets.

What honors and awards has Linden Stanley Blue received for his contributions?

Linden Stanley Blue was inducted into San Diego's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2009, received the IRI Achievement Award in 2010, and was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2010, recognizing his contributions to entrepreneurship and aviation.