Elon Musk is an entrepreneur who epitomizes the traits that define the greatest entrepreneurs of our times. Like Steve Jobs, Musk is a visionary in the truest sense. In his own words, he approaches a lot of his projects by thinking about what “problems are most likely to affect the future of the world.” His projects develop from a desire to solve these problems, with a great focus on environmentally friendly options. Not only is he a modern day industrialist, but he appears to operate within an ethically responsible framework. One problem he is focused on is the need for a sustainable means of providing energy. This one idea ties together several of his businesses. First there was the introduction and development of the Tesla fully electric car. His vision is that these vehicles will be powered from energy derived from solar panels which his company SolarCity provide. In an effort to minimize the need for more traditional forms of long distance transport he is proposing the development of a Hyperloop. A long tube which will transport people between L.A. and New York in 35 minutes, again run by solar power from grids using his solar panels.

These ideas may have seemed far-fetched in the past, but when someone has a passion and a desire to improve the quality of mankind it can translate into some very interesting and lucrative business endeavors.

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-12/revealed-elon-musk-explains-the-hyperloop

http://www.forbes.com/sites/markrogowsky/2013/08/12/hyperloop-elon-musks-vision- for-air-travel-might-be-crazy-or-it-might-be-the-future/