[Jason M. Hendler]

Tesla's Wild Ride by Michael V. Copeland, CNN:

Link

I have to say, that this is the harshest column that I've read about Martin. I believe it is unfortunate that there is still a dust-up about this, but Martin created a blog that flamed (and still flames) Elon Musk right after his ouster, causing an incredible amount of bad press for Tesla Motors, so I suppose payback was inevitable.

I've seen this same situation in a few start-ups, and so few individuals, who are capable of launching a start-up, are truly capable of taking the development all the way to production. Add to that the complexity of creating an automobile, as opposed to software, a circuit board or some hand held device. Perhaps we should be impressed with all that Martin did accomplish, but, unfortunately, his website took this whole situation down the wrong path.

 

[mwalsh]

I think Martin has every cause to be bitter and angry about Musk, and don't blame him in the least for lashing out.

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

I think Martin has every cause to be bitter and angry about Musk, and don't blame him in the least for lashing out.

Perhaps, but then you should feel that it is equally "right" for Musk to be hitting Martin back now.

It's best if people just walk away and do something else, which I've done in my career. I left an untenible situation in CA, but became successful in my new ventures in FL. Martin squandered the goodwill that he had by lashing out, which now gives him a petulent image, instead of professional. I would be leary of hiring someone who created a website to flame his old boss.

 

[mwalsh]

Hmm.....maybe. But no. You see I don't like Musk. Not in the slightest (just in case that hasn't already become quite apparent).

The only thing I can say is that Martin made a deal with the devil and lost. His story should be a lesson to those of us who have yet to be tempted to do same, because sometimes you really do have to give up your soul.

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

I guess the confusing thing about the article, is that Martin keeps saying Elon was running everything, but then Martin wants to say that he did everything that worked - which is it? Was Martin the driver or Elon? The article brings that confusion to better light.

I just don't see Elon as the devil. He was the first contributor and provided plenty of cash and more importantly, plenty of his time, to make Tesla Motors successful.

I believe Martin would best succeed at an enterprise in which he develops a technology, or a simple part or sub-system to a customer with a product that needs it. Developing a product that requires multi-discipline expertise (mechanical design, marketing, etc.) is outside his core strengths, so he should stick within a tighter focus.

 

[mwalsh]

I guess the confusing thing about the article, is that Martin keeps saying Elon was running everything, but then Martin wants to say that he did everything that worked - which is it? Was Martin the driver or Elon?

I'm guessing that, initially, both were making equally valuable contributions, but that eventually Musk decided it was his money and therefore only his opinion that mattered.

I'm further guessing that he either told Martin in no uncertain terms to like it or lump it or didn't confront him at all, doing this end-run around him to gain control instead.

 

[Dave B]

which is it? Was Martin the driver or Elon?

Well, we know Martin wasn't the driver when his Roadster was crashed
Elon knew this was going to be a PR nightmare and still does. Why not bring Martin on board as a consultant or at least keep him as the PR guy or something... Get the feeling this will be Steve Jobs all over again?

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

Well, we know Martin wasn't the driver when his Roadster was crashed
Elon knew this was going to be a PR nightmare and still does. Why not bring Martin on board as a consultant or at least keep him as the PR guy or something... Get the feeling this will be Steve Jobs all over again?

You can't keep a faction leader in your company that has a vision at odds with your own. I've witnessed too many times that they will always undermine your ability to execute your plans.

I've been fortunate to have bosses that will allow me to work alternate solutions in parallel with their own, often with the result that both solutions work to serve non-overlapping markets. I was able to do everything they asked, while nursing alternatives on my own. It was all about keeping cash flowing in the door.

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

Here is Martin's response directly to Michael V. Copeland:

Link

I had a hearty laugh at his line "Typically, the conversation starts out being about the blog I wrote. Then (when I don't post a new blog soon enough), it goes wildly off-topic, usually into the land of politics or amateur economics, with a few perpetual motion ideas thrown in for spice."

I howled - the guy does have a great sense of humor.

 

[mwalsh]

Here is Martin's response directly to Michael V. Copeland

Four hours later. He must have a Google Alert set up for "Tesla". LOL!

 

[Mausoldj]

Tesla is doing the right thing, Eberhard was a visionary leader, but wasn't a good fit for the company once it began to operate. If he would like to go down in history as the next Henry Ford, he can rest assured that Mr. Ford had the same problems with financials and it was only when the Wiz Kids came in that they got Fords finances straightened out.

Hiring the former Chrysler VP is going to help out, bringing in program and quality control managers is going to be essential for ensuring a durable and well timed vehicle. I'm amazed at the work that goes into producing a vehicle. Mr. Musk probably has a new found respect for the Big 3 and other OEMs.

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

Tesla is doing the right thing, Eberhard was a visionary leader ...

I take exception to this one statement. Martin was an inspirational leader with a vision, not a visionary leader. He and I have gone back and forth on this point on his own site.

Martin is a proponent of a better world through BEV's, which is an easy religion to sell in California, so he has many adoring followers.