An early Tesla investor shared a remarkable story of how a desperate stock purchase made on a mountain peak in 2010 has turned into a $2.4 million fortune by late 2025. The individual, an anonymous commenter on a YouTube video by Herbert Ong, purchased Tesla shares at the $17 IPO price while struggling for a single bar of cell service on Catalina Island. This move highlights the explosive growth of Tesla and the potential for early investors to accumulate significant wealth.
The Serendipitous Purchase
The investor, a former automotive and aerospace engineer, described a frantic scramble to place an order before markets opened. Finding a spot with minimal signal at the top of a mountain cross, they managed to buy shares just in time. This story underscores how timing and a bit of luck played a role in early Tesla investments. The IPO raised $226 million, marking the first U.S. automaker IPO in decades, but few could have predicted the subsequent financial gains.
The Conviction Behind the Bet
The investor’s decision wasn’t random. Having competed directly against SpaceX, they recognized Elon Musk’s relentless engineering culture and the inevitable shift toward electric vehicles. A previous experience with a 2000 Ford Ranger Electric reinforced the feasibility of battery-powered transportation. Tesla’s IPO was seen as a continuation of this same disruptive energy, and the investor acted accordingly. A $10,000 investment at the IPO price would now be worth nearly $3 million, mirroring the investor’s own experience.
Building an Integrated Ecosystem
Over the years, the investor has deepened their commitment to Tesla beyond stock ownership. They have owned 16 electric vehicles, including seven Teslas, and currently favor the Cybertruck. Additionally, they adopted Tesla’s solar offerings after the SolarCity acquisition in 2016, installing panels and upgrading to newer Powerwall generations. The garage now functions as a full-scale Tesla showroom, complete with solar panels, Powerwalls, and a Cybertruck plugged into a Wall Connector. This illustrates the extent of loyalty among some early adopters.
The Impact of Stock Splits
The investor’s stake grew over 38,000% due to Tesla’s two stock splits. The first, a five-for-one split in August 2020, and the second, a three-for-one split in August 2022, transformed each original share into fifteen, multiplying the investor’s holdings without further investment. This demonstrates how corporate actions can amplify returns for long-term shareholders.
The story serves as a vivid example of how early bets on disruptive technology can yield extraordinary returns. The investor’s experience highlights the financial rewards associated with recognizing potential in companies like Tesla before mainstream adoption.
