Hearing Hardy agree to collaborate, Michael stood up excitedly. "Hardy, I'll take you to meet someone."
"Who?"
"Professor George Ward of the New York University Electronic Research Lab. He used to work for an American radio company, and I know he's well versed in electronic equipment."
The two drove to New York University, and on the way, Michael told Hardy that Professor George Ward was Italian, who had sought the help of the old godfather before because of family matters and later became friends with him.
The old godfather's connections were truly everywhere.
To someone like Michael, who was a second generation, Hardy could only envy. What might be a strenuous effort for you could just be a phone call for someone else.
Arriving at the laboratory, luckily, Professor George Ward was there.
"Michael, what brings you here?" Professor Ward smiled and gave him a hug when he saw Michael.
"Uncle Ward, let me introduce you to my friend, Jon Hardy. We plan to set up a television production company, and I know you're an expert in electronics, so we came to seek your advice," Michael said.
Professor George Ward shook hands with Hardy.
"Interested in TVs, no problem."
Professor George Ward led the two into his research institute. The institute was spacious with various laboratories, and the professor led them into one of the rooms.
"This is our TV research room. After the war broke out, all resources were prioritized for war needs, and TV production was halted by the government. The mainstream TVs on the market now are basically around 12 inches."
"We haven't stopped our research these years and have developed a flatter screen for the cathode ray tube. Sizes can be made up to 14 inches, 17 inches, or even 21 inches. However, there are still many areas for improvement."
"We are mainly studying color TVs now. The British Broadcasting Corporation has already produced a color TV, we won't be lagging behind for too long."
Professor Ward looked at Michael and said:
"You just said you wanted to set up a TV company, right? It takes a lot of time to build one from scratch. My suggestion, Michael is to acquire a TV production company called 'Baird'."
"Why do you want me to buy that TV company? Is there anything special about it?" Michael asked.
Professor George Ward smiled.
"That company was established in 1939. At that time, they purchased the most advanced assembly line equipment. The owner invested over $3 million, but when the war broke out, TV production was halted, and the owner went bankrupt. The TV factory was taken over by the bank and is still closed."
"When the factory was built, the owner hired me as a technical consultant. I am very familiar with the situation there. Their production line can produce 12 inch TVs, but with some simple modifications, they can produce 14 inch TVs."
"I think you can enter the market with 14 inch TVs. Later, when you've made some money, you can invest in building larger production lines for 17, 19, or even 21 inch TVs."
"Maybe by then, color TVs will be available, and you can go straight to the color TV production line."
"By the way, their factory has all the qualifications, including a TV production patent agreement, so you will save a lot of trouble."
Michael was overjoyed when he heard this. "Thank you, Uncle Ward."
Suddenly, Hardy interjected, "Professor Ward, besides purchasing your technology, we also want to hire you as the company's technical consultant and head of the research department. What do you think?"
Michael looked at Hardy in surprise, then understood his intention.
Professor Ward was a professional researcher, and with someone like him overseeing the development, the TV company could have a future.
"We will offer 10% of dividend from the technical shares, how about that?" Hardy laid out the condition directly. To be honest, this offer was already very favorable.
Ward thought for a moment, then shrugged. "My lab is always short of funds, your offer really intrigues me." And that's how it went. The TV company got its technical director.
Michael was efficient. In the afternoon, he went to the bank to inquire about the situation of the 'Baird' TV factory. Indeed, it was listed on the bank's assets, priced at 2.1 million for the whole package.
After leaving the bank, Michael immediately called the old godfather, explaining everything in detail. That night, the old godfather made several calls, and the next day, Michael brought Hardy back to the bank again. The quoted price for the TV factory had dropped to 1.2 million.
That was the old godfather's connections.
Buying the factory. Signing the contract.
In just a week's time, Hardy had acquired a TV factory in New York covering hundreds of acres of land, holding 45% of the shares.
Of course, his money had significantly dwindled.
From earning over four million dollars from the Wash Mining incident, now he had only half a million left.
Things were more or less settled, and Hardy prepared to bid farewell to Michael.
"Michael, I'm heading back to Los Angeles tomorrow. I'll leave the TV factory matters to you."
"Don't worry, I'll take care of management, Professor Ward will handle the technical aspects, and we'll recruit some workers. It shouldn't take more than two months to resume production."
During this week, Hardy noticed that Michael was brimming with enthusiasm all day long, full of vigor. Perhaps he had found something he enjoyed doing.
"The only concern now is when the government will lift the ban and allow mass production of televisions," Michael said.
"With the current situation in the country, the ban is no longer necessary. If Mr. Corleone's friends in Congress speak up, I estimate it won't be long before it's lifted," Hardy said.
Michael thought Hardy's suggestion was good.
"As for the mineral water company, I've sent people to find suitable water sources. Once we find a source and it passes the inspection, we can start the mineral water factory," Michael said.