Rotor mogul Robinson works hard on simplicity
Frank Robinson, the 74-year-old firm-handed  founder, chairman and president of Robinson Helicopter, says that as long as he’s sitting behind the big

Frank Robinson, the 74-year-old firm-handed  founder, chairman and president of Robinson Helicopter, says that as long as he’s sitting behind the big desk he’ll do exactly what he pleases. What pleases him? “Keeping it simple,” he explained, “and when I retire or die, whoever takes my place, hopefully, keeps that long-standing philosophy of mine alive.”

Robinson said his son, Kurt, one of four children from his first marriage, works at his side, but that wouldn’t automatically guarantee him a place at the helm. “Kurt is a good helicopter pilot now, but I’ve always thought that position should go to the person who is most qualified,” he said. Robinson has two other children from his current marriage, but they aren’t candidates because they are too young and still living at home.