The Tyrant Billionaire

Hardy shook his head. "I have insider information that the Paramount Decree will officially take effect this year. If the Supreme Court's ruling is enforced, these big film companies will be forced to separate their distribution companies and theaters. What do you think will happen?"

This information came from Hardy's past life memory, but Andy didn't know that. Given Hardy's current connections, Andy wouldn't doubt it if Hardy said it came from high level senators.

"If that's the case, we could prepare to short them," Andy said excitedly.

"Exactly. Keep an eye on it and make a move when the time is right," Hardy said with a smile.

"Boss, aren't you planning to acquire any industries of the big film companies?" Andy asked.

Hardy shook his head, smiling.

"HD Films hasn't set up distribution and theaters because I knew the antitrust ruling would come. Now, it's even less likely to get involved. In the future, HD Films will mainly serve as a resource base for our TV stations."

After discussing the media industry, Hardy moved on to the group's second pillar industry.
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The Security Company.

If the media industry is Hardy's beloved daughter, then the security company is his cherished son. From the beginning, Hardy hasn't allowed any outsiders or external forces to participate in the security company.

The few brothers from the early days could have been given higher positions, but Hardy didn't do that because these men were his most loyal subordinates.

Though Richard, Henry, Matthew, and Neil are just team leaders in the security company, their salaries far exceed those outside, with profit sharing as well.

Hardy never expected the HD Security Company to make money, if it can sustain itself and gradually develop, that's great. Even if it loses money, Hardy would subsidize it from other parts of the group.

The HD Security Company's existence is the greatest security guarantee for Hardy's industries.

Hardy told Andy, "Now that HD Security has partnerships with the police departments of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, we should pause further expansion. If the government sees us as a threat, trouble will come. We're still within acceptable limits, so let's proactively stop to avoid problems.

"The next step is to expand the scope of our operations, adding a factory guard division. There are many industrial companies under the California consortium, we should communicate with them and take on their factory security work, which would be substantial business."

"We should also establish a celebrity protection division, providing personal security for celebrities and important figures growing demands."

"We could also set up a transport services division. I saw in the newspaper that piracy is rampant in some seas, we could offer escort services, even using warships to protect the journey. If pirates appear, we could engage them directly."

The third pillar industry.

Wells Fargo Bank.

Wells Fargo is the core of the future group. Hardy's plan is to develop it into a national bank within a few years, with branches in every city, a plan set after acquiring Wells Fargo.

Hardy's latest idea is to have Wells Fargo establish an angel investment department. Hardy's biggest advantage is his foresight of future trends, and many future big companies haven't emerged yet.

Establishing an investment company to invest in future big companies could yield massive returns.

Hardy wants to turn Wells Fargo into the future Goldman Sachs.

The fourth pillar industry.

The gambling industry.

This needs little explanation. Las Vegas is the top priority, with the existing Hardy Hotel and the under construction "Caesars Palace Hotel" and "The Venetian Hotel" forming an industrial cluster. This business is bound to be profitable.

However, construction will take over two years, so specific work can be arranged after that. The current focus is on monitoring construction progress.

The fifth pillar industry mentioned by Hardy.

"Hardy Chain Supermarket."

This surprised Andy, as he didn't expect the boss to focus on retail.

"Boss, are you planning to set up malls and supermarkets?" Andy asked.

"The future is an era of consumption, with increasing attention to retail, which will inevitably rise. Retail also has an advantage as a 'cash cow.' My plan is to establish chain supermarkets in major cities across the US, not necessarily in city centers but in densely populated areas.

"Buy land, build warehouse style supermarkets. Our own products can enter the supermarkets, and we can attract other companies too. With urban development, these locations will gradually become centers, and the land will appreciate."

Andy thought for a moment and said, "Boss, if we build so many supermarkets, with product categories numbering in the thousands, the financial pressure will be immense."

Hardy shook his head, smiling. "No, I won't give them money, they will give me money. Strictly speaking, my Hardy Chain Supermarket isn't about buying goods from them to sell but providing a sales platform.

"If you want to place your goods here, you pay me. The supermarket can charge a placement fee or sign a commission agreement, so there won't be any financial pressure on the supermarket in the early stages."

Andy was amazed. "Can it be done that way?"

"Why not? Don't we handle TV shopping the same way, selling products and taking a commission? It's no different from placing products in a supermarket. Of course, getting these businesses to comply won't be easy, but we have ABC TV as a promotional tool. We can tell these businesses that products sold in Hardy Chain Supermarkets can enjoy TV shopping promotion benefits."

"But isn't TV shopping time limited?"

"We can start a new national channel dedicated to product promotion at fixed times daily, with hosts promoting products in the supermarket, explaining their benefits and usage. I've even thought of a name, 'Shopping Street.'"

Andy admired Hardy's innovative mind, always coming up with brilliant ideas. Of course, these ideas require industrial support.

Hardy prioritizing the media industry as the group's top industry is not without reason.

The Sixth Pillar Industry.

Hardy plans to develop the "luxury goods industry."