R. James Gibson, Diablo Industries Thin Film

HIS PRODUCTS ARE ON MARS ROVERS, several deep-space probes, the Hubble Telescope and on nearly every satellite in space. But his philosophies are firmly rooted on terra firma. R. James “Jim” Gibson, president of Diablo Industries Thin Film, believes an entrepreneur must have the courage to start something new and to think “outside the box.”

“This is the fourth business that I have started from scratch or almost from scratch,” says Gibson. “Disruptive technologies — those technologies that completely change the way things are done — have always been my forte.” Thin Film is generally used in precision high-frequency technologies, according to Gibson. These technologies include telecommunications, the space program and military applications. “We are what you call a foundry company,” Gibson says. “We don’t build the end product. We work with the client to design and manufacture the end product.”

After decades of working in the Thin Film industry while in college and earning several awards for innovation, Gibson accepted contractual work with Diablo, which had originated near Mount Diablo, Calif., then, later, moved to Minden. The company required Gibson’s skills to assist through dire financial issues. He later bought the almost-bankrupt company, determined to turn it into a profitable power to be reckoned with.

Within the first two years, Gibson managed to bring Diablo back into solvency. Each following year, the company has increased its profits. This year, the milestone of $2 million in revenue will be met. What’s Gibson’s guiding philosophy?

“Honesty,” says Gibson. “Don’t accept the status quo, keep the Golden Rule and always remember that your people are your biggest resource.”