Martin F. Jue Documentary (working title)

Martin F. Jue Documentary (working title) image

Martin F. Jue, a brilliant Chinese American engineer from the Mississippi Delta, built a global ham radio empire from extraordinary vision and determination. Now, at 82, he faces a profound choice: continue the work that has defined him for five decades or step back to spend precious time with the people he loves most.

This documentary chronicles Martin F. Jue's remarkable journey from humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to creating MFJ Enterprises, a company known worldwide for its innovative engineering and commitment to making amateur radio accessible to everyone. While exploring Martin's values and extraordinary achievements, the film reveals his deep dedication to empowering his community and employees. Martin characteristically prefers to let his work speak for itself, so we discover his story through the perspectives of those closest to him: his wife Betty and three longtime employees whose unique experiences provide insight into Martin's character, influence, and enduring legacy..

Meet the Family:

Martin Jue serves as our thoughtful protagonist: a driven, self-made engineer who grew up in the Mississippi Delta during an era of profound change and financial hardship. Through his natural curiosity and remarkable ingenuity, he discovered purpose in electronics and innovation, captivated by radio technology that could connect voices worldwide from his small hometown of Hollandale, MS. His early experiences shaped his understanding of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. As the film unfolds, we witness his transformation from professor to entrepreneur to mentor, yet he remains characteristically modest about his achievements. Martin's actions reveal more than words ever could, painting a portrait of a dedicated soul committed to building something meaningful for those most precious to him.

Betty Jue provides warmth and perspective, offering glimpses into the personal side of Martin's extraordinary journey. Her insights reveal both Martin's unwavering dedication and the profound commitment required to support such ambitious dreams. Having grown up with similar values in the Delta grocery business, she understands the drive for achievement and the importance of family. Her thoughtful reflections demonstrate the quiet strength that enabled Martin's success while revealing her own remarkable contribution to their shared story. Through Betty's eyes, we see both the rewards of building something exceptional and the personal sacrifices that such achievement requires.

Phyllis Randle, former national sales manager, joined MFJ in 1977 at nineteen and rose through the ranks over 45 remarkable years. Her story illustrates transformation and opportunity, showing how MFJ became much more than a workplace to her: it a place where people could discover their potential and achieve things they never imagined possible. Martin was a demanding but caring mentor who expanded her understanding of herself, exposing MFJ's inclusive ethos in a region where race and class impact mobility. Phyllis retired after 45 years, and their relationship places her as both surrogate daughter and direct protégé. When questioned, Martin remarks that his small role in Phyllis's success is one of his proudest achievements. Likewise, Phyllis says she's most proud of the opportunities Mr. Jue and MFJ afforded her to prove her skills and provide for her family.

Randy Romero, Martin's strategic partner and operational leader, gradually took on increasing responsibility as the company grew. He offers perspective on Martin's leadership approach: a man who leads through example rather than proclamation. Randy handled much of the day-to-day complexity, allowing Martin to focus on innovation and vision. His measured responses reflect deep respect for Martin while providing viewers insight into the dedication required to build and sustain a successful enterprise. Randy's story illustrates the collaborative spirit that made MFJ's growth possible.

Richard Stubbs brings energy and personality to the narrative. Originally hired for his charisma and sales expertise, he evolved into MFJ's public face at conventions and trade shows worldwide. Richard's development from enthusiastic newcomer to trusted representative demonstrates Martin's ability to recognize and nurture talent. Through Richard, we see how MFJ becomes a family regardless of blood connection. Traveling together promoting the business, Richard witnesses Martin's more relaxed, jovial side - a juxtaposition highlighting how Martin divides his love and attention across every member of his extended family, MFJ included.

Core Themes:

The film explores profound questions about success, legacy, and the choices that define a meaningful life:

  • How do we measure the true value of a life's work?
  • What does it mean to build something that outlasts us, and how do we balance that ambition with presence for those we love?
  • When does dedication to a larger purpose intersect with personal fulfillment?
  • What constitutes true success when viewed from life's final chapters?

Structure and Journey:

The film unfolds through archival content, intimate interviews, and glimpses into Martin's personal world, employing a character-driven approach that honors his preference for privacy while revealing the depth of his impact.

Key areas of exploration:

  • Understanding a remarkably private individual who prefers his work to speak for itself
  • Examining how place and heritage shape ambition and achievement
  • Exploring whether stepping away from what has defined us can become its own form of legacy

Why it Matters:

This story transcends simple business success to explore how Martin's quiet determination influenced generations, communities, and an entire industry. The film examines legacy not through wealth or recognition, but through meaningful work, mentorship, and the wisdom to recognize when it's time to choose presence over productivity.

At its heart, this documentary captures a pivotal moment when a man who built something extraordinary makes the profound choice to prioritize the relationships that matter most. Martin's decision reflects the same values-based thinking that guided MFJ throughout its remarkable 52-year journey.

This documentary not only preserves and educates the next generation on Martin’s achievements, but it also captures a disappearing piece of American ingenuity and the human cost of building something meaningful. Martin's story represents both the possibilities of dedicated work and the wisdom required to know when accomplishment should yield to connection.

As we navigate questions about purpose and presence in our own lives, Martin's journey offers a valuable perspective on what it means to build a lasting legacy while remaining true to what matters most. His story reminds us that our greatest achievements may not be the enterprises we create, but the relationships we nurture and the people we empower along the way.

Supporting this documentary helps preserve a remarkable story of innovation, community, and the courage to define success on your own terms.

Preston Booth – Director, Editor, Producer

Martin Jue – Executive Producer, Primary Subject

Betty Jue – Executive Producer

Phyliss Randle – Executive Producer

Randy Romero – Executive Producer

Richard Stubbs – Executive Producer

Randy Kwan – Consultant

Joe MacGown - Artist

T.J. Harris - Composer/Score