In 1936, Wallace took complete control of Clyde Cessna Aircraft and set out to make it the #1 light plane manufacturer. Wallace’s sharp engineering skills allowed him to create high quality, low cost planes that could be made on efficient assembly lines. Securing an important order from the World War II Allies in the early 1940s, Cessna went on to develop aircraft for military, consumer and business needs. By 1958, Cessna was producing more light airplanes than all four of its competitors combined, and eventually controlled 53% of its market. Wallace was firmly credited as having single handedly built the light-plane industry.