A career in aviation, born of a childhood dream, Allen Paulson's life has been filled with success since he departed his Iowa home to work for TWA in California. He began flight training in the U.S. Army Air Corps and continued under the G.I. Bill. He is a commercial and instrument-rated jet and helicopter pilot. His accomplishments in the aviation industry came in a natural progression, from mechanic, to spare parts, to modification, and then into design. Paulson holds five U.S. patents for aeronautical design and is active in flight test work. In 1978 he created Gulfstream Corporation which is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, and became President, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer.

The Gulfstream Corporate jets are considered among the finest aircraft in the world in design and workmanship. In 1985 Gulfstream Aerospace became a subsidiary of Chrysler Corporation. In 1990, Paulson arranged to return the company to private ownership with himself as Chairman and CEO. He is a member and former Chairman of the Board of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Development of Gulfstream II led to Gulfstream III, which held both equatorial and polar circumnavigation world flight records as well as world-class records for speed, range and altitude. The Gulfstream III became Air Force One in 1986 when it transported the President. The development of Gulfstream IV continues to propel the company as the world leader in production of intercontinental business jets. In 1987 and 1988, two Gulfstream IVs with Paulson flying as captain, made around the world flights (one eastbound, one westbound) establishing 35 international records prompting the National Aeronautical Association and Federation Aeronautique Internationale to certify the Gulfstream IV as the fastest civil jet in the world. Paulson has five honorary doctorates, Law, Humanities, Aviation, Business Administration, and Business Arts. Among the prestigious awards he has earned are the Harmon Trophy, Wright 13rotners Trophy, Howard Hughes Memorial Award, Godfrey L. Cabot Award, James H. Doolittle Award and GAMA's Distinguished Service Award. Professional Pilot Magazine honored Paulson as Pilot of the Year in 1987.  

For his many contributions to aviation, Allen E. Paulson, described as "the quintessential entrepreneur," was enshrined November 7, 1992.